57 Best Crockpot Meals for Easy Entertaining in 2024

Crockpot meals are some of the easiest cuisines to serve at a large gathering or to level up your weekly meal planning. Whether you’re looking for a healthy recipe or a dish that will satisfy any appetite, there are tons of meals you can cook in your slow cooker that everyone will love. 

Even Oprah loves cooking with a crockpot! In an article on Oprah.com, her team mentions that crockpot meals can simplify your life because they’re low-maintenance, create less cleanup, make plenty of leftovers and many of the recipes call for affordable ingredients. What a great way to provide an easy and delicious meal for your party!

So, what are some of the easiest slow cooker meals? Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or looking for a new recipe for the week, we’ve compiled a list of the best crockpot meals that everyone will enjoy!

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• Easy Weeknight Crockpot Meals for Families
• Best Dump-and-Go Slow Cooker Recipes
• Healthy Crockpot Meals
• Best Slow Cooker Recipes for a Crowd

Easy Weeknight Crockpot Meals for Families

1. Chicken Noodle Soup

If you’re looking for easy family slow cooker meals, craft a warm and hearty pot of homemade chicken noodle soup. Slow-cook chicken, carrots, celery and herbs for around eight hours. Boil the noodles separately before adding them to the soup.

2. Chinese Beef and Bok Choy

Your family will love a serving of beef and bok choy for one of the best potluck ideas when invited to a bring-your-own dinner party during the week. As one of the easiest crockpot meals, you can let your chicken simmer with veggies and warm seasonings all day. Add the bok choy to the dish near the end of its cooking time otherwise, it will become too soggy.

3. Pot Roast

Create a beloved pot roast for another easy weeknight crockpot meal. Slow-cook your roast with carrots, celery, onions and garlic. The best part about this dish? The juices from the meat can be added to flour to make a mouthwatering gravy to serve with your roast.

4. Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is among the 10 best slow cooker recipes your family will love. Simply combine fresh or frozen peaches, white sugar, white cake mix and butter into your crockpot. Serve this dish with vanilla ice cream for brunch or a delicious dessert.

5. Bolognese

Prep your sausage in the skillet before adding it to the slow cooker for one of the easiest crockpot meals. Add your meat to the crockpot with fresh tomatoes, tomato paste, red pepper flakes and other seasonings. Serve over your favorite pasta for a hearty autumn meal.

6. Pork Carnitas

If you’re looking for easy family slow cooker meals, pork carnitas is one of the best! Combine pork shoulder with chicken broth and seasonings in the crockpot for a delicious meal. Serve your meat over tortillas with your favorite taco toppings for an unforgettable weeknight meal.

7. Sausage, Bean and Pasta Stew

Whip up a savory stew for one of the best crockpot meals to serve your family during the week. Add white beans, Italian sausage and chicken stock to your slow cooker. This warm and creamy stew is perfect for dinner or leftover lunches throughout a busy week. 

8. Beef and Broccoli

Create an instant favorite among your family for one of the best crockpot meals. Combine beef roast, beef stock, soy sauce and brown sugar to your slow cooker. After cooking your beef low and slow for several hours, add broccoli florets for a classic dish, then serve your meal over rice.

9. Shredded Chicken Tacos

Treat your family to taco night with one of the best crockpot chicken recipes. Add chicken, taco seasoning, onions and salsa, then let your slow cooker do all the work. Shred the chicken and provide fresh toppings, like guacamole and freshly grated cheese, to serve with your tacos.

10. Beef Stroganoff

Slow-cook beef in mushroom soup, onions and Worcestershire sauce for one of the best crockpot meals. After cooking for five hours, fold in cream cheese to thicken the broth. Allow the cooker to continue for a couple more hours before serving your dish over pasta.

11. Kung Pao Chicken

Serve kung pao chicken for one of the most unique crockpot meals. This simple recipe calls for chicken, soy sauce, red wine vinegar and a ton of fresh vegetables. Your family will love this classic dish after a long day.

