What can you cook in a crock pot

With a little prep work early on in your day, you can come home to a hot and delicious homecooked meal. These all-day crockpot recipes make busy weeknight dinners something to look forward to.

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Slow-Cooked Barbecued Beef Sandwiches

Chuck roast makes delicious shredded beef sandwiches after simmering in a rich, homemade sauce all day. The meat is tender and juicy and takes minutes to prepare for a weeknight dinner or potluck. —Tatina Smith, San Angelo, Texas

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Buffalo Chicken Chili

This Buffalo chicken chili is rich in the best way. The cream cheese, blue cheese and tangy hot sauce join forces for a dinner recipe everyone will love. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin

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Slow-Cooker Burgundy Beef

When my adult children are coming over for dinner, this is the request. All three of them, and their significant others, love this dish. Yum! —Urilla Cheverie, Alfred, Maine

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Slow-Cooker BBQ Baked Beans

I was under a doctor’s orders to reduce the amount of sodium I was eating, but I just couldn’t part with some of my favorite foods. After many experiments, I came up with this potluck favorite—and now everyone’s happy! —Sherrel Hendrix, Arkadelphia, Arkansas

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Texas-Style Beef Brisket

A friend had success with this recipe, so I tried it. When my husband told me how much he loved it, I knew I’d be making it often. —Vivian Warner, Elkhart, Kansas

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Easy Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

I love this easy pot roast Crockpot recipe for a couple of reasons. First, it’s delicious. Second, it’s easy! I can’t describe the feeling of walking into my house after work and smelling this dish that’s been simmering in the slow cooker all day. There’s nothing better. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

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Slow Cooker Mushroom Potatoes

This versatile side dish jazzes up sliced potatoes with mushrooms, onions, canned soup and cheese. Its comforting flavor makes it a nice accompaniment to most meats. —Linda Bernard, Golden Meadow, Louisiana

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Slow-Cooked Corned Beef

It’s not luck; it’s just an amazing Irish recipe. With this in the slow cooker by sunrise, you can be sure to fill seats at the dinner table by sundown. —Heather Parraz, Rochester, Washington

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Creamy Onion Pork Chops

Wine adds delectable flavor to the chops, and the meat falls from the bone. This easy dish just might initiate every family member into the cook something good for dinner club! —Kristina Wyatt, Catawba, Virginia

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Root Beer Pulled Pork Nachos

I count on my slow cooker to do the honors when I have a house full of summer guests. Teenagers especially love DIY nachos. Try cola, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda if you’re not into root beer. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

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Green Chile Beef Burritos

Recipes that are leaner in fat and calories—like this one for beef burritos—helped me lose 30 pounds! The meat is so tender and delicious. —Shirley Davidson, Thornton, Colorado

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Cubed Beef and Barley Soup

Here’s a stick to your ribs type of soup. I’ve also used a chuck roast, rump roast and London broil that’s been cut into bite-size pieces with tremendous success. —Jane McMillan, Dania Beach, Florida

Soups are one of the best ways to enjoy delicious and budget-friendly crock pot recipes.

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Rosemary Beef Roast over Cheesy Polenta

I love beef roast in the slow cooker, and it’s fun to pair it with something a little different than potatoes! This is true comfort food. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

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Italian Shredded Pork Stew

Need a warm meal for a chilly night? Throw together this slow-cooked stew that’s brightened with fresh sweet potatoes, kale and Italian seasoning. The shredded pork is so tender, you’re going to want to make this dish all season long. —Robin Jungers, Campbellsport, Wisconsin

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Kalua Pork

Planning a luau-themed party? This Kalua pork is the perfect main dish for your get-together. It will feed a crowd, it’s easy to prepare, and everyone loves it. Cleanup is a breeze, too! A Hawaiian friend shared this recipe with me while I was stationed in Pearl Harbor several years ago. —Becky Friedman, Hammond, Louisiana

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Stamp-of-Approval Spaghetti Sauce

My father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona

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Slow-Cooker Baked Potatoes

These slow-cooker baked potatoes are so easy—just add your favorite toppings. Save any extra potatoes to make baked potato soup the next day. —Teresa Emrick, Tipp City, Ohio

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Pulled Pork Sandwiches

You’ll love the ease of this recipe! Just throw everything in the slow cooker and get out of the kitchen. You hardly have to do anything for delicious results! —Terri McKitrick of Delafield, Wisconsin

