Easy Slow Cooker Recipes
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Your Slow Cooker Can Be Your Best Friend On A Busy Day!
We've all been there! What am I going to make for dinner? When things are so hectic, and especially if you are a mom or dad with a full time job, who has time to think about cooking? With a little preparation and pre-planning, those days can be a thing of the past with the help of a very handy little kitchen appliance...your slow cooker! Many of you know it as a Crock-Pot, but whatever you call it, you will soon find that you can't live without it when things get crazy.
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Slow Cooker Advantages

Hamilton Beach 33956 Set 'n Forget 5-Quart Slow Cooker, White


Slow cookers come in many shapes, sizes and colors. And with the latest technology, you can choose from the standard dial control to digital and even programmable! There is virtually one for any size meal! From making dips for entertaining to a full meal to feed the entire family. The possibilities are endless!
One advantage to slow cooking is, it uses a lot less liquid than conventional oven cooking. Because of the dome shaped lid, the steam collects at the top and drops back in for a constant return. And, it is almost impossible to over cook. In fact, generally, the longer it cooks, the tastier it will get. Imagine coming home from work to a house filled with the aromas of a hot meal. Just set the table and enjoy! All it takes is a little bit of preparation, most of which can even be done the night before. And for even more convenience, prepare more than you need. Use what you want for the current meal and freeze the leftovers for another meal. The leftovers can be stored in a freezer container with a well fitting lid and labeled with the date. Take it out next month, plop it in the slow cooker again and there you go!
How To Use Your Slow Cooker

Campbell's Slow Cooker Recipes


Almost anything that can be made in your conventional oven, can also be made in your slow cooker. Most cookers come with an instruction guide as well as some recipes to get you started. As a general rule, two hours on low is equal to one hour on high, so adjust your recipes according to your schedule. Keep it simple by pre-browning meats and chopping other ingredients to bite-size pieces to ensure evenly cooked foods. Do not add any dairy products or fresh cheeses until the last hour of cooking to prevent spoilage. Also, it is best to wait until the end to add pasta and noodles, etc. Evaporated milk or condensed soups are perfect for the slow cooker!
The capacity of your slow cooker is the amount the pot can hold when filled to the rim. This is not recommended though. As a general rule, it is best to add about a quart less than the crock will hold. So in other words, if your slow cooker is listed as a 6-quart, you will get the best results by making about 5 quarts or less.
Many things will affect how long it will take for a recipe to cook completely. The water and fat content, beginning temperature of the food and the size of the food. Most meat and veggie combinations will take at least 7 hours on low. If the meat in your recipe has a high fat content, you will need less liquid. Also, to prevent your meat from sitting and cooking in too much fat (such as in a meatloaf recipe), add several thick slices of onion under it. Slow cookers also have very little evaporation. So when making soups or stews, reduce the liquid as called for in your original recipe. You can always add more liquid later if it is too thick. But, if you are making a vegetable type casserole, be sure to have enough liquid to prevent scorching on the sides.

Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker Cookbook


Do not lift the lid unnecessarily while cooking in your Crock-Pot. This will result in major heat loss and will take awhile to get it back to the point that it was. Stirring is usually not necessary unless you are cooking on high. Even then, do so at a minimum. If your recipe has too much liquid at the end of cooking, remove the lid and turn to high for at least 30-45 minutes. Your slow cooker should be at least half full for best results. If not, you may need to check for doneness 1 to 2 hours earlier, so be sure to choose your Crock-Pot size accordingly. Always allow a two inch space at the top of soups and stews for simmering. Meat and poultry require at least 7 to 8 hours on low to thoroughly cook. Do not use frozen or uncooked meats.
If your morning schedule does not allow you enough time to prepare your slow cooker meal, prepare it the night before and cover and refrigerate in the pot. In the morning, place the crock in the cold cooker base and select the appropriate setting. This is one of the many great benefits of slow cooking! You will thank yourself later!
I am about to share with you some of my favorite Crock Pot recipes. These are recipes that are used and created by me and my family, so they are tried and true. I like to make things as simple and cost effective as possible, and my slow cooker does just that for me. I will be adding more recipes when I can, and if you have a few that you would like to add, please do!!
Handy Tips For Slow Cooking
Vegetable Soup
Nothing is more comforting on a cold day than a warm bowl of soup! My husband swears it's the best he's ever eaten, but it couldn't be any more simple than this! Serve with a salad and fresh bread and you have a meal to remember!
Ingredients
- 1 small pkg stew meat (or something similar)
- 1 16 oz pkg frozen mixed vegetables (I prefer Hanover Vegetables For Soup)
- 1 small can diced or stewed tomatoes
- powdered beef soup base or bouillon cubes
- seasonings of choice (I use coarsely ground pepper
- onion powder and garlic powder)
- 1/4 cup tiny pasta (optional) (Barilla Pastina works well)
Instructions
For this recipe, I am using a 4 quart slow cooker.
Cut up desired meat into bite size pieces...do it right into a hot skillet. Add the desired seasonings and heat until browned. Sprinkle the soup base over the meat until coated. While the meat is browning, pour the frozen vegetables into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the can of tomatoes over the vegetables. If bouillon cubes are being used, add about two of them (depending on the slow cooker size). When the meat is done being browned, add to slow cooker. Add water until everything is covered and stir. Add the lid, turn to low and walk away. In six to eight hours you are ready to eat! If you want,. you can add 1/4 cup of tiny pasta and stir. Turn up to high and wait about 30 minutes before eating. This will give you time to kick off your shoes and prepare the salad before you indulge in this delicious soup!
ENJOY!
Chili
This recipe was given to me by my father. He still does a lot of the cooking for my mom and has taught her many new recipes. This recipe goes great with a fresh loaf of bread or corn bread. I hope you enjoy!
Ingredients
- lean ground beef (amount depends on how meaty you like your chili)
- kidney beans (I use light and dark) and chili beans
- chopped green peppers (desired coarseness)
- chopped onion (desired coarseness)
- 1 can tomato soup
- 1 can diced or stewed tomatoes or salsa
- seasonings (I use pepper
- onion powder and garlic powder)
- chili powder (adjust to taste)
Instructions
For this recipe I use a 4 quart slow cooker.
Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain. I always rinse to remove even more fat. While the meat is browning, add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. When the meat is browned, add to the slow cooker. Add seasonings to suit your taste. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder. Adding salsa in place of the canned tomatoes will also add more heat depending on the level you choose (mild or higher). You can experiment with the type of peppers you use as well from the very mild to the very hot. It all depends on your taste preference. When everything is added to the cooker, stir, put the lid on, turn to low and walk away. In six to eight hours it will be ready to enjoy!
Sloppy Joes

