20 Unexpectedly Great Crock Pot Recipes
If you think crock pots are only for making soups and stews, think again. This versatile kitchen appliance can also be used to slow cook everything from chocolate chip cookies to game-day nachos with just the press of a few buttons.
Whether you're just interested in adding more exciting meals to your recipe rotation or are looking for your new favorite dessert, read ahead. From perfect meal-prep dishes (hello, crock pot lasagna!) to unique sweet treats, here are 20 unexpectedly great crock pot recipes you must try.
Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Perfect to have on hand during game days or family get-togethers, this buffalo chicken dip recipe is made with rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar. Serve it with chopped vegetables, pretzels, or toasted baguettes for a fun snack.
Get the recipe for Crock-pot Buffalo Chicken Dip from Delish.
Crock-Pot Applesauce
Step aside store-bought applesauce. This simple homemade version uses peeled apples, water, and lemon juice, and requires only 10 minutes of prep time. Enjoy it alone or alongside grilled chicken and mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Get the recipe for Crock-pot Applesauce from Delish.
Crock-Pot Pepper Steak
Just a handful of ingredients and a few hours stand between you and a steak dish that only tastes like it took a ton of effort to make. This recipe calls for red and green peppers, but feel free to experiment with other vegetables, like broccoli or eggplant.
Get the recipe for Crock-pot Pepper Steak from Delish.
Slow Cooker Chocolate Orange Cheesecake
Baking cheesecake is a breeze when you use a crockpot—this recipe only needs 20 minutes of hands-on time. The crockpot gives this cake a super smooth, velvety texture, unlike anything you’ve ever tried before.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Chocolate Orange Cheesecake from Good Housekeeping.
Crock-Pot Cube Steak
This low-effort recipe simplifies the steak-making process. All you have to do is throw your ingredients into your crockpot (we recommend doing this in the morning), let it cook, and “voila!” juicy cubed steak by dinnertime. Serve it with rice or roasted potatoes for a tasty yet easy meal.
Get the recipe for Crock-pot Cube Steak from Delish.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken cacciatore is much easier to make when prepared in a slow cooker. Featuring bone-in chicken thighs, bell peppers, and mushrooms, this recipe is an ideal dish to serve when friends or family stop by.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore from Delish.
Slow Cooker Peppermint Bark Hot Chocolate
Make powdered hot chocolate mix a thing of the past with this simple recipe. Both sweet and soothing, this popular drink is well-suited for cold nights (or anytime you want a sweet treat, really).
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Peppermint Bark Hot Chocolate from Good Housekeeping.
Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
This mouth watering corned beef and cabbage, which is made with thyme, pickling spice, and bay leaves, rivals restaurant versions. Be sure to bookmark this recipe for St. Patty’s Day.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage from Delish.
Slow Cooker Beef Tacos
Taco Tuesdays just got a whole lot easier. These tasty beef tacos use lime juice, cumin, and low-sodium chicken broth to get its rich taste.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Tacos from Delish.
Crock-Pot Spaghetti Squash
This recipe shows you exactly how to cook spaghetti squash to perfection using just one ingredient. Packed with vitamins and nutrients, this popular vegetable tastes great smothered in sauce, topped with tomatoes and feta, or served as a side.
Get the recipe for Crock-pot Spaghetti Squash from Delish.
Slow Cooker Banana Cake
Want to bake a banana cake but don’t feel like turning on the oven? Thankfully, this recipe can help with this. Made using boxed yellow cake mix, mashed bananas, and pecans, this delicious dessert calls for only 10 minutes of prep time. Don’t forget the cream cheese frosting—it’s truly divine.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Banana Cake from Delish.
Crock-Pot Lasagna
If you're looking for a less involved way to make lasagna, then this recipe is for you. It especially works well for meal prepping—whip it up on a Sunday night and enjoy it for dinner the rest of the week.
Get the recipe for Crock-pot Lasagna from Delish.
Spiced Sweet Potato and Peanut Puree
Sweet potatoes, ginger, and peanut butter come together to create a warming puree that can be enjoyed during any time of the day. Pair it with a toasted turkey and cheddar sandwich for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Get the recipe for Spiced Sweet Potato and Peanut Puree from Country Living.
Crock-Pot Garlicky Mashed Potatoes
Who doesn’t love a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes? Minced garlic, sour cream, and chopped chives give this dish its signature taste.
Get the recipe for Crock-pot Garlicky Mashed Potatoesfrom Delish.
Crock-Pot Whole Chicken
Yes, you read that right—you can make a whole chicken in a crockpot in one go. This chicken features a brown sugar and chili powder rub, but feel free to add other flavors, such as garlic and rosemary, into the mix.
Get the recipe for Crock-pot Whole Chicken from Delish.
Slow Cooker Chocolate Chip Cookie
Thick, gooey, and chewy, this giant chocolate chip cookie is what dessert dreams are made of. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream for the full effect.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Chocolate Chip Cookie from Delish.
Slow Cooker Brownies
These fudgy brownies are everything you want in a baked good. This version is made sans nuts, but feel free to add in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Brownie from Delish.
Slow Cooker Chicken Nachos
A secret ingredient (cream of chicken soup) gives this recipe an undeniably delicious flavor. To make it, all you have to do is put some black beans, salsa, shredded cheese, and chopped raw chicken breasts into a slow cooker, and once it’s cooked through, pour the mixture over a heaping pile of crispy tortilla chips.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Nachos from Delish.
Crock-Pot S'mores Cake
Whether you need a birthday cake for a friend or a dessert for a dinner party, this recipe can help get the job done. A packet of instant pudding helps this cake get its incredibly moist texture.
Get the recipe for Crock-pot S’mores Cake from Delish.
Slow Cooker Hot Dogs
No grill, no worries. Especially handy during busy summer weekends, this recipe shows you exactly how to whip up ballpark-worthy hot dogs using just three steps.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Hot Dogs from Delish.
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