Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen cooking up a storm, only to be left with a sink full of dishes and a rumbling stomach? Look no further! As a busy cook, we know that simplicity is key when it comes to meal prep. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 20 easy 3-ingredient crock pot recipes that will become your new best friend.
From classic comfort foods like mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, to international-inspired dishes like teriyaki pork and pulled pork, these recipes are perfect for a quick and delicious meal. And the best part? You only need three ingredients per dish! No more worrying about complicated cooking techniques or long ingredient lists – just throw everything in the crock pot and let it do its magic.
In this article, we’ll be sharing our top 20 easy 3-ingredient crock pot recipes that are perfect for busy cooks. From slow cooker BBQ chicken to creamy ranch potatoes, we’ve got you covered. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s dive into the world of easy crock pot cooking!
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe
Enjoy tender, smoky chicken with minimal effort using your slow cooker!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in any accumulated juices to keep the chicken moist.
Cooking Time:
– Low: 6-8 hours
– High: 3-4 hours
Notes:
This recipe is perfect for a busy day when you want delicious BBQ chicken with minimal fuss. The slow cooker does all the work, so just sit back and enjoy!
Crock Pot Ranch Pork Chops
Tender and flavorful pork chops smothered in a rich ranch sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless pork chops (1-1.5 lbs)
– 1 cup ranch seasoning
– 1 can cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning and cream of mushroom soup until well combined.
3. Place the pork chops in the Crock Pot and pour the ranch mixture over them.
4. Pour in the milk, making sure the pork chops are covered.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
3-Ingredient Beef Stew
A hearty and comforting stew that’s perfect for a chilly evening, this recipe requires only three ingredients: beef, potatoes, and onions.
Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
Add a burst of flavor to your weeknight dinner with this simple and delicious recipe. This slow cooker salsa chicken is perfect for busy days when you need a hassle-free meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1/2 cup salsa
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced onions, cilantro
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, diced tomatoes with green chilies, salsa, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir to combine with the sauce.
4. Serve hot, topped with your choice of optional toppings.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Simple Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
A classic comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for busy days or special occasions. This recipe yields a creamy, fluffy mashed potato dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the cubed potatoes in a crock pot.
2. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper on top of the potatoes.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Sweet and savory flavors come together in this easy-to-make slow cooker recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the honey, garlic, and olive oil.
3. Place the chicken in the slow cooker, spooning some of the honey mixture over it.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time:
Low: 6-8 hours
High: 3-4 hours
3-Ingredient Teriyaki Pork
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this simple and flavorful recipe that requires only three ingredients. This sweet and savory teriyaki pork is perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork chops or tenderloin
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
3. Place the pork on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Brush the teriyaki sauce evenly over both sides of the pork, making sure it’s fully coated.
5. Drizzle the honey over the top of the pork, if desired for an extra touch of sweetness.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pork reaches your desired level of doneness.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Easy Crock Pot Chili
Ready in under an hour, this hearty chili is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. With minimal prep and no fuss, you’ll have a warm and comforting meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (16 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapenos or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat; drain excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet; cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in chili powder and cumin; cook 1 minute.
4. Transfer mixture to the crock pot; add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Italian Beef Sandwiches
Transform tender beef into mouthwatering sandwiches with this easy and flavorful recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless beef pot roast
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Italian-style salad dressing
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 crusty sub rolls
– Provolone cheese, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the beef roast in a slow cooker.
2. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, Italian-style salad dressing, beef broth, dried oregano, and dried basil on top of the beef.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Slice the cooked beef against the grain and place it on sub rolls.
6. Add sliced provolone cheese, if desired.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
3-Ingredient Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Sweet and Sour Meatballs in a flash! This recipe combines the classic flavors of sweet and sour sauce with the convenience of just three ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef and breadcrumbs. Mix until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. While meatballs are baking, heat the sweet and sour sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
6. Once meatballs are done, remove from oven and carefully place into the sweet and sour sauce.
7. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to coat meatballs evenly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Crock Pot Creamy Ranch Potatoes
Transform plain potatoes into a rich and creamy side dish with this simple recipe! With the help of your trusty Crock Pot, you’ll be enjoying tender and flavorful potatoes that are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped chives or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Place the potato slices in your Crock Pot.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together ranch dressing and cream cheese until smooth.
3. Pour the creamy mixture over the potatoes.
4. Dot the top with butter.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 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 Maple Glazed Ham
Elevate your ham game with this sweet and savory slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for a crowd.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves until well combined.
3. Place the ham in the slow cooker and brush the glaze all over the surface, making sure to cover every inch.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Easy 3-Ingredient Mac and Cheese
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this ridiculously simple recipe that requires only three ingredients! Get ready to cozy up with a creamy, cheesy macaroni dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, combine the milk and shredded cheese. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
5. Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish and top with additional shredded cheese (optional).
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Carrots
Elevate your carrot game with this sweet and savory slow cooker recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these tender carrots are infused with the rich flavors of brown sugar and spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine the chopped carrots, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir until the carrots are evenly coated with the mixture.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
3-Ingredient Crock Pot Apple Butter
Elevate your fall baking and cooking with this ridiculously easy recipe for Crock Pot Apple Butter. With just three ingredients, you’ll be enjoying a deliciously smooth and tangy spread in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 apples (any variety, but firmer apples like Granny Smith work best)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
2. Place the apple pieces in a Crock Pot liner or directly in the crock pot.
3. Add the brown sugar and water on top of the apples.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Mash the mixture with a potato masher or a fork to desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Tips:
Use a Crock Pot liner for easy cleanup. You can also adjust the amount of sugar and water to your taste. This apple butter is perfect for topping toast, muffins, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken
Moist and flavorful chicken breasts smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken breasts, garlic, butter, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the mixture to ensure the chicken is coated with the sauce.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Easy Crock Pot Pineapple Pork
Get ready for a sweet and savory twist on traditional pork recipes with this easy crock pot recipe! Tender pork, infused with the sweetness of pineapple and the tanginess of BBQ sauce, is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
2. In a crock pot, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and olive oil.
3. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the crock pot.
4. Place the pork shoulder on top of the onions and garlic.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with pineapple wedges and chopped fresh cilantro (optional).
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Get ready for a deliciously easy meal with this simple recipe that yields tender, flavorful pulled pork with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1 can of cola (12 oz)
– 1 packet of pulled pork seasoning mix (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions:
1. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker.
2. Pour the cola over the pork, making sure it’s fully submerged.
3. Sprinkle the pulled pork seasoning mix evenly over the top of the pork.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Use two forks to shred the pork into tender, juicy strands.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
This recipe requires minimal preparation and is perfect for busy days when you need a comforting meal with little effort. The cola adds a rich flavor to the pork without overpowering it, while the seasoning mix provides a boost of savory goodness. Serve on a bun or with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.
Crock Pot Honey Mustard Chicken
Sweet and tangy, this Crock Pot Honey Mustard Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy days. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, you’ll be enjoying tender and juicy chicken with a hint of honey and mustard in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and Dijon mustard until well combined.
3. Place the chicken in the Crock Pot and brush the honey-mustard mixture evenly over both breasts.
4. Pour in the chicken broth.
5. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
6. Remove the chicken from the Crock Pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Beef Tacos
A flavorful and effortless meal that’s perfect for a busy day. This slow cooker recipe combines tender beef, tangy tomatