50 Best Crockpot Recipes For Busy Evenings In 2023

There are many types of dishes that are well-suited to be cooked in a crockpot or slow cooker. Some popular options include:

1. Soups and stews – These dishes are perfect for the slow cooker because the long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to become tender.
2. Chili – Slow cookers are great for making chili because they allow the flavors to develop over time.
3. Braised meats – Slow cookers are ideal for cooking meats like beef, pork, and chicken because they can be cooked at a low temperature for an extended period of time, resulting in tender and flavorful meats.
4. Roasts – Crockpots are great for cooking big cuts of meats like roasts, brisket, or pork shoulder.
5. Curries – Slow cookers are great for making curries because the long cooking time allows the flavors to develop and the ingredients to become tender.
6. Beans and lentils – Crockpots are great for cooking beans and lentils because they can be cooked at a low temperature for an extended period of time, resulting in tender and flavorful beans and lentils.
7. Desserts – Crockpot can be used to make desserts like cakes, pudding, and cobblers.
8. Sauces – Crockpot can be used to make sauces and dips like barbecue sauce, spaghetti sauce, and cheese dips.

What’s the difference between a crockpot and a slow cooker?

A crockpot and a slow cooker are the same thing, and the terms are often used interchangeably. A crockpot is a brand name for a specific type of slow cooker, which was first introduced by Rival in the 1970s. The term “crockpot” has become a genericized trademark and is often used to refer to any type of slow cooker, regardless of the brand.

A slow cooker, or crockpot, is an electric appliance that is used to cook food at a low temperature for an extended period of time. It typically consists of a pot made of ceramic or metal, which is heated by an electric heating element. The pot sits inside a larger, insulated container that helps to retain heat and moisture. The pot is typically removable, allowing it to be used for serving as well as cooking. Slow cookers come in different sizes and shapes, with some having digital timers and automatic shut-off features.

In summary, a crockpot is a brand name for a type of slow cooker, but the two terms are often used interchangeably. Both refer to an electric appliance that cooks food at a low temperature for an extended period of time.

50 Best Crockpot Recipes

Here are 50 of the best crockpot recipes that you can try:

1. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
2. Crockpot Chicken and Rice
3. Crockpot Chili
4. Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
5. Crockpot Lasagna
6. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
7. Crockpot Baked Ziti
8. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
9. Crockpot Potato Soup
10. Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
11. Crockpot Mac and Cheese
12. Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin
13. Crockpot French Onion Soup
14. Slow Cooker Beef Roast
15. Crockpot Chicken Curry
16. Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
17. Crockpot Meatloaf
18. Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup
19. Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
20. Slow Cooker Pot Roast
21. Crockpot Creamy Tomato Soup
22. Slow Cooker Red Wine Beef Stew
23. Crockpot Sweet Potato Soup
24. Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry
25. Crockpot BBQ Ribs
26. Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs
27. Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
28. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
29. Crockpot White Chicken Chili
30. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
31. Crockpot Vegetarian Chili
32. Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken
33. Crockpot Split Pea Soup
34. Slow Cooker Jambalaya
35. Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
36. Slow Cooker Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili
37. Crockpot Meatball Subs
38. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
39. Crockpot Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup
40. Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew
41. Crockpot Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
42. Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut
43. Crockpot Chicken and Black Bean Tacos
44. Slow Cooker Ginger and Garlic Pork
45. Crockpot Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
46. Slow Cooker Vegetable and Beef Soup
47. Crockpot Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Soup
48. Slow Cooker Potato and Leek Soup
49. Crockpot Mushroom and Barley Soup
50. Slow Cooker Vegetable and Chicken Soup

All of these recipes are delicious, easy to make, and perfect for a busy lifestyle. They can be made in advance and left to cook while you’re away, ready to eat when you return. They are all crockpot or slow cooker recipes, using the same appliance but different ingredients and methods, you can adjust the recipes according to your preference and taste.

FAQs Crockpot Recipes

1. Can I cook frozen meat in a crockpot?

   Yes, you can cook frozen meat in a crockpot, but it will take longer to cook than if the meat were thawed. It is also important to note that frozen meat should not be cooked on the high setting, as this can cause the meat to cook unevenly.

2. How long should I cook a crockpot recipe?

   Cooking times will vary depending on the recipe and the size of the slow cooker. A general rule of thumb is to cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. However, it is best to follow the recipe instructions and use a meat thermometer to ensure that the food has reached a safe internal temperature.

3. Can I leave my crockpot on overnight?

   Yes, you can leave your crockpot on overnight, but it is important to make sure that the recipe is safe to cook for that long and that the food has reached a safe internal temperature. It’s also important to make sure your crockpot has the automatic shut off feature, in case of power outages.

4. Can I put aluminum foil in my crockpot?

   No, it is not recommended to put aluminum foil in a crockpot as it can cause the food to cook unevenly and can also damage the crockpot.

5. Can I use a crockpot for baking?

   Yes, you can use a crockpot for baking by using a slow cooker liner or a baking dish that fits inside the slow cooker. You can make cakes, bread, and even cheesecake in a crockpot.

6. Can I brown meat before adding it to the crockpot?

   Yes, browning meat before adding it to the crockpot can enhance the flavor and texture of the meat. Browning meat before cooking it in the crockpot can also help to seal in the juices and prevent the meat from becoming dry.

7. Can I convert a recipe from the oven to the crockpot?

   Yes, you can convert a recipe from the oven to the crockpot, but the cooking time and liquid ratios may need to be adjusted. It is best to consult a recipe specifically designed for slow cooking to ensure that the end result is successful.