When it comes to busy weeknights, there’s nothing more comforting than a hearty, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort. That’s where slow cooker meat recipes come in – perfect for throwing all the ingredients together and letting the magic happen while you’re out and about. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 of our favorite savory crock pot meat recipes that are sure to become staples in your household.
From classic comfort foods like beef bourguignon and pot roast, to international-inspired dishes like Mongolian beef and chipotle lime chicken, these slow cooker recipes offer a world of flavor at your fingertips. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick and easy dinner solution, or a culinary enthusiast eager to try new flavors and techniques, we’ve got you covered.
So grab your crock pot and let’s get cooking!
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Elevate your slow cooker game with this rich and flavorful adaptation of the iconic French dish, Beef Bourguignon. This comforting stew is perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups red wine (such as Burgundy)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker with the red wine, beef broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Add the sliced mushrooms during the last hour of cooking.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and crusty bread on the side.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Crock Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Transform your kitchen into a BBQ haven with this effortless Crock Pot recipe that yields tender, juicy pulled pork perfect for sandwiches.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw and pickle slices (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. In the Crock Pot, combine sliced onion and pork shoulder.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. After 7-8 hours, brush the pork with barbecue sauce and sprinkle brown sugar.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and mix well with the juices.
6. Assemble sandwiches by spooning pulled pork onto buns.
7. Top with coleslaw and pickle slices, if desired.
Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs
Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Ribs Recipe
Get ready to fall off the bone with these tender and flavorful slow cooker BBQ ribs!
- Ingredients:
- 1 rack of pork ribs (about 4 pounds)
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- Instructions:
- Preheat slow cooker to low heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the ribs.
- Place ribs in the slow cooker and add barbecue sauce, water, and any remaining rub mixture.
- Cook for 8 hours or until meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Herb-Roasted Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
This recipe yields tender, flavorful chicken thighs infused with the warmth of herbs and spices, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or casual gathering. With minimal prep time and hands-off cooking, you’ll be delighted by the ease and delicious results.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat the crock pot to low (8 hours) or high (4 hours).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and the herb mixture.
4. Place the chicken thighs in the crock pot, leaving some space between each thigh.
5. Pour in the chicken broth.
6. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs
Elevate your mealtime with this deliciously easy recipe that’s perfect for a busy day. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying tender and flavorful meatballs in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, and garlic. Mix until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place in the slow cooker.
4. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
Moist and flavorful chicken breasts smothered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce – perfect for a comforting meal or party gathering!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, chicken broth, soy sauce, and thyme.
3. Place the chicken in the crock pot and pour the honey garlic mixture over it.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Tender Slow Cooker Pot Roast
A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion. This slow cooker pot roast is tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 2-pound beef pot roast
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the pot roast with salt and pepper.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the sliced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, and thyme.
3. Place the pot roast in the slow cooker, making sure it’s covered by the liquid.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Remove the pot roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Spicy Crock Pot Carnitas
This recipe combines tender pork shoulder with bold flavors and spicy kick, perfect for a weeknight dinner or party.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
Instructions:
1. Season the pork shoulder with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2. Place the pork in the crock pot, add sliced onion and minced garlic.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, salt, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the pork.
4. Add diced tomatoes with green chilies to the crock pot.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Shred the pork with two forks and serve with your favorite toppings, such as fresh cilantro, sour cream, and warm tortillas.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
This recipe combines the flavors of beef, soy sauce, and mushrooms to create a delicious and tender dish. Perfect for a busy day, it’s easy to prepare and cooks while you’re away.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, whisk together soy sauce, vegetable oil, onion, garlic, mushrooms, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Add the beef strips to the mixture; stir to coat.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
This recipe yields tender and flavorful steak bites infused with garlic butter goodness, perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering. With just 10 minutes of prep time, this Crock Pot masterpiece is ready to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef steak (such as sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, and thyme.
2. Place steak bites in the Crock Pot. Pour garlic butter mixture over the top.
3. Add chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-8 hours (depending on the Crock Pot setting)
Easy Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks
Easy Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks Recipe
Experience the tender and flavorful result of slow-cooked lamb shanks with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 lamb shanks
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low heat.
2. Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper.
3. In the slow cooker, combine onion, garlic, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and rosemary.
4. Add lamb shanks to the slow cooker, making sure they are covered by the liquid mixture.
5. Cook for 8-10 hours or until lamb is tender and falls apart easily.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low heat)
Crock Pot Teriyaki Pork Loin
This recipe combines the rich flavors of teriyaki sauce with the tender texture of pork loin, cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. The result is a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) boneless pork loin
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In the Crock Pot, whisk together teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the pork loin to the Crock Pot, making sure it’s coated with the sauce mixture.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove the pork loin from the Crock Pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
5. Serve with additional teriyaki sauce, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Beef Sandwiches
Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Beef Sandwiches: A Flavorful Twist on Classic Sandwiches
These tender beef sandwiches are infused with the bold flavors of pepperoncini peppers and perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef (such as chuck roast), sliced into thin strips
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 cup pepperoncini peppers, sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 hamburger buns
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles
Instructions:
1. Place the beef strips in a slow cooker.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, pepperoncini peppers, onion, garlic, and oregano on top of the beef.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Assemble sandwiches by placing the cooked beef mixture onto hamburger buns and adding optional toppings as desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers
Cook up a flavorful and comforting meal with this easy Crock Pot recipe. This hearty dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the sliced sausage, bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the Crock Pot.
2. Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle with oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore: A Hearty and Flavorful One-Pot Meal
This classic Italian-inspired dish is a staple of comfort food, with tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and sautéed vegetables cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Serve over pasta or rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (red, green, yellow)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Add chicken, onion, garlic, bell peppers, and olive oil to the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot over pasta or rice.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Maple Dijon Pork Chops
Sweet and tangy, these Crock Pot Maple Dijon Pork Chops are a delicious and easy meal to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless pork chops
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar.
3. Place the pork chops in the Crock Pot and spoon the maple mixture over them.
4. Pour in the chicken broth to cover the pork chops.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipe is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for busy days. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal ready when you need it.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck or round
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
2. Add the beef, broccoli, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
3. Pour in the beef broth and soy sauce.
4. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Turkey Breast
Elevate your turkey breast game with this easy and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic and lemon juice.
3. Place the turkey breast in the Crock Pot and pour the garlic-lemon mixture over it.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the turkey and make sure it’s fully coated.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Once cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chipotle Lime Chicken
Add a burst of flavor to your weeknight dinner with this slow cooker recipe that combines the smoky heat of chipotles with the brightness of lime. Perfect for busy days, this dish is ready when you are!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cilantro, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and cumin.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Balsamic Glazed Short Ribs
Elevate your comfort food game with this tender and flavorful short ribs recipe, perfect for a cozy night in. This Crock Pot method ensures a rich balsamic glaze infuses every bite.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 beef short ribs
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/2 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
2. In the Crock Pot, combine the sliced onion and minced garlic.
3. Place the short ribs on top of the onion mixture.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, beef broth, brown sugar, and thyme.
5. Pour the glaze over the short ribs.
6. Cook on Low for 8-10 hours or High for 4-6 hours.
7. Serve with additional balsamic glaze, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (Low) or 4-6 hours (High)
Summary
Get ready to simplify your weeknight dinners with these 20 savory crock pot meat recipes! From classic beef bourguignon to tender pulled pork sandwiches, and from spicy carnitas to garlic butter steak bites, there’s something for everyone in this collection. These easy-to-make meals are perfect for busy families or individuals looking for a stress-free dinner solution. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, these crock pot recipes will become your new go-to’s for a delicious meal any night of the week.