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Over-the-Rainbow Minestrone

This colorful soup is vegetarian-friendly and full of fresh flavors from a rainbow of vegetables. You can use any multicolored pasta in place of the spirals. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

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Garlic Beef Stroganoff

I am a mom and work full time, so I use my slow cooker whenever possible. This stroganoff is perfect because I can get it ready in the morning before the kids get up and I head out the door for work. —Erika Anderson, Wausau, Wisconsin

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Garden Chicken Cacciatore

Treat company to this perfect Italian meal. You’ll have time to visit with your guests while it simmers, and it often earns rave reviews. I like to serve it with couscous, green beans and a dry red wine. Mangia! —Martha Schirmacher, Sterling Heights, Michigan

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Chipotle Shredded Beef

This beef is delicious whether you serve it all rolled up in a tortilla, with corn salsa in a burrito, in a bun or over rice or mashed potatoes. So many options! —Darcy Williams, Omaha, Nebraska

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Black Bean Potato au Gratin

The addition of black beans and vegetables adds hearty protein and fiber to this tasty side dish. For a southwestern twist, add a handful or two of chopped cooked ham or chorizo sausage and replace the peas with 1 cup of frozen, thawed corn. —Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York

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Beer-Braised Roast with Root Vegetables

I like the combination of seasoned vegetables and lean meat in this recipe, and my wife likes how the seasonings complement the meat. I serve the roast with a garden salad and crusty multigrain bread. —Malcolm Cieszko, Washington, North Carolina

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Favorite Italian Beef Sandwiches

I’m a paramedic/firefighter, and slow-cooked recipes like this one suit my unpredictable schedule. My husband and children and the hungry bunch at the firehouse love these robust sandwiches that have a little zip. —Kris Swihart, Perrysburg, Ohio

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Saucy Italian Roast

This tender roast is one of my favorite set-and-forget meals. I thicken the juices with a little flour and add ketchup, then serve the sauce and beef slices over pasta. —Jan Roat, Red Lodge, Montana

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Sausage Sauerkraut Soup

I’ve taken this satisfying soup to church gatherings and family reunions, and it always receives wonderful compliments. Everyone loves it! —Elizabeth Goetzinger, Lewiston, Idaho

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Slow-Cooker Faux Prime Rib Roast

This is my first original recipe, inspired by a great holiday dinner with friends. I wanted to see if I could do something similar with a less expensive cut of meat. The Faux Prime Rib Roast can also be baked in a covered Dutch oven at 350° for about 1-1/2 hours or until 165°. The beef is also delicious served with regular or horseradish mashed potatoes. —Kimberly Kuhlman, Bryan, Texas

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Meat Sauce for Spaghetti

Here’s a thick, hearty sauce that turns ordinary spaghetti and garlic bread into a filling feast. When I’m in a hurry, I make this slow cooker recipe in an electric frying pan instead. —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin

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Chuck Wagon Beans with Sausage

I followed the lead of cooks of Old West cattle ranges to come up with these savory beans. Sweet and smoky, they’re made extra hearty by the addition of sausage. —Nancy Moore, Bucklin, Kansas

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Thai-Style Brisket

Here’s an unusual take on brisket that will have you hooked. Peanut butter, soy, crisp-tender veggies and zesty seasonings give it the authentic Thai flavor we crave. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

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Slow-Cooker Beef Stew

When there’s a chill in the air, nothing beats this Crockpot beef stew. Seasoned with thyme and dry mustard, the hearty slow-cooker beef stew is chock-full of tender carrots, potatoes and meat. —Earnestine Wilson, Waco, Texas

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Pork Burritos

As a working mother, I depend on my slow cooker to help feed my family. We all love the spicy but slightly sweet flavor of these tender burritos. —Kelly Gengler, Theresa, Wisconsin

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Rosemary Pot Roast

Come home to a comforting, ready-to-eat entree with this slow-cooker favorite sized just right for two. It’s so easy, and it fills the house with a wonderful aroma. —Marcia Schroeder, River Edge, New Jersey

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Sesame Pork Roast

My trick to making a tasty roast that’s pull-apart tender is marinating a boneless cut of pork in a tangy sauce overnight before cooking it slowly the next day. It’s unbeatable. —Sue Brown, San Miguel, California

