25 Easy Crockpot Meals That Practically Cook Themselves

Let’s be real. Some days, the thought of figuring out dinner feels like being asked to solve a complex algebra problem after a long, draining day. You’re tired, you’re hungry, and the last thing you want to do is stand over a hot stove, juggling five different pans.

What if I told you there’s a better way? A magical, almost-too-good-to-be-true way where your main job is just… dumping stuff in a pot? A way where your kitchen fills with mouthwatering smells all day, and by 6 PM, you’re basically a dinner superhero who barely lifted a finger?

Welcome to the glorious world of easy crockpot meals.

This isn’t your grandma’s crockpot cookbook (no offense to grandma, her green bean casserole is a classic). This is a collection of 25 seriously delicious, set-it-and-forget-it recipes for the modern foodie who values flavor but has zero time for fuss. We’re talking everything from fall-apart tender meats to vibrant vegetarian feasts and even a dessert that makes itself.

So, plug in your slow cooker, grab a glass of that wine, and get ready to make your weeknights infinitely easier. These easy crockpot meals practically cook themselves, and you’re about to become a believer.

1. The “Holy Grail” Italian Beef

This is the sandwich of your dreams—juicy, flavorful, and so tender it literally falls apart at the touch of a fork.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lb chuck roast
• 1 packet Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix
• 1 (16 oz) jar of pepperoncini peppers, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
• Provolone cheese slices
• Hoagie rolls

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chuck roast in your crockpot.
2. Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix over the top.
3. Pour in the entire jar of pepperoncini peppers (juice and all!) and the beef broth.
4. Scatter the minced garlic over everything.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours.
6. Shred the beef directly in the pot with two forks. Let it soak up those juices for 15 minutes.
7. Pile the meat high on hoagie rolls, top with a slice of provolone, and devour.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game day or a busy family night. The pepperoncini give it a tangy, mild kick that’s just chef’s kiss. IMO, this is what pot roast wishes it could be.

2. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Tastes like a decadent restaurant meal, but it’s made in one pot while you’re out living your life.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour the chicken broth over them.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until it forms a thick, lumpy paste.
3. Plop the cream cheese mixture on top of the chicken breasts.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours.
5. Stir the sauce vigorously—it will magically become smooth and creamy. Shred or slice the chicken and let it bathe in that glorious sauce.
6. Serve over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s ridiculously creamy and satisfying. The sauce is so good, you’ll want to eat it with a spoon. Pro tip: Use a whisk at the end if your sauce is being stubborn about smoothing out.

3. “Set It & Forget It” Black Bean Soup

A hearty, healthy, and ridiculously cheap vegetarian meal that requires almost zero prep.

Ingredients

• 1 lb dried black beans, rinsed (no need to soak!)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• Toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dump the rinsed black beans, onion, bell pepper, and garlic into the crockpot.
2. Sprinkle the cumin and chili powder over the top.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and give everything a good stir.
4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 6-8 hours, or until the beans are tender.
5. Use an immersion blender to lightly puree about half the soup right in the pot. This makes it nice and thick. No immersion blender? Mash some beans against the side of the pot with a spoon!
6. Ladle into bowls and go crazy with your favorite toppings.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s the ultimate pantry-clean-out meal. It’s forgiving, freezes beautifully, and is packed with fiber and protein. Who knew being healthy could be this effortless?

4. Mississippi Pot Roast

This recipe went viral for a reason. It’s stupidly simple and weirdly, addictively delicious.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lb chuck roast
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• 1 packet au jus gravy mix
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 5-8 pepperoncini peppers
• 2 tbsp of the pepperoncini juice from the jar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chuck roast in the crockpot.
2. Sprinkle the ranch and au jus packets directly over the roast.
3. Place the stick of butter on top.
4. Arrange the pepperoncini peppers around the roast and drizzle the 2 tbsp of juice over everything.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.
6. Shred the meat with two forks and mix it into the incredible, rich sauce.

Why You’ll Love It

It sounds bizarre, I know. Buttery, ranch, pepperoncini? Trust the process. The result is a savory, tangy, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece that makes the best sandwiches or mashed potato topper you’ve ever had.

