8 Set-It-and-Forget-It Crockpot Recipes for Busy Days
Cooking can be a challenge on busy days, especially when you have a lot of tasks to accomplish and not enough time to spend in the kitchen. This is where crockpot recipes come to the rescue, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort and time. A crockpot is a great kitchen appliance that enables you to cook a variety of dishes, from hearty stews to flavorful roasts, with just a few minutes of preparation. Simply add your ingredients to the crockpot, set it, and forget it, letting the appliance do the work for you while you attend to other tasks.
One of the best things about crockpot recipes is their versatility. You can make a wide range of dishes, from classic comfort foods to international-inspired meals. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting or light and refreshing, there’s a crockpot recipe to suit your taste. In this article, we’ll explore eight delicious set-it-and-forget-it crockpot recipes that are perfect for busy days. These recipes are easy to make, require minimal preparation, and are sure to become favorites in your household.
Pot Roast

Pot roast is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a busy day. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal preparation, making it a great option for those with limited time. The pot roast is cooked in a rich and flavorful broth, with tender vegetables like carrots and potatoes. The result is a deliciously tender and juicy roast that’s sure to become a family favorite. To make this recipe, simply season the pot roast with your favorite spices, add it to the crockpot with some broth and vegetables, and let it cook all day.
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 pound) beef pot roast
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
To make this recipe, simply season the pot roast with your favorite spices, add it to the crockpot with the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and chopped potatoes. Pour in the beef broth and add the dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Salsa Chicken

Salsa chicken is a delicious and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for busy days. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal preparation, making it a great option for those with limited time. The chicken is cooked in a tangy and spicy salsa, with tender vegetables like onions and bell peppers. The result is a deliciously tender and juicy chicken that’s sure to become a family favorite. To make this recipe, simply add the chicken to the crockpot with some salsa, onions, and bell peppers, and let it cook all day.
Ingredients
- 1 (2-3 pound) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of salsa
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
To make this recipe, simply add the chicken to the crockpot with the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper. Pour in the salsa and add the cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Beef Stew

Beef stew is a hearty and comforting recipe that’s perfect for busy days. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal preparation, making it a great option for those with limited time. The beef is cooked in a rich and flavorful broth, with tender vegetables like carrots and potatoes. The result is a deliciously tender and juicy stew that’s sure to become a family favorite. To make this recipe, simply add the beef to the crockpot with some broth and vegetables, and let it cook all day.
Ingredients
- 1 (2-3 pound) beef stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
To make this recipe, simply add the beef to the crockpot with the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and chopped potatoes. Pour in the beef broth and add the dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food recipe that’s perfect for busy days. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal preparation, making it a great option for those with limited time. The chicken is cooked in a light and flavorful broth, with tender noodles and vegetables like carrots and celery. The result is a deliciously tender and soothing soup that’s sure to become a family favorite. To make this recipe, simply add the chicken to the crockpot with some broth and vegetables, and let it cook all day.
Ingredients
- 1 (2-3 pound) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 8 ounces of egg noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
To make this recipe, simply add the chicken to the crockpot with the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and chopped celery. Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, add the egg noodles to the crockpot and cook until they’re tender.
White Chicken Chili

White chicken chili is a delicious and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for busy days. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal preparation, making it a great option for those with limited time. The chicken is cooked in a creamy and spicy broth, with tender vegetables like onions and bell peppers. The result is a deliciously tender and juicy chili that’s sure to become a family favorite. To make this recipe, simply add the chicken to the crockpot with some broth and vegetables, and let it cook all day.
Ingredients
- 1 (2-3 pound) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can of diced green chilies
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
To make this recipe, simply add the chicken to the crockpot with the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced green chilies and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the half-and-half and cook until the chili is heated through.
Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is a delicious and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for busy days. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal preparation, making it a great option for those with limited time. The pork is cooked in a tangy and spicy barbecue sauce, with tender vegetables like onions and bell peppers. The result is a deliciously tender and juicy pork that’s sure to become a family favorite. To make this recipe, simply add the pork to the crockpot with some barbecue sauce and vegetables, and let it cook all day.
Ingredients
- 1 (2-3 pound) pork shoulder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup of barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
To make this recipe, simply add the pork to the crockpot with the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper. Pour in the barbecue sauce and add the smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. When the pork is tender, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Ham & Potato Soup

Ham and potato soup is a hearty and comforting recipe that’s perfect for busy days. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal preparation, making it a great option for those with limited time. The ham is cooked in a rich and flavorful broth, with tender potatoes and vegetables like onions and carrots. The result is a deliciously tender and soothing soup that’s sure to become a family favorite. To make this recipe, simply add the ham to the crockpot with some broth and vegetables, and let it cook all day.
Ingredients
- 1 (2-3 pound) bone-in ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
To make this recipe, simply add the ham to the crockpot with the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and chopped potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Chicken Taco Soup

Chicken taco soup is a delicious and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for busy days. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal preparation, making it a great option for those with limited time. The chicken is cooked in a spicy and tangy broth, with tender vegetables like onions and bell peppers. The result is a deliciously tender and juicy soup that’s sure to become a family favorite. To make this recipe, simply add the chicken to the crockpot with some broth and vegetables, and let it cook all day.
Ingredients
- 1 (2-3 pound) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
To make this recipe, simply add the chicken to the crockpot with the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, cumin, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When the chicken is tender, use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Serve the soup hot, topped with your favorite taco toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced avocado.