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Lime-Chipotle Carnitas Tostadas

Here’s a terrific recipe for your next weeknight dinner. Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can customize their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois

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Italian Sausage and Kale Soup

The first time I made this colorful soup, our home smelled wonderful. We knew it was a keeper to see us through cold winter days. —Sarah Stombaugh, Chicago, Illinois

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Shredded Lamb Sliders

I made about 1,500 of these easy, tasty sliders for the Great American Beer Fest. Everyone—right down to the last customer—thought the bites were delish. —Craig Kuczek, Aurora, Colorado

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French Onion Soup with Meatballs

I got the idea for how to make this soup after I went to a brewhouse restaurant that put ale in their gravy. I make this every time the weather starts to cool down in the fall—it’s comfort food for the soul. —Crystal Holsinger, Surprise, Arizona

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Slow-Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

These slow-cooker French dip sandwiches make a standout addition to any buffet line. Make sure to have plenty of small cups of broth for everyone to grab. Dipping perfection! —Holly Neuharth, Mesa, Arizona

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Sunday Pot Roast

With the help of a slow cooker, you can prepare a down-home dinner any day of the week, not just on Sundays. The roast turns out tender and savory every time. —Brandy Schaefer, Glen Carbon, Illinois

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Creamy Celery Beef Stroganoff

Cream of celery soup adds richness to a recipe that has become a family favorite. It’s so simple to prepare and, oh, that flavor! —Kim Wallace, Dennison, Ohio

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Slow-Cooked Chili

This hearty slow cooker chili can cook for up to 10 hours on low in the slow cooker. It’s so good to come home to its wonderful aroma after a long day away. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana

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Meatball Cabbage Rolls

My mother often had these cabbage rolls simmering in her slow cooker when my family and I arrived at her house for weekend visits. The mouthwatering meatballs tucked inside made these stand out from any other cabbage rolls I’ve tried. —Betty Buckmaster, Muskogee, Oklahoma

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Cornish Hens with Potatoes

This special slow-cooked dinner is delicious. I serve it with green beans and French bread. —Deborah Randall, Abbeville, Louisiana

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Slow Cooker Boeuf Bourguignon

I’d wanted to make beef Burgundy ever since I got one of Julia Child’s cookbooks, but I wanted to find a way to fix it in a slow cooker. My version of the popular beef stew is still rich, hearty and delicious, but without the need to watch on the stovetop or in the oven. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

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Dilly Beef Sandwiches

My younger sister shared this recipe with me. It puts a twist on the traditional barbecue sandwich and has been proven to be a crowd pleaser. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to make in the slow cooker. —Donna Blankenheim, Madison, Wisconsin

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Spicy Beef Vegetable Stew

This zesty ground beef and vegetable soup is flavorful and fast to fix. It makes a complete meal when served with warm cornbread, sourdough bread or French bread if you enjoy a supper with a side. —Lynnette Davis, Tullahoma, Tennessee

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Tuscan Pork Stew

Tender chunks of pork slowly cook in a nicely seasoned, wine-infused sauce. Add some crushed red pepper flakes to this pork stew for a little extra kick. —Penny Hawkins, Mebane, North Carolina

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Easy Corned Beef and Cabbage

This corned beef and cabbage slow cooker recipe is a fuss-free way to cook the traditional dish. I tried it for St. Patrick’s Day a few years ago. Now it’s a regular in my menu planning. This is terrific with Dijon mustard and crusty bread. —Karen Waters, Laurel, Maryland

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Mom’s Celery Seed Brisket

Warning: Keep a close eye on this tangy pot of goodness. Because it’s been fine-tuned to perfection, it tends to vanish at gatherings. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho

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Potato Chowder

One of the ladies in our church quilting group brought this savory potato soup to a meeting, and everyone loved how the cream cheese and bacon made it so rich. It’s easy to assemble in the morning so it can simmer on its own all day. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, Indiana

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Contest-Winning Mushroom Pot Roast

Wow! The wine-warmed flavors in this recipe are amazing! Packed with wholesome veggies and tender beef, this is one company-special dish all ages will like. Serve with mashed potatoes to enjoy every last drop of the rich, beefy gravy. —Angie Stewart, Topeka, Kansas