This recipe is great using canned sauce or the ingredients below. Serve on fresh hamburger buns or crusty rolls. Goes great with french fries or macaroni and cheese for a quick meal on a busy night.
Ingredients
- ground beef (adjust depending on amount desired)
- diced onions & green peppers
- Worcestershire sauce
- ketchup
- any kind of cola
- seasonings (I use pepper
- onion powder and garlic powder)
Instructions
Brown the ground beef with the onions and peppers. Drain and rinse. Return to the skillet and add desired seasonings. Add about a Tbsp of Worcestershire sauce (or more depending on taste and amount of beef used). Add ketchup until the meat is completely coated. Add meat mixture to the slow cooker and pour cola over until it is the consistency that you like...more will result in a 'sloppier' joe. (Always make sure there is enough liquid in the pot if you will be away) Stir, put the lid on, turn to low and walk away.
This is even a quick and easy recipe without the slow cooker. Just simmer in the skillet after adding the cola until heated through.
Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- 4 green or red peppers
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 finely chopped onion
- pepper
- onion powder & garlic powder (to taste)
- 1 can tomato soup + 1 can water
- 1-2 beef bouillon cubes
Instructions
Cook rice in about 1 cup water. Cool and add to ground beef and remaining ingredients.
Wash peppers and remove tops and insides. Rinse inside and drain. Stuff with beef mixture and place in slow cooker. Cover with soup and water and add bouillon cubes. Add lid and cook on low for six to eight hours. Serve with mashed potatoes and use the tomato sauce as gravy. Makes great leftovers for lunch the next day too!
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
This one is so easy and even more convenient when you put it in the slow cooker the night before! it doesn't get any better than this!
Ingredients
- Pork Roast (any size)
- Seasonings
- BBQ Sauce
Instructions
Put the pork roast in the slow cooker the night before dinner. I don't even brown it, just put it in right out of the package. Add some coarsely ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and some barbecue seasoning. Add about two inches of water to the bottom. Place the lid on and put on low. Go to bed and forget about it. In the morning, check to make sure there is still some water (especially if you will be going to work, etc.). You don't want it to burn or dry out.
About an hour or so before serving time, shred the pork. It should be very well cooked and practically falling apart. Use a fork, or even two for that matter and just start pulling the pork apart. After it is all separated, use a sharp knife to cut the long pieces into smaller bite sized portions. A few chunks are okay.
Generously add your favorite BBQ sauce and mix together. Or if you prefer, serve it on a roll as is and add the BBQ sauce as desired. Serve with french fries or your favorite pasta or potato salad and some corn on the cob. Baked beans and cole slaw are also great side dishes. ENJOY!
Beef Stew

