Ultimate Crockpot Cookbook: 99 Recipes for Easy, Hands-Off Meals

I’m so excited to share 4 delicious crockpot recipes in promotion of my new book “Slow Cooker Sensations: 99 Recipes“.

As a busy mom, I rely on my slow cooker to make wholesome, homemade meals with minimal effort. The slow cooker is a lifesaver for getting a hot, tasty dinner on the table, even on the craziest days.

In these sample recipes, get to see slow cooker recipes that are perfect for busy families. From hearty soups and stews to flavourful chicken dishes and comforting casseroles, these recipes showcase the versatility of the slow cooker.

I’ve included a variety of recipes to suit different tastes and dietary needs. You’ll find gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options, as well as kid-friendly classics. The recipes use simple, affordable ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store.

1. Cheesy Meatballs In Crockpot

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
• 1 handful parsley, chopped
• 10 leaves basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp oregano, chopped
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 bottles of your favorite tomato sauce
• 4 tbsp Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, a pinch of salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic, parsley, basil and oregano until well combined.
2. Add the ground beef, a big pinch of salt and pepper, and the panko bread crumbs to the bowl. Gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
3. Roll the meat mixture into golf ball sized meatballs and set aside.
4. Pour one full bottle of tomato sauce into the slow cooker. Nestle as many meatballs as you can fit into the sauce, arranging them close together.
5. Pour half of the second bottle of sauce over the top of the meatballs.
6. Layer the remaining meatballs on top of the sauce, then pour the rest of the second bottle of sauce over everything.
7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.
8. When done, serve the cheesy meatballs and sauce over pasta, with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.

The ricotta cheese keeps these meatballs incredibly tender and juicy. Cooking them in the slow cooker makes the whole process hands-off and easy.

2. Southwest Chicken Chili

Here are the detailed instructions for making Southwest Chicken Chili in a slow cooker:

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, undrained
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper[1][2].
2. Add the undrained black beans, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onion, and green chiles on top of the chicken.
3. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder over the top.
4. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
8. Serve the Southwest chicken chili warm, topped with desired toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, etc.

The chili can be adjusted to your desired spice level by adding more or less chili powder and green chiles. Enjoy this easy, flavorful slow cooker meal!

3. Slow-Cooker Monkey Bread

Ingredients

• Refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands!), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Line a 5-quart slow cooker with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Add the biscuit pieces and toss to coat.
3. Arrange half of the coated biscuit pieces in the prepared slow cooker. Sprinkle with half of the brown sugar and drizzle with half of the melted butter.
4. Top with the remaining biscuit pieces, brown sugar, and melted butter.
5. Cover the slow cooker with a clean kitchen towel and then the lid. Cook on high for 2-2.5 hours, until the monkey bread is cooked through and the edges are golden brown.
6. Turn off the slow cooker and let the monkey bread rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
7. Serve the warm monkey bread directly from the slow cooker, allowing guests to pull off pieces.

The slow cooker method makes this monkey bread easy to prepare, and the long, slow cooking time results in a soft, gooey, and delicious pull-apart bread.

4. Moroccan Apricot Chicken

Ingredients

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs and/or breasts
• 1 tablespoon Moroccan spice mix
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup dried apricots
• 1/3 cup sliced roasted almonds

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the Moroccan spice mix, flour, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the chicken and brown on both sides, about 4 minutes total. Remove the chicken and place it in the slow cooker. Repeat with another 1 tablespoon of oil and the remaining chicken.
3. Heat the final 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet and add the chopped onion. Sauté until just softened, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer the onions to the slow cooker.
4. Add the bay leaf, chicken broth, chickpeas, and dried apricots to the slow cooker.
5. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
6. Sprinkle the sliced roasted almonds over the top before serving.

This Moroccan-inspired chicken dish is full of flavor from the spices, apricots, and chickpeas. The slow cooking makes the chicken incredibly tender. Serve it over couscous, rice, or with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Slow Cooker Sensations: 99 Recipes

Crockpot Classics: 99 Recipes