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Slow-Cooker German Bratwurst

I created this old-world favorite based on a dish I had during my travels. The flavorful entree is perfect for weeknights or special occasions. I like to serve this slow-cooker bratwurst with pasta. —Gerald Hetrick, Erie, Pennsylvania

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Black-Eyed Peas with Ham

Here’s a regional favorite I grew to love after moving to the South. You’ll never want black-eyed peas from a can again! Serve the dish as a side with grilled chicken…or make it your main course and round out the meal with greens and corn bread. —Tammie Merrill, Wake Forest, NC

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Rump Roast in the Slow Cooker

I enjoy a good pot roast, but I was tired of the same old thing so I started experimenting. Cooking the beef in horseradish sauce gives it a tangy flavor. Even my young children love this rump roast in the slow cooker, with its tender veggies and gravy. —Mimi Walker, Palmyra, Pennsylvania

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Spicy Meatless Chili

Before I retired, this recipe was a mainstay in our house. I could prepare the ingredients the night before, and then on the way out the door in the morning I could throw everything in the slow cooker. When I got home later, I made the toppings and supper was done. —Jane McMillan, Dania Beach, Florida

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Cubano Pork Sandwiches

When a hungry crowd is coming over, we plan to make our juicy pork a day ahead. I call the sauce “Mojo” because it’s loaded with zingy flavors. —Theresa Yardas, Sheridan, Indiana

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Baked Beans with Bacon

This recipe was one of my mother’s and was always a hit. The chopped jalapeno pepper spices it up a bit. It’s an easy-to-remember recipe because most of the ingredients are 1/2 cup. —Nadine Brissey, Jenks, Oklahoma

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Spicy French Dip

If I’m cooking for a party or family get-together, I can put this beef in the slow cooker in the morning and then concentrate on other preparations. It’s a timesaver that never fails to get rave reviews. —Ginny Koeppen, Winnfield, Louisiana

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Garlic-Apple Pork Roast

This is the meal I have become famous for, and it is so simple. The garlic and apple flavors really complement the pork. It’s especially good with steamed fresh asparagus and roasted red potatoes. —Jennifer Loos, Washington Boro, Pennsylvania

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Cheesy Ham & Corn Chowder

When the day calls for a warm bowl of chunky soup, we make a big pot of the goods—potatoes, corn, ham and cheese. —Andrea Laidlaw, Shady Side, Maryland

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Southwestern Beef Tortillas

Beef chuck roast makes a savory filling in satisfying tortillas. Cooked to tender perfection in the slow cooker, the beef is treated to an easy and delicious jalapeno-flavored sauce. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

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Beef Barley Lentil Soup

I serve this soup often to family and friends on cold nights, along with homemade rolls and a green salad. For variety, you can substitute jicama for the potatoes. —Judy Metzentine, The Dalles, Oregon

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Beef Brisket in Beer

One bite of this super tender brisket and your family will be hooked! The rich gravy is perfect for spooning over a side of creamy mashed potatoes. —Eunice Stoen, Decorah, Iowa

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Chipotle Pomegranate Pulled Pork

When I was making pulled pork and wanted to kick it up a bit, pomegranate jelly and smoky chipotles were the perfect addition. Yum! —Tatiana Hendricks, Visalia, California

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Navy Bean Vegetable Soup

My family likes bean soup, so I came up with this hearty, hammed-up version. The leftovers freeze well for first-rate future meals. —Eleanor Mielke, Mitchell, South Dakota

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Meaty Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Marinated artichokes, celery and green pepper are wonderful additions to this hearty spaghetti sauce. Don’t be afraid of leftovers—this tangy sauce is even better the next day. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho

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Cube Steaks with Gravy

Cube steaks and gravy are a hearty home-style dinner your family will love after a busy day. The slow-cooked beef is wonderful served over mashed potatoes or noodles. —Judy Long, Limestone, Tennessee

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Sweet-and-Sour Beef Stew

This chunky meal in a bowl makes terrific use of nutrient-packed vegetables. It has a deliciously sweet and tangy taste. —Frances Conklin, Cottonwood, Idaho

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Java Roast Beef

Coffee adds richness to the gravy, which is perfect for sopping up with crusty bread or draping over mashed potatoes. —Charla Sackmann, Orange City, Iowa

Originally Published: February 01, 2022