Are you tired of scrambling to come up with new meal ideas every night, only to end up ordering takeout or relying on the same old recipes? If so, you’re not alone! As we all know, life can get busy, and sometimes it’s hard to find the time and energy to cook a healthy meal from scratch. That’s why crockpot meal prep has become such a popular trend in recent years.
By setting your slow cooker in the morning and letting it do its magic while you’re away, you can come home to a delicious, stress-free meal that’s ready to be devoured. And the best part? You don’t have to sacrifice flavor for convenience! From hearty stews to savory casseroles, we’ve got 20 easy crockpot recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights.
In this article, we’ll dive into our favorite crockpot meal prep recipes that are quick, easy, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re a meat-lover or a veggie enthusiast, there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to take your dinner game to the next level!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Casserole
A comforting and easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering, this slow cooker recipe combines chicken, rice, and vegetables with savory seasonings.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups uncooked white or brown rice
– 4 cups mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, rice, frozen vegetables, olive oil, onion, garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour in the chicken broth.
3. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Crockpot Turkey Chili with Black Beans
This recipe combines the rich flavor of turkey with the comfort of black beans and a hint of spice, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. Perfect for a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapenos or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Add turkey, onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the crockpot.
2. In a separate bowl, mix black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin. Add to the crockpot.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Beef Stew with Potatoes and Carrots
Savor a comforting and flavorful stew that’s perfect for a cold winter’s day. This classic recipe combines tender beef, creamy potatoes, and sweet carrots in a rich and savory broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3-4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the beef over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion, potatoes, carrots, beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
5. Simmer for 2-1/2 hours or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Veggies
A sweet and savory twist on classic chicken thighs, this recipe combines the flavors of honey, garlic, and mixed vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 small onion, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and garlic.
3. Place chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and brush with the honey-garlic mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and vegetables.
5. Arrange bell peppers and onion slices around the chicken.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Vegetable Lentil Soup with Spinach
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, packed with nutritious lentils, colorful vegetables, and fresh spinach. Enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh spinach leaves, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stir in fresh spinach leaves just before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwiches with Coleslaw
Experience the perfect blend of tangy barbecue sauce and creamy coleslaw on a soft bun, featuring tender pulled pork as the star of the show.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 4 hamburger buns
– 1 head of cabbage, shredded
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
3. Place the pork in a slow cooker or Dutch oven, cover, and cook for 8 hours or until tender.
4. Shred the pork with two forks.
5. Mix BBQ sauce into the shredded pork until coated.
6. Split hamburger buns in half and toast.
7. Top each bun with pulled pork, coleslaw (see below), and serve.
Coleslaw:
– Combine shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until well combined. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (slow cooker or Dutch oven) + 15-20 minutes (assembling sandwiches)
Creamy Italian Sausage and Tortellini
A hearty and flavorful one-pot dish that combines sweet Italian sausage with tender tortellini, creamy sauce, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 12 oz cheese-filled tortellini
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low; add tortellini. Simmer, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mexican Shredded Chicken for Tacos
Get ready to spice up your taco Tuesday with this flavorful shredded chicken recipe!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Shred the chicken with two forks and serve in tacos with your favorite toppings!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the nutty taste of quinoa with the creamy texture of black beans, all wrapped up in bell pepper goodness.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large bowl, mix together quinoa, black beans, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture, filling as full as possible.
5. Place peppers in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Hawaiian Pineapple Pork Loin
A sweet and savory twist on traditional pork loin, this recipe combines the juiciness of pork with the tropical flavors of pineapple and spices. Perfect for a special occasion or a relaxing dinner at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) pork loin
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh pineapple wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. Place the pork loin in a shallow dish and brush with the pineapple mixture, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Roast the pork loin for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Thai Peanut Chicken with Rice Noodles
This recipe combines the richness of peanut butter and chicken with the nutty flavor of rice noodles, all wrapped up in a spicy Thai-inspired dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp peanut butter
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 8 oz rice noodles
– 2 cups mixed veggies (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet or wok, cook chicken in 1 tbsp of oil until browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth.
4. Add mixed veggies to the skillet and cook until tender.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with peanut sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve over cooked rice noodles and garnish with cilantro.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Herb-Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
Elevate your side dish game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the earthy goodness of roasted potatoes, all infused with a blend of aromatic herbs.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes and carrots with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
3. Spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes and carrots are tender and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry Sauce
Elevate your stir-fry game with this flavorful sauce, perfect for pairing with beef and broccoli. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with umami flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup oyster sauce (optional)
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, and vegetable oil.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with the added smokiness of crispy bacon. This easy crockpot recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing potluck.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In the crockpot, combine butter, crumbled bacon, milk, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in cooked macaroni until well coated.
4. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Vegetable Lasagna with Zucchini Layers
This vegetarian lasagna recipe features a creative twist by using zucchini slices instead of traditional noodles, resulting in a refreshing and flavorful dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
4. In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion and spinach until tender.
5. Assemble the lasagna by layering zucchini slices, marinara sauce, sautéed spinach mixture, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Top with Parmesan cheese and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Smoky BBQ Baked Beans with Sausage
Get ready to elevate your backyard BBQ game with this mouth-watering recipe that combines the classic flavors of baked beans and savory sausage. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 pound smoked sausage (such as Andouille or kielbasa), sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or baking dish, combine the soaked beans, sliced sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
4. Pour the sauce mixture over the bean mixture and stir to combine.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 6-8 hours or until the beans are tender.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes to caramelize the top.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice
This recipe combines the richness of garlic butter with the brightness of lemon and the sweetness of shrimp, all served over a bed of fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to low and whisk in lemon juice.
6. Serve shrimp over cooked rice, spooning some of the lemon butter sauce over the top. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
White Chicken Chili with Cornbread
This recipe combines the creamy richness of white chicken chili with the warm, crumbly goodness of cornbread. Perfect for a cozy night in or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
For the White Chicken Chili:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup half-and-half
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or other hot peppers for added heat
For the Cornbread:
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook chicken breast in a large pot until tender, then shred and set aside.
3. In the same pot, combine chicken broth, diced tomatoes, half-and-half, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add shredded chicken and stir to combine. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
5. Prepare cornbread according to package instructions or mix wet ingredients with dry ingredients in a bowl, then pour into a greased 8-inch square baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes total
Moroccan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew
Warm up with this aromatic and nutritious stew, inspired by the flavors of Morocco. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, sauté onions and garlic in a little oil until softened.
3. Add sweet potato, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal for Breakfast Prep
Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal, infused with the sweetness of fresh apples and the warmth of cinnamon. This easy-to-make breakfast recipe is perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 apple, diced (about 1/2 cup)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a pot, bring the water or milk to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and the mixture is creamy.
3. Add the diced apple and salt. Stir to combine and cook for an additional minute.
4. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to simplify your meal prep routine with these easy crockpot recipes! From classic comfort foods like chicken and rice casserole and beef stew, to international-inspired dishes like Thai peanut chicken and Moroccan chickpea stew, there’s something for everyone. Plus, healthy options like vegetable lentil soup and quinoa-stuffed peppers will keep you fueled throughout the week. And don’t forget about breakfast prep with a delicious apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe. With these 20 easy recipes, you’ll be cooking up a storm in no time!