5. Honey Sriracha Chicken Thighs

Sweet, spicy, sticky, and perfect for when you’re craving takeout but want to be an adult.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup sriracha (adjust to your heat level!)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Whisk together the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
2. Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the sauce over them, turning to coat.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.
4. Remove the chicken and shred it.
5. For a thicker, stickier glaze, pour the sauce from the crockpot into a saucepan and simmer for 10-15 minutes until it reduces. Toss the shredded chicken in the reduced sauce.
6. Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s the perfect balance of sweet and heat. Using chicken thighs is key here—they stay incredibly juicy and don’t dry out like breasts sometimes can during the long cook time.

6. Lentil Bolognese

A rich, “meaty” pasta sauce that just happens to be vegetarian and packed with plant-based power.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Fresh basil and Parmesan for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine everything—lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, crushed tomatoes, broth, and seasonings—in the crockpot.
2. Stir it all together until well combined.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.
4. Give it a good stir. The lentils will have broken down and thickened the sauce beautifully.
5. Serve over your favorite pasta and top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s a hug in a bowl. It’s so hearty and satisfying, even the carnivores in your life won’t miss the meat. It also makes a huge batch, so you can freeze half for a future “I can’t even” day.

7. Pulled Pork That Requires Zero Brain Power

The easiest, most foolproof way to make perfect pulled pork for tacos, sandwiches, nachos… you name it.

Ingredients

• 4-5 lb pork shoulder (aka Boston butt)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to create a rub.
2. Pat the pork shoulder dry and rub the spice mixture all over it.
3. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the crockpot and pour in the chicken broth.
4. Place the seasoned pork on top of the onions.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 10-12 hours.
6. Remove the pork, shred it with two forks (discarding any large fat pieces), and mix it back into the juices in the pot.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s the most versatile protein you’ll ever make. It’s perfectly seasoned, not too sweet, and you can use it for a million different meals throughout the week. FYI, your house is going to smell amazing.

8. White Chicken Chili

A lighter, creamier twist on traditional chili that’s packed with flavor and ready when you are.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 (15 oz) cans Great Northern beans, rinsed
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken, onion, beans, green chiles, chicken broth, cumin, and oregano in the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
3. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
4. Stir the shredded chicken back into the chili.
5. Add the sour cream and shredded cheese, and stir until the cheese is melted and the chili is creamy.
6. Serve with extra cheese, avocado, and tortilla chips.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s cozy without being heavy. The sour cream and cheese at the end make it luxuriously creamy. It’s a family favorite in our house, especially on a chilly evening. 🙂

9. BBQ Coca-Cola Pulled Chicken

Three ingredients. You read that right. The cola adds a subtle sweetness and keeps the chicken unbelievably moist.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (12 oz) can of Coca-Cola (NOT diet)
• 1 (18 oz) bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
• Buns or rolls for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Pour the can of Coke and the entire bottle of BBQ sauce over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours.
4. Shred the chicken directly in the pot. The sauce will be thin, so let it cook uncovered for another 20-30 minutes to thicken up a bit.
5. Pile onto buns and prepare for compliments.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s the definition of easy. It’s perfect for a last-minute potluck or when you just can’t be bothered. The Coke tenderizes the chicken and creates a killer sweet-and-smoky sauce.

10. French Dip Sandwiches

Juicy, thinly-sliced beef in a savory au jus that you’ll want to drink straight from the cup.

Ingredients

• 3 lb chuck roast
• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed French Onion soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can beef consommé
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Hoagie rolls
• Provolone or Swiss cheese slices

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chuck roast in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix the French onion soup, beef consommé, beef broth, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the roast.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-9 hours.
4. Remove the roast, let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain.
5. Strain the cooking liquid from the crockpot—this is your au jus for dipping!
6. Pile the sliced beef onto hoagie rolls, top with cheese, and broil for a minute to melt the cheese. Serve with a cup of hot au jus.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s a diner classic made effortlessly at home. The au jus is so flavorful, and the beef is always perfectly tender. It feels fancy but is secretly one of the easiest crockpot meals on this list.