12. Veggie Lasagna

Prepare an irresistible veggie lasagna with minimal effort. Layer marinara sauce, lasagna noodles and your favorite sauteed veggies in the crockpot. Cook your meal on high for one to two hours before adding mozzarella cheese to round out your dish.

13. Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Pasta

Your family won’t stop raving about pesto mozzarella chicken pasta for their favorite crockpot meals. Add skinless chicken breast and pesto to your slow cooker. End by tossing in your favorite cooked pasta and mozzarella cheese for an unforgettable dish.

14. Chicken Tikka Masala

Whip up a warm and creamy chicken masala your family won’t soon forget! Combine chicken, coconut milk, onion and an array of spicy Indian seasonings in your crockpot. Allow the meal to simmer for several hours before serving it over rice.

15. Mac and Cheese

Who knew you could make mac and cheese into one of the family’s favorite crockpot meals? Craft a creamy cheese recipe with freshly grated cheddar cheese and gruyere cheese. Cook the elbow noodles separately before stirring them into your deliciously cheesy sauce.

Best Dump-and-Go Slow Cooker Recipes

16. Grape Jelly Meatballs

Sweet and savory meatballs are one of the best dump-and-go slow cooker recipes. Add grape jelly and barbecue sauce to elevate this delicious dish. You can easily serve this as your main meal or an appetizer to accompany your entree.

17. Classic Chili

If you’re looking for delicious and easy crockpot meals, chili is an instant favorite! Combine several types of canned beans with tomato paste, ground beef and spices for a warm and savory dinner.

18. Apple Butter

Create homemade apple butter for one of the easiest crockpot meals. Combine sliced apples, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg to your slow cooker for a smooth and simple spread. If you’re looking for unique brunch food ideas, make this dish to elevate your toast or croissants.

19. Beef Stew

Prepare a traditional beef stew for one of the best crockpot meals. Load up your slow cooker with beef, golden potatoes, carrots and beef broth. This savory stew is a perfect way to warm up during a chilly season.

20. Corn Dip

Craft a creamy corn dip for one of the easiest crockpot meals. Combine cream cheese, sweet corn and an array of spices to dial up the heat of your meal. This dish is a perfect dip for memorable Super Bowl food for your traditional gathering.

21. Tuscan White Bean Soup

Prepare a warm and hearty white bean soup with minimal effort. Add chicken stock, quinoa, onion, carrots and herbs to your crockpot. Add pork and freshly grated cheese to your dish to elevate the flavor.

22. Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re looking for light dinner ideas, create a creamy batch of tomato basil soup for one of the best crockpot meals. Use fresh tomatoes and plenty of garlic to add a burst of flavor. Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches for the perfect weeknight meal.

23. Butter Chicken

Use your crockpot to create a classic Indian dish for one of the best crockpot chicken recipes. Combine chicken with butter, greek yogurt and herbs in your crockpot. Serve this light and savory dish with rice or naan bread.

24. Chicken Pot Pie

Prepare a simple chicken pot pie for one of the best crockpot meals. Add cream of chicken soup, chicken, potatoes and fresh vegetables to your slow cooker. Serve this dish with homemade biscuits to round out your meal. 

25. Butternut Squash Soup

Whip up a smooth and creamy butternut squash soup in your crockpot. Toss cubed squash into your slow cooker with sauteed veggies and chicken broth. This warm soup is perfect for a chilly autumn evening.

26. Chicken Teriyaki

Use your slow cooker to create a mouthwatering meal of chicken teriyaki. Combine chicken with soy sauce, garlic and honey in your crockpot. Drizzle sesame seeds over your dish and serve it with rice.

27. Coconut Lentil Curry

Create a warm pot of coconut lentil curry for the best dump-and-go slow cooker recipes. This rich curry combines lentils with ginger, cayenne and turmeric. Freeze any leftovers for an easy weeknight meal in the future!

28. Spaghetti Squash

Prepare spaghetti squash in your slow cooker for one of the best crockpot meals. Rather than roast your squash in the oven, poke it with a fork and steam it in water inside your crockpot. After several hours, the squash will be easy to shred and ready to pair with your favorite marinara sauce!

