Crockpots are one of the most versatile kitchen tools. With a crockpot, you can make delicious, nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. From soups and stews to casseroles and pot roasts, a crockpot can make mealtime easier and more enjoyable. Here are some of the best crockpot meal ideas that you can make with ease.
Crockpot Chili
One of the most popular crockpot meal ideas is chili. This hearty dish is packed with protein and flavor, and it’s easy to make. To make crockpot chili, start by browning 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet. Once the beef is cooked through, add it to a crockpot along with 1 can of black beans, 1 can of red beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of beef broth, and 1 cup of diced onions. Add seasonings to taste, such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced green onions.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: Calories: 336; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 49mg; Sodium: 876mg; Carbohydrates: 25g; Fiber: 10g; Protein: 25g.
Crockpot Lasagna
Lasagna is another delicious crockpot meal idea. To make this classic Italian dish, start by spreading a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles on the bottom of a greased crockpot. Top the noodles with a layer of ricotta cheese, a layer of mozzarella cheese, and a layer of your favorite jarred tomato sauce. Repeat the layers until the crockpot is full. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Serve with a side salad and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: Calories: 291; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Cholesterol: 33mg; Sodium: 661mg; Carbohydrates: 28g; Fiber: 3g; Protein: 16g.
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a favorite comfort food for many, and it’s easy to make in a crockpot. To make this delicious dish, start by combining 1 pound of elbow macaroni, 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a crockpot. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. When the macaroni is cooked through, add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until melted. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: Calories: 431; Total Fat: 16g; Saturated Fat: 10g; Cholesterol: 45mg; Sodium: 619mg; Carbohydrates: 45g; Fiber: 2g; Protein: 20g.
Crockpot Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a classic Cajun dish that is packed with flavor. To make crockpot jambalaya, start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet. Add 1 pound of diced chicken, 1/2 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, 1 diced green bell pepper, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced onion, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Cook until the chicken is browned and the vegetables are tender. Add the mixture to a crockpot along with 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of chicken broth, and 1 cup of uncooked long grain rice. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: Calories: 414; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 127mg; Sodium: 871mg; Carbohydrates: 41g; Fiber: 3g; Protein: 33g.
Crockpot Chicken and Rice
This classic dish is easy to make in a crockpot. To make crockpot chicken and rice, start by combining 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 can of chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder in a crockpot. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours. When the chicken is cooked through, add 1 cup of uncooked long grain rice, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup of diced green onions. Cover the crockpot and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: Calories: 486; Total Fat: 18g; Saturated Fat: 8g; Cholesterol: 86mg; Sodium: 1168mg; Carbohydrates: 39g; Fiber: 1g; Protein: 37g.
Crockpot Beef Stew
Beef stew is a hearty and comforting dish that can easily be made in a crockpot. To make this classic dish, start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet. Add 2 pounds of beef stew meat and cook until browned. Add the beef to a crockpot along with 1 can of beef broth, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced potatoes, 1 diced onion, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: Calories: 392; Total Fat: 20g; Saturated Fat: 7g; Cholesterol: 102mg; Sodium: 526mg; Carbohydrates: 16g; Fiber: 3g; Protein: 37g.
Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and sour chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is easy to make in a crockpot. To make this dish, start by combining 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup of pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers, 1/2 cup of diced carrots, 1/2 cup of diced onions, 1/3 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a crockpot. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Serve with cooked white or brown rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: Calories: 366; Total Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 73mg; Sodium: 920mg; Carbohydrates: 36g; Fiber: 2g; Protein: 30g.
Crockpots are a great tool for making delicious meals without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. From chili and lasagna to mac and cheese and sweet and sour chicken, there are countless crockpot meal ideas that you can make with ease. All you need is a few simple ingredients and you can enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal in no time.