11. The Ultimate Hearty Beef Stew

This is a big, cozy hug in a bowl. It’s the classic stew your soul craves, with meat so tender you can cut it with a spoon.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs stew meat, cubed
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toss the stew meat in the flour until lightly coated.
2. Place the meat, onion, carrots, potatoes, and garlic in the crockpot.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Pour it over the meat and veggies.
4. Give everything a gentle stir.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-9 hours.
6. For a thicker stew, mix 2 tbsp of cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s the definition of comfort food. It’s a complete, satisfying meal in one pot, and the leftovers are arguably even better the next day. Perfect for a rainy day.

12. Sticky & Sweet Teriyaki Chicken

Forget takeout. This homemade teriyaki is fresher, cheaper, and you control the sugar. It’s a weeknight win.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Pour over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.
4. Remove the chicken and shred it.
5. Whisk the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce in the crockpot.
6. Add the chicken back in, cover, and cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens. Garnish and serve over rice.

Why You’ll Love It

The sauce is the real star here—it’s perfectly balanced and clings to the chicken and rice beautifully. Using thighs guarantees juicy, never-dry results.

13. Creamy Tortellini & Sausage Soup

This tastes indulgent and fancy, but it comes together with barely any effort. It’s the soup you’ll crave all winter long.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• Grated Parmesan for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer the sausage to the crockpot. Add the onion, garlic, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours.
4. 30 minutes before serving, turn the crockpot to HIGH. Stir in the tortellini and spinach.
5. Once the tortellini is tender (about 20-25 minutes), stir in the heavy cream. Heat through.
6. Ladle into bowls and top with a mountain of Parmesan.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s so rich and satisfying. The creamy broth, the tender tortellini, the spicy sausage… it’s a flavor party. Just don’t add the tortellini too early, or they’ll turn to mush!

14. Crispy-at-Home Carnitas

You get all the juicy, citrusy, slow-cooked flavor of traditional carnitas, with a quick broiler finish for those essential crispy bits.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs pork shoulder (Boston butt)
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 1 orange, juiced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the pork in the crockpot. Add the onion.
2. In a bowl, mix the orange juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, and salt. Pour over the pork.
3. Pour the chicken broth around the sides.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 10 hours.
5. Remove the pork and shred it, discarding any large fat pieces.
6. Spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet, drizzle with a few spoonfuls of the cooking liquid, and broil for 3-5 minutes until the edges get crispy.

Why You’ll Love It

The broiler step is a game-changer. It replicates the texture of carnitas cooked in a vat of lard, but in a much simpler, healthier way. Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or nachos.

15. “Fakeaway” Chicken Tikka Masala

Get all the flavor of your favorite Indian takeout without the price tag or the mystery ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or coconut milk
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken, onion, garlic, and ginger in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix the tomato sauce, cream, and all the spices. Pour over the chicken.
3. Stir everything to combine.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.
5. Give it a good stir. If the sauce seems thin, you can leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Serve over basmati rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s creamy, aromatic, and just spicy enough. It feels like a treat, but it’s made with simple, real ingredients. Your kitchen will smell incredible all day.

16. Ham & Potato Chowder

The best way to use up leftover holiday ham. It’s creamy, smoky, and the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked ham, diced
• 4 cups potatoes, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine the ham, potatoes, onion, carrots, chicken broth, thyme, and pepper in the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
3. About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the cubed cream cheese and milk. Replace the lid and let it sit until the cream cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
4. Stir vigorously to blend the cream cheese into the soup.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s the definition of cozy. It’s rich and filling without being overly heavy. This is the recipe that will make you hope you have leftover ham.

17. Sausage & Peppers Hoagies

All the flavor of a street fair, right in your kitchen. These sandwiches are messy, delicious, and a total crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Italian sausage links (sweet or hot)
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
• Hoagie rolls
• Provolone cheese slices

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the whole sausage links, sliced peppers, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce over the top.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours.
4. Remove the sausages and slice them thickly, then return them to the pot.
5. Pile the sausage, peppers, and sauce onto hoagie rolls, top with a slice of provolone, and broil for a minute to melt the cheese.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s effortless and always a hit. The long, slow cooking makes the peppers and onions incredibly sweet and tender. So much better than fighting a crowd at a festival.

18. Honey Garlic Meatballs

The perfect party appetizer or a super fun dinner served over rice or noodles. They’re sweet, savory, and ridiculously easy.