29. Pork Roast

Use your slow cooker to create a mouthwatering pork roast for one of the easiest crockpot meals. Add pork shoulder, chicken broth, veggies and your favorite seasonings to the crockpot. When the meal is done cooking, the pork will be easy to shred and the veggies will be smooth and tender.

Healthy Crockpot Meals

30. Sweet Potatoes

Whip up tender sweet potatoes for one of the best crockpot meals. After roasting whole potatoes in your slow cooker, mash them for mashed potatoes or eat them as a soft baked potato. This dish is perfect as a side dish or the main meal.

31. White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili is easily one of the best five-star slow cooker recipes. Add chicken to your crockpot with green chili and white beans. Mix in taco seasonings and chicken broth to elevate the flavor. This warm and hearty chili is perfect for a cold day!

32. Beef and Polenta

Prepare a savory beef and polenta dish for one of the healthiest crockpot meals. Add trimmed beef roast, canned tomatoes, red wine, mushrooms and seasonings to your slow cooker. Serve this mouthwatering meal over creamy polenta for a simple crockpot dinner.

33. Mexican Chicken Soup

Spice up your weekly menu with Mexican chicken soup for one of the best crockpot meals. Combine chicken, black beans, fresh vegetables and a savory spice blend to your slow cooker. Serve this tangy soup with crushed tortilla chips, cheese and avocado to round out your meal.

34. Thai Chicken Soup

Whip up a creamy pot of Thai chicken soup for one of the 10 best slow cooker recipes. Combine coconut milk, red curry paste, chicken and fresh vegetables into your crockpot. Add vermicelli noodles to elevate your warm meal.

35. Irish Oats

Prepare Irish oats overnight for one of the easiest crockpot meals for breakfast. Toss oats, brown sugar, vanilla and water into your crockpot to cook overnight. You can also add frozen peaches or blueberries for additional flavor.

36. Bone Broth

Create a silky smooth bone broth with your slow cooker. From creating a homemade chicken broth to veggie broth from scratch, you can simply add scraps from your leftover meat or vegetables and combine them with water.

37. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Roast delicious stuffed bell peppers for one of the best crockpot meals you can refer to over the week. Arrange your colorful peppers in the crockpot and stuff them with ground beef. Once the bell peppers are tender, sprinkle them with cheese and enjoy.

38. Thai Green Curry

Cook up unforgettable Thai green curry for the best crockpot meals. This healthy meal combines chicken, vegetables and a homemade green curry paste for an easy weeknight meal. Serve over rice and save any leftovers for lunches throughout the week.

39. Ratatouille

Prepare a comforting pot of ratatouille for one of the healthiest crockpot meals. Layer onions, eggplant, zucchini, garlic, green peppers and tomatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, sprinkle fresh herbs and olive oil to round out your mouthwatering crockpot meal.

40. Shrimp and Crab Bisque

Serve a warm bowl of shrimp and crab bisque to elevate your seafood party. Add fresh seafood into your crockpot with fish stock, olive oil, heavy cream and vegetables. Serve this unforgettable soup with slices of baguette for dipping.

41. Asian Lettuce Wraps

If you’re looking for five-star slow cooker recipes that everyone will love, treat your crew to homemade Asian lettuce wraps. Slow-cook ground chicken, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water chestnuts and fresh veggies for several hours. Serve this dish over bibb lettuce to round out your delicious meal.

42. Poached Salmon

Prepare a tender salmon for the best crockpot meals you can use throughout the week. Combine fresh salmon with water, white wine, lemon and seasonings for flavor. Serve your dish with rice and a colorful salad for an easy crockpot meal.

43. Slow Cooker Greens and Dumplings

For one of the healthiest crockpot meals, add an array of delicious green vegetables to a dumpling recipe. Simply add your favorite greens with pancetta, chicken stock, beans, brown sugar and seasonings to your crockpot, then cook them low and slow for a delicious weeknight dinner.

