Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for convenience when it comes to weeknight meals? Look no further! With a slow cooker, you can throw together a delicious and satisfying meal that’s ready when you are. And the best part? It’s perfect for busy families or individuals on-the-go.
From hearty stews to tender meats and savory sauces, our collection of 20 crock pot meat recipes has something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for classic comfort food or international-inspired flavors, we’ve got you covered. So go ahead, grab your favorite ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the work while you attend to your other priorities.
In this article, we’ll be sharing our top picks for crock pot meat recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. From classic beef stew to international-inspired dishes like Moroccan chicken with apricots, there’s something on this list for every palate and preference.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
This hearty stew is a perfect comfort food for a chilly day, packed with tender beef, root vegetables, and rich flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat (chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large parsnip, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine beef, onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and parsnip.
2. Pour in beef broth, red wine (if using), and add thyme.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Crock Pot Pulled Pork with Homemade BBQ Sauce
Transform a pork shoulder into tender, flavorful pulled pork with this simple and delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup homemade BBQ sauce (see below)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Homemade BBQ Sauce:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, brown sugar, onion, and garlic. Pour mixture over the pork.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the homemade BBQ sauce.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and serve.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Easy Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs
In this recipe, classic meatballs are given a flavorful twist by simmering them in a rich and tangy slow cooker tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. 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 meatballs on the slow cooker insert.
4. In a separate bowl, combine marinara sauce and beef broth. Pour mixture over meatballs.
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)
Tender Crock Pot Chicken Thighs with Garlic and Herbs
Transform your chicken thighs into tender, flavorful morsels with this easy crock pot recipe.
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
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
2. In a crock pot, combine the chicken, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove the chicken from the crock pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Pork Loin
A sweet and savory twist on traditional pork loin, this slow cooker recipe infuses tender meat with a sticky honey garlic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless pork loin
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, garlic, and thyme.
3. Season pork loin with salt and pepper. Place it in the slow cooker.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the pork loin, then spoon the honey garlic mixture evenly on top.
5. Cook for 8-10 hours or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
A classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a busy day or a cozy evening, this Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast is a hearty and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef pot roast (chuck or round)
– 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup of water
– 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 baby carrots
– 1 large onion, sliced
Instructions:
1. Season the pot roast with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. Place the roast in the Crock Pot. Add the sliced onions around the roast.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and water. Pour the mixture over the roast and onions.
4. Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir to combine.
5. Cook on Low for 8-10 hours or High for 4-6 hours.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, add the baby carrots to the Crock Pot.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (Low) or 4-6 hours (High)
Spicy Slow Cooker Chili with Ground Beef
Savor the flavors of a hearty chili that’s perfect for a cozy evening or a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapenos or hot sauce for added heat
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 onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet; cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker; add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste; cover 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)
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks
Transform your drumsticks into a mouthwatering, sticky delight with this easy Crock Pot recipe. Perfect for parties or a family dinner!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in chicken drumsticks
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In the Crock Pot, whisk together teriyaki sauce, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Add the chicken drumsticks to the Crock Pot, ensuring they are coated with the sauce mixture.
3. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove the drumsticks from the Crock Pot and garnish with chopped green onions.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 3-8 hours
Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks with Red Wine Sauce
Elevate your slow cooker game with this rich and flavorful lamb shank recipe, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion. Tender lamb shanks fall off the bone in a rich red wine sauce that’s simmered to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 lamb shanks
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Season lamb shanks with salt and pepper.
2. In the slow cooker, combine chopped onion, minced garlic, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme.
3. Add lamb shanks to the slow cooker and stir to coat.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Remove lamb shanks from the slow cooker and place on a plate. Strain sauce and discard solids.
6. Serve lamb shanks with red wine sauce spooned over.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours (low) or 2-6 hours (high)
Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers
This hearty recipe combines the flavors of sausage, peppers, and onions in a rich and savory Crock Pot dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the sausage in the Crock Pot.
2. Add the sliced peppers and onions on top of the sausage.
3. Sprinkle the garlic, diced tomatoes, and oregano 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)
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Recipe
Crock Pot BBQ Ribs with Dry Rub
Get ready for fall-off-the-bone tender ribs smothered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, all thanks to your trusty Crock Pot!
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup dry rub (see below)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
Dry Rub:
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together the dry rub ingredients.
2. Remove any membrane from the back of the ribs (this will help them cook more evenly).
3. Rub the dry rub all over the ribs, making sure to coat them evenly.
4. Place the ribs in the Crock Pot and pour in the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Remove the ribs from the Crock Pot and brush with additional BBQ sauce (if desired).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken with Apricots
This recipe combines the warmth of North African spices with the sweetness of apricots, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic chicken dish perfect for a cozy evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh apricots
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, diced tomatoes, apricots, honey, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
3. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
4. Serve hot over couscous or rice.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Crock Pot Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze
Crock Pot Meatloaf with Tangy Glaze Recipe Summary:
Elevate your comfort food game with this easy and flavorful Crock Pot meatloaf recipe, smothered in a tangy glaze that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Tangy Glaze: 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and oregano. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
2. Transfer the meat mixture to a Crock Pot and shape into a loaf.
3. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, mix Tangy Glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Pour glaze over the meatloaf and continue cooking until glaze is caramelized.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Tacos Recipe
Transform pork shoulder into tender, flavorful carnitas with minimal effort using your slow cooker. Serve these delicious tacos with your favorite toppings and enjoy a stress-free meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Sliced radishes, lime wedges, cilantro, and sour cream (for topping)
Instructions:
1. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, brown sugar, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), onion, and garlic. Pour the mixture over the pork.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and stir in any juices from the slow cooker.
6. Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
7. Assemble tacos by spooning carnitas onto a tortilla, topping with your desired toppings.
Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites
A tender and flavorful twist on traditional steak bites, this recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a party appetizer. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can come home to a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
2. Place the steak cubes in the Crock Pot. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the steak, making sure each cube is coated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Marinara
A twist on traditional meatballs, these turkey meatballs are cooked to perfection in a rich marinara sauce, making for a delicious and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place in slow cooker.
4. Pour marinara sauce and beef broth over the meatballs. Sprinkle with oregano.
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)
Crock Pot Asian-Style Short Ribs
A flavorful and tender short ribs recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This Crock Pot dish is infused with the bold flavors of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef short ribs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 inches fresh ginger, sliced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and cumin.
3. Place the short ribs in the Crock Pot and pour the sauce over them.
4. Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.
5. Remove the short ribs from the Crock Pot and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts
Elevate your mealtime with this simple and flavorful slow cooker recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker and brush the lemon herb mixture evenly over both breasts.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time:
– Low: 6-8 hours
– High: 3-4 hours
Crock Pot Hungarian Goulash with Beef
This rich and flavorful goulash is a staple of Hungarian cuisine, perfect for a cold winter’s day. This slow-cooked recipe is easy to prepare and will fill your kitchen with the aroma of tender beef and savory spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Hungarian paprika
– 1 tsp caraway seeds
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 8 oz sour cream
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the Crock Pot, combine beef, onion, garlic, paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes and beef broth.
4. When cooked, stir in sour cream to thicken the sauce.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Summary
Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with these 20 savory crock pot meat recipes! From classic comfort food like slow cooker beef stew and pulled pork with homemade BBQ sauce, to international flavors like Moroccan chicken with apricots and Hungarian goulash with beef, there’s something for everyone. Try easy slow cooker Italian meatballs or tender crock pot chicken thighs with garlic and herbs. Perfect for busy families, these recipes are simple, delicious, and require minimal effort.
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