Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinner routine? Do you wish you had more time to cook up a storm, but just can’t seem to find the hours in your busy schedule? Look no further! Crock pots are the perfect solution for busy home cooks who want to enjoy delicious, comforting meals without spending hours in the kitchen. And what’s even better is that they’re incredibly versatile – you can cook everything from classic pot roasts to international-inspired dishes like Korean beef tacos and Hungarian goulash.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 savory meat crock pot recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. From hearty stews and braises to tender chicken and pork dishes, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker pro or just starting out, these recipes will inspire you to get creative with your cooking and make mealtime a breeze.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
Warm up on a chilly day with this hearty slow cooker beef stew, packed with tender chunks of beef and a medley of root vegetables. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck roast
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 large parsnip, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
2. In the slow cooker, layer the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and parsnip.
3. Add the beef to the slow cooker, then pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, and thyme.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Crock Pot Pulled Pork with Homemade BBQ Sauce
Savor the tender and juicy pulled pork infused with sweet and tangy homemade BBQ sauce, all made possible with your trusty Crock Pot.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup homemade BBQ sauce (see below for recipe)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Homemade BBQ Sauce:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the pork shoulder with brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Place the pork in the Crock Pot and pour the homemade BBQ sauce over it.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Shred the pork with two forks and serve with additional BBQ sauce, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Easy Italian Meatball Soup in the Slow Cooker
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of rich flavors and tender meatballs, all courtesy of your slow cooker! With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a comforting meal ready to warm up any day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them in the slow cooker.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Tender Crock Pot Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Herbs
This recipe yields fall-off-the-bone tender chicken thighs infused with the richness of garlic and herbs, perfect for a comforting meal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll be enjoying deliciously flavored chicken all day long.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
2. In the crock pot, combine the chicken, garlic, olive oil, and chicken broth.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove the chicken from the crock pot and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 3-8 hours
Spicy Korean Beef Tacos with Slow-Cooked Meat
Elevate your taco game with this bold and spicy fusion of Korean flavors. Tender beef, crispy kimchi slaw, and creamy gochujang salsa come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket or chuck, cut into large chunks
– 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup kimchi, chopped
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine beef, Gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, onion, and garlic. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
2. About 30 minutes before serving, heat the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
3. Assemble tacos with slow-cooked beef, kimchi slaw (see note), and gochujang salsa (see note). Top with cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) or 4 hours (high heat)
Crock Pot Lamb Shanks with Red Wine Gravy
This hearty dish is perfect for a cold winter’s night. Tender lamb shanks slow-cooked in a rich red wine gravy will become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 lamb shanks
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper.
2. In the crock pot, combine the onion, garlic, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme.
3. Add the lamb shanks to the crock pot, making sure they are submerged in the liquid.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Remove the lamb shanks from the crock pot and serve with the red wine gravy spooned over.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Classic Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Carrots and Potatoes
Elevate a weeknight dinner with this comforting pot roast recipe, simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. A hearty combination of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and creamy potatoes is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 pound beef pot roast
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the pot roast with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. In the slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, carrots, potatoes, garlic, beef broth, and tomato paste.
3. Place the seasoned pot roast on top of the vegetables.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Mexican Shredded Beef for Tacos and Burritos
This classic recipe yields tender, flavorful shredded beef perfect for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. With minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious filling that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck roast
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large skillet, brown the beef on all sides over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic to the same skillet; cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
4. Add cooked beef, beef broth, diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin to slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Shred beef with two forks; adjust seasoning if needed.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Pork Loin
A sweet and savory slow cooker recipe that tenderizes a pork loin to perfection, infused with the richness of honey and garlic.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 lb boneless pork loin
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the pork loin in the slow cooker and brush the honey-garlic mixture evenly over both sides of the meat.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with Black Beans
This comforting slow cooker chili recipe combines the flavors of tender turkey, black beans, and aromatic spices for a deliciously satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Brown the turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat; drain excess fat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet; cook until tender.
3. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker with remaining ingredients.
4. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers with Marinara
This hearty recipe combines juicy sausage, sweet peppers, and rich marinara sauce for a flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep work and tender cooking time in the crock pot, this dish is sure to become a staple.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the sliced bell peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic in the crock pot.
2. Add the Italian sausage on top of the vegetables.
3. Pour the marinara sauce over the sausage and veggies.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 3-8 hours
Asian-Inspired Slow Cooker Short Ribs
Transform tender short ribs into a savory and aromatic Asian-inspired delight with this easy slow cooker recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef short ribs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 star anise pod
– 1 cinnamon stick
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
2. In a slow cooker, combine soy sauce, sake, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, star anise, and cinnamon stick.
3. Add the short ribs to the slow cooker, making sure they are covered by the liquid.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Remove the short ribs from the slow cooker and serve with the flavorful sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours (low) or 2-6 hours (high)
Easy Crock Pot Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this effortless and flavorful meatloaf recipe that’s perfect for a busy family. This slow-cooked masterpiece is slathered in a tangy glaze that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup tangy glaze (see below)
– Optional: chopped onion and bell peppers for added flavor
Tangy Glaze:
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat crock pot to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Transfer mixture to crock pot and shape into a loaf.
4. Spread tangy glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
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)
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Experience a fusion of flavors with this easy-to-make slow cooker recipe, perfect for busy days or weeknights when you need a quick dinner solution.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 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. Place the beef strips, broccoli, onion, and garlic in a slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, and olive oil. Pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
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 Chicken Cacciatore with Mushrooms
A hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. This recipe is easy to prepare and simmered to perfection in the Crock Pot.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the Crock Pot, combine chicken, onion, mushrooms, garlic, red wine, chicken broth, and olive oil.
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 chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Barbecue Beef Brisket in the Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Brisket Recipe
A classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for a crowd or a cozy family dinner. This slow cooker barbecue beef brisket is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 onion, sliced
Instructions:
1. Season the brisket with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Place the brisket in a slow cooker and top with sliced onions.
3. In a small bowl, mix together barbecue sauce and brown sugar. Pour the mixture over the brisket.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Remove the brisket from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas with Citrus
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas with Citrus: A Flavorful Twist on Traditional Carnitas
Transform tender pork shoulder into a mouthwatering, citrus-infused delight with this easy and aromatic slow cooker recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine pork chunks, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, and cumin.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Shred pork with two forks, leaving some texture intact.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours (low) or 2-6 hours (high)
Crock Pot Hungarian Goulash with Paprika
Experience the rich flavors of Eastern Europe with this comforting and easy-to-make Crock Pot Hungarian Goulash, infused with the signature warmth of paprika.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium bell peppers, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp caraway seeds
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brown the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat; transfer to Crock Pot.
2. Add onion, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, broth, caraway seeds, and paprika to the Crock Pot. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (Low) or 4 hours (High)
Teriyaki Chicken Thighs with Pineapple in the Slow Cooker
This recipe combines the richness of teriyaki sauce with the sweetness of pineapple, all slow-cooked to tender perfection. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 fresh pineapple ring, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
2. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat with the sauce.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the top and add the sliced pineapple ring.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Sink your teeth into tender, flavorful steak bites infused with the richness of garlic butter and cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine steak cubes, butter, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir the mixture halfway through cooking time.
4. Remove from heat when cooked to desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Summary
Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight meals with these 20 savory meat crock pot recipes! From hearty stews and braises to tender meats and flavorful sauces, there’s something for everyone. Try making Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables, Crock Pot Pulled Pork with Homemade BBQ Sauce, or Tender Crock Pot Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Herbs. Or, explore international flavors like Spicy Korean Beef Tacos or Asian-Inspired Slow Cooker Short Ribs. Whatever your taste buds desire, these recipes are sure to please.