Ingredients

• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen, pre-cooked meatballs (or 2 lbs homemade)
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar. Pour over the meatballs.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water. Stir it into the sauce in the crockpot to thicken it.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Why You’ll Love It

Three ingredients for the sauce! It’s the easiest appetizer you’ll ever make for a party, and people will literally beg you for the recipe. IMO, using frozen meatballs is totally acceptable here.

19. Sweet Corn & Potato Chowder

A vibrant, vegetarian chowder that tastes like summer, but is cozy enough for any time of year.

Ingredients

• 4 cups potatoes, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 (15 oz) cans corn, undrained (or 4 cups frozen)
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1 cup milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine the potatoes, onion, corn, green chiles, vegetable broth, and smoked paprika in the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.
3. Use an immersion blender to lightly puree about a third of the soup to thicken it. (Optional, but recommended!).
4. Stir in the cubed cream cheese and milk. Cover and let it sit for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted. Stir until smooth.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s creamy, slightly sweet from the corn, and has a lovely smoky undertone from the paprika. It’s a comforting hug in a bowl that happens to be meat-free.

20. Lazy Day Ratatouille

A beautiful, rustic French vegetable stew that celebrates the best of the garden. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop.

Ingredients

• 1 eggplant, cubed
• 2 zucchini, cubed
• 1 yellow squash, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Herbes de Provence
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place all the chopped vegetables and garlic into the crockpot.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and Herbes de Provence. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve topped with a handful of fresh, torn basil.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s healthy, colorful, and bursting with fresh flavor. It’s a fantastic way to use up a summer garden bounty, and it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free.

21. 5-Ingredient Butter Chicken

Yes, another butter chicken! This one is for those days when even measuring more than a handful of ingredients feels like too much work.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
• 1 packet McCormick Butter Chicken Simmer Sauce seasoning (or similar)
• 2 tbsp butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the cubed chicken in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, coconut milk, and the seasoning packet. Pour over the chicken.
3. Add the pats of butter on top.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.
5. Stir well and serve over rice.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s the ultimate cheat code for a delicious, globally-inspired meal on a crazy busy day. The flavor is fantastic, and the shortcut is our little secret. 🙂

22. “Hands-Off” Jambalaya

All the bold, spicy flavors of New Orleans without the constant stirring. The crockpot does all the work for you.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken, sausage, onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Stir.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours.
4. 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked rice. Cover and cook on HIGH for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s a flavor explosion. The andouille sausage infuses the entire dish with its smoky, spicy goodness. Just be sure to add the rice at the end so it doesn’t turn to glue.

23. Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Your house will smell like a Yankee Candle shop, but better, because you get to eat the results. It’s autumn in a jar.

Ingredients

• 5 lbs apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Gala is perfect), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place all the sliced apples in the crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, mix the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Sprinkle over the apples and toss to coat.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 10 hours.
4. Uncover, add the vanilla, and use an immersion blender to puree until completely smooth.
5. Cook uncovered on HIGH for another 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s a labor of love with almost no actual labor. Spread it on toast, stir it into oatmeal, or give it away as the most thoughtful homemade gift.

24. Brownie Bread Pudding

Yes, you can make dessert in your crockpot! This is decadent, chocolatey, and the ultimate comfort-food finish to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 box (approx 18 oz) brownie mix, baked and cut into 1-inch cubes (or use day-old brownies!)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• Vanilla ice cream for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Grease your crockpot generously with butter or cooking spray.
2. Place the brownie cubes and chocolate chips in the crockpot.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the brownie cubes, pressing down gently to submerge them.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, until the center is set.
6. Serve warm with a giant scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s a chocolate lover’s dream. It turns simple brownies into a rich, custardy, show-stopping dessert. It’s almost too easy to be legal.

25. Rich & Creamy Hot Chocolate

The perfect way to serve a crowd during the holidays. This is not your sad little packet mix—this is liquid velvet.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 6 cups milk
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine everything—cream, condensed milk, milk, chocolate chips, vanilla, and salt—in the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, whisking every 30 minutes or so until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is hot and smooth.
3. Once hot, you can turn the crockpot to the WARM setting to serve for hours.
4. Ladle into mugs and top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cocoa.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s unbelievably rich, creamy, and decadent. It makes a regular Tuesday feel like a special occasion. It’s the ultimate cozy treat that cooks itself while you watch a movie.