Easy Crockpot Recipes for Lazy Weekends
Weekends are for relaxation, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Enter the crockpot: the perfect kitchen tool for hands-off cooking. With a few simple ingredients, your crockpot can do all the work while you enjoy your lazy weekend. Here are some easy and delicious crockpot recipes that require minimal effort but deliver big flavor.
1. Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken.
- Pour salsa, beans, and corn over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken shreds easily.
- Shred the chicken and stir to combine. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or cheese.
2. Crockpot Beef Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add beef stew meat, carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, and thyme to the crockpot.
- Pour beef broth over the ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are soft.
- Serve warm, and enjoy this hearty, comforting stew.
3. Crockpot Creamy Tomato Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Combine crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, basil, and oregano in the crockpot.
- Stir well, then cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).
- Stir in heavy cream and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve with a grilled cheese sandwich for the perfect cozy meal.
4. Crockpot Pulled Pork
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, mix together barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the pork.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
- Shred the pork with two forks and serve on buns with extra barbecue sauce and coleslaw.
5. Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag frozen hashbrowns
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- Layer the bottom of the crockpot with frozen hashbrowns.
- Top with cooked sausage, then sprinkle shredded cheese over the sausage.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the casserole.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the eggs are fully set.
- Serve warm for a hearty, breakfast-in-a-bowl.
6. Crockpot Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 jar (15 oz) alfredo sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Pour in the alfredo sauce and chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred the chicken and stir in uncooked pasta and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for an additional 30-45 minutes until the pasta is cooked through.
- Stir in mozzarella cheese, serve, and enjoy the creamy goodness.
7. Crockpot Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add the browned beef, beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili seasoning, and beef broth to the crockpot.
- Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Serve with your favorite chili toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
These easy crockpot recipes make the most of your downtime, allowing you to enjoy delicious, comforting meals with minimal effort. Set it and forget it, and enjoy a relaxed weekend with a hearty meal waiting for you.