Ingredients
- 2 lbs stew meat or anything similar
- 1 large onion coarsely chopped
- 3-4 carrots
- 1 can stewed tomatoes (optional)
- 4 potatoes
- 2-3 beef bouillon cubes
- salt
- pepper & garlic powder to taste
Instructions
Brown meat in a skillet and add seasonings. Peel and chop potatoes and carrots. Add to the slow cooker with meat and remaining ingredients. Cover with water, add lid and cook on low for six to eight hours or until potatoes and carrots are tender. Serve with warm buttered rolls or croissants.
Ham BBQ
Ingredients
- chipped deli ham
- thinly sliced
- ketchup
- any kind of cola
- chopped onion (optional)
Instructions
Drop individual pieces of ham into the slow cooker, so they don't stick together. After each 'row' squirt a little ketchup across and add onion if desired. At the end, pour some cola over and stir. Don't pour too much of either one or it will be too runny. There should just be enough to coat all of the ham. Put the lid on and cook on low for at least six hours or on high for at least four hours. When you are ready to eat, put on your favorite bun and enjoy! This goes great with french fries or potato chips for a quick meal!
NOTE: Cheap deli ham works great for this recipe!!
Meat Sauce For Pasta
I got this recipe from my mother-in-law. She makes this recipe for every function and it's always a hit! Simply simmer the sauce in your slow cooker and cook the pasta just before you're ready to eat!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- (2) 18 oz cans tomato paste
- 1/2 can water
- (2) 15 oz cans tomato sauce
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 2/3 cup sugar (start with 1/3 cup)
Instructions
Brown 1 lb ground beef in a little vegetable or olive oil until it is no longer pink. Drain, rinse and season with salt. Combine the remaining ingredients and add the ground beef. You will need to experiment with the sugar, so start out with a little and work your way up to the desired sweetness. Simmer in your slow cooker on low for at least one and a half hours. Cook your favorite pasta just before serving and mix together. This is great with garlic bread and a salad!
Corned Beef & Cabbage
You may have seen this made before with an actual slab of corned beef, but this is the one I grew up on and so much easier! Why not take a few shortcuts when you can? Especially when it comes to having dinner ready when you come home from work!
Ingredients
- 1 small head cabbage
- 2 potatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 stalks celery
- any other in-season vegetable
- 1 can stewed tomatoes
- 1 can corned beef
- butter
Instructions
Chop cabbage and all other vegetables to desired coarseness. Add to slow cooker along with tomatoes. Remove excess fat from corned beef and chop. Add water to cover and add a huge glob of butter. Cover and cook on low for six to eight hours or until all vegetables are soft. This is excellent served over buttered bread.
Meatloaf & Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs very lean ground beef
- 1 cup cracker or bread crumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 small onion chopped
- salt & pepper to taste
- garlic powder to taste
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ketchup
- potatoes
Instructions
Mix all ingredients thoroughly with hands. Form a ball to fit the slow cooker and add about an inch of water to the bottom. Wash desired number of potatoes and wrap in aluminum foil. Place on top of the meatloaf near the outside edge of slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for six to eight hours. When you are ready to eat, add a side of salad or steamed vegetables and you have an awesome meal!
Buffalo Chicken Dip
This is one of my absolute favorite recipes! It is mainly used for an appetizer for parties and gatherings, etc. I have made it many times for parties at work and it's always a hit! This works exceptionally well in a slow cooker, but can also be made in a conventional oven or even the microwave if you're really in a hurry. My husband and I have even made this for a night time movie snack...soooo good! I hope you enjoy as much as we do!!
Ingredients
- 10 oz can chicken
- 8 oz pkg cream cheese
- hot sauce (according to taste)
- 8 oz pkg shredded cheddar
Instructions
Proctor Silex 33116 1.5 Quart Oval Slow Cooker

Drain chicken and separate into your slow cooker. Add the softened cream cheese and mix thoroughly. Pour as much hot sauce as you like to achieve the desired heat level. Add the cheddar cheese and stir all together. This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled depending on the size crowd. Set the slow cooker to low and wait. You may need to stir it a few times. When the cheddar is completely melted, it's ready! Serve with bite size tortilla chips and I guarantee this will be your new addiction! Enjoy!
Note: If doubling, you may still only need one pkg of cheddar cheese, depending how cheesy you want it.
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What is your favorite slow cooker recipe?
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bloomingrose
Dec 18, 2011 @ 2:46 am | delete
- This is one of my favorite lenses! I did bookmark it!
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nolinel
Jun 15, 2011 @ 2:51 am | delete
- It is a grey, cold and rainy day here in Cape Town South Africa. Just the day to try your soup recipe. Thanks....
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pajnhiaj Jun 11, 2011 @ 3:24 pm | delete
- i am going to try the ham and bbq. i love what you have on here and i am going to give most of them a try. a slower cooker makes my life easier especially with two active little kids and a special needs daughter. thanks!
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NYThroughTheLens
May 4, 2011 @ 1:21 pm | delete
- Excellent lens. I love my slow cooker!
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---Chazz
May 2, 2011 @ 2:18 pm | delete
- Good lens. You've convinced me to get a slow cooker!
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by carlajo73
Hello, I'm Carla. I live in a little town in Pennsylvania. I am married with three wonderful children... more »
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