Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen on busy days? Do you want to come home to a delicious meal without having to lift a finger? Look no further than your slow cooker! With just 3 ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a wide variety of tasty meals that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. From classic comfort foods like pot roast and chili to international-inspired dishes like teriyaki chicken and Italian chicken, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll share 20 easy and delicious slow cooker recipes that use just 3 ingredients or fewer. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent on-the-go, or simply someone who loves to cook without the hassle, these recipes are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Get ready for a flavorful and tender chicken dish with this simple slow cooker recipe. This classic BBQ chicken is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
3. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Cooking Time: 3-8 hours
Serves: 4-6 people
Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops
Moist and flavorful pork chops smothered in a rich ranch sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 boneless pork chops
– 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup of ranch seasoning
– 1/2 cup of sour cream
– 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. In the Crockpot, combine the cream of mushroom soup, ranch seasoning, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth.
3. Add the seasoned pork chops to the Crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pot Roast
This slow cooker recipe yields tender, flavorful pot roast with minimal prep and cleanup. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 pound beef pot roast
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 1 packet (0.25 oz) of onion soup mix
Instructions:
1. Season the pot roast with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Place the pot roast in a slow cooker. Add the canned diced tomatoes and onion soup mix on top.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Remove the pot roast from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
5. Serve with the juices from the slow cooker spooned over the top.
Cooking Time:
– Low heat: 8-10 hours
– High heat: 4-6 hours
Easy Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
This recipe is a sweet and savory twist on classic chicken dishes, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. With just a few ingredients and no fuss, you’ll have tender and flavorful chicken that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, and chicken broth.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and brush with the honey-garlic mixture.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
A hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or weekend gathering. This recipe combines sweet and smoky flavors with tender sausage and crispy peppers.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place sausage in the slow cooker.
2. Add sliced onion, bell peppers, and garlic on top of the sausage.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together diced tomatoes and smoked paprika. Pour over the vegetables.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Meatballs
Elevate your mealtime with this effortless recipe that requires only three ingredients and a slow cooker. Perfect for busy days, these meatballs are tender, flavorful, and easy to make.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, marinara sauce, and breadcrumbs. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them in the slow cooker.
4. Cook for 3-4 hours or overnight (8-10 hours). The meatballs are done when they’re cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours or overnight (8-10 hours)
Crockpot Brown Sugar Ham
Transform your ordinary ham into a sweet and savory masterpiece with this effortless crockpot recipe. Perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday meals, this brown sugar ham is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the ham in a crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, mustard, cloves, and cinnamon.
3. Rub the mixture all over the ham, making sure to cover it evenly.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Remove from crockpot and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Summary: Sweet and savory teriyaki flavors infuse into tender chicken breasts, perfect for a stress-free weeknight dinner or easy lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts.
4. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the ground ginger.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low), 3-4 hours (High)
Note: Serve with steamed vegetables and rice for a well-rounded meal.
Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This hearty slow cooker recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a busy day when you don’t have time to cook. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be enjoying a delicious and comforting beef stew in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the beef, onion, garlic, peas and carrots, beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, and thyme to a slow cooker.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This 3-ingredient recipe is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort and yields tender, flavorful pulled pork. Perfect for a busy day or a stress-free dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 can of crushed pineapple (8 oz)
– 1 packet of dry onion soup mix (2 tablespoons)
Instructions:
1. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
2. Mix the crushed pineapple and onion soup mix together, then pour the mixture over the pork.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking Time:
– Low: 8-10 hours
– High: 4-6 hours
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
This recipe yields tender and flavorful chicken with a zesty lemon garlic twist, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine chicken breasts, lemon juice, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crockpot Maple Dijon Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this sweet and savory Crockpot recipe! Tender chicken breasts are infused with the rich flavors of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and spices for a deliciously easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and Dijon mustard.
3. Place the chicken in the Crockpot and pour the maple-mustard mixture over the top.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Recipe
Get a taste of Italy with this simple and flavorful slow cooker chicken recipe. This dish is perfect for a busy day, as it cooks all day while you’re away.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chili
This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights – with only three ingredients, you’ll have a delicious and hearty chili ready to go!
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 packet of chili seasoning
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the can of diced tomatoes and the packet of chili seasoning to the skillet, stirring until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Savor the tender and flavorful result of slow-cooked steak bites smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, olive oil, and thyme.
3. Place the steak bites in the slow cooker and pour the garlic butter mixture over them.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook for 6-8 hours or until the steak is tender.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Crockpot Pineapple Chicken
This Crockpot Pineapple Chicken recipe brings together sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The pineapple and chicken combination is a match made in heaven!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken in the Crockpot.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Pour over the chicken.
3. Add the pineapple chunks on top of the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Parmesan Ranch Pork
Slow Cooker Parmesan Ranch Pork: A Rich and Savory Delight
This recipe combines the classic flavors of parmesan cheese and ranch dressing with tender pork, all slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup ranch seasoning
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine pork shoulder, cream of mushroom soup, and ranch seasoning.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese over the pork.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
Elevate your mealtime with this effortless recipe that combines the flavors of salsa, chicken, and slow cooking. Perfect for a busy day or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup store-bought or homemade salsa
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Pour the salsa over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated.
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and salsa.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as tortillas, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Carrots
Sweeten up your meal with this easy-to-make Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Carrots recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine carrot slices, brown sugar, honey, butter, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir the mixture halfway through cooking to ensure even caramelization.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crockpot Creamy Mushroom Chicken
This recipe is a hearty and flavorful comfort food dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Tender chicken breast, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy sauce come together in a rich and satisfying Crockpot masterpiece.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 oz mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Sauté the mushrooms and garlic in butter until softened. Add to the Crockpot.
3. Place the chicken on top of the mushrooms.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, and thyme. Pour over the chicken.
5. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Summary
Get ready to simplify your meal prep with these 20 easy and delicious slow cooker recipes that require just three ingredients! From classic comfort foods like pot roast and beef stew to international flavors like teriyaki chicken and parmesan ranch pork, there’s something for everyone. With minimal effort required, you can enjoy a variety of tasty meals on busy days. Try out Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken, Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops, or 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pot Roast to get started.