Best Slow Cooker Recipes for a Crowd

45. Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Prepare an unforgettable breakfast casserole for the best brunch food ideas. Whisk together eggs, breakfast sausage, cheese and green onions and pour it over frozen hashbrowns in your crockpot. This meal is perfect for brunch or breakfast for dinner!

44. Sloppy Joe Sliders

Throw together sloppy joes for your party as one of the best crockpot meals. Combine ground beef, ketchup, onion, bell peppers and seasonings for this simple slow cooker dish. Serve over Hawaiian sweet rolls to round out your mouthwatering meal.

46. Smoked Cocktail Sausages

As one of the easiest crockpot meals on this list, smoked cocktail sausages only use three ingredients: link sausages, grape jelly and your favorite bottle of barbecue sauce. Provide toothpicks and napkins for this crowd-pleasing dish.

47. Shrimp Boil

Provide a savory shrimp boil for your special event. Combine lemon juice, potatoes and seasonings to your crockpot. Add the sausage, corn and shrimp near the end of your cooking for a mouthwatering meal your guests will love.

48. Pulled Pork

Create tender pulled pork for one of the best crockpot meals. Allow the pork shoulder to cook low and slow in your favorite barbecue sauce. Pile this meat in tacos or on hamburger buns for delicious pulled pork sandwiches.

49. Barbacoa Beef Tacos

Prepare mouthwatering barbacoa with your crockpot. Serve over tortillas to enjoy simple and delicious tacos. This dish is an easy meal to prepare ahead for fun picnic food ideas with your loved ones. Pack your favorite toppings to create unforgettable barbacoa tacos.

50. Loaded Potato Soup

Craft warm potato soup for the best crockpot meals. Layer potatoes, onions, chicken broth and seasonings into your slow cooker. Simmer the soup until the potatoes are tender, then top your dish with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese and chopped scallions.

51. BBQ Ribs

Slow-cook BBQ ribs for one of the easiest crockpot meals everyone will love. Prep your ribs with seasonings and pre-bake them before adding them to your slow cooker. Simmer them in BBQ sauce before serving to your friends and loved ones.

52. Chili Mac and Cheese

Prepare the best party food by whipping up one of the most beloved crockpot meals. Combine your favorite crockpot chili recipe with a classic mac and cheese recipe in your slow cooker. This flavorful dish will be an instant hit among party guests.

53. Enchilada Stack

Prepare enchiladas for your guests for one of the easiest slow cooker meals. Layer tortillas, bell peppers, onions and your meat of choice into your crockpot. Pour creamy enchilada sauce and cheese on top of your dish. Serve with sour cream and fresh veggies for a quick and easy meal. 

54. Italian Meatballs

Treat your guests to tender Italian meatballs for one of the most flavorful crockpot meals. Shape ground meat into a ball and mix it with parmesan cheese, garlic and parsley. Simmer them for several hours in your slow cooker and then serve with homemade marinara sauce.

55. Minestrone Soup

Your crew will love a hearty bowl of minestrone soup on a cold day. Load up your crockpot with diced tomatoes, tomato paste, fresh vegetables and canned beans. Cook your pasta separately before adding to the soup. Then, grind fresh parmesan cheese over the top to serve.

56. Chicken Wings

Prepare chicken wings for one of the best crockpot meals for your party. Add chicken wings and your favorite hot sauce to the slow cooker on high for two or three hours. Your guests will love this delicious party treat with a side of ranch and fresh veggies.

57. Scalloped Potatoes

Cook homemade scalloped potatoes for one of the best crockpot meals during the holidays. Combine heavy cream, chicken broth, russet potatoes, garlic, parmesan cheese and cheddar cheese to your crockpot. Cook low and slow for a creamy and delicious appetizer to accompany your main meal.

From irresistible scalloped potatoes to a hearty bowl of soup, there are tons of crockpot meals you can prepare during the fall season. Whether you’re looking to prepare a large meal for a fun gathering or mix up your family meal plan during the week, crockpot meals are excellent for simple, healthy and delicious meals that everyone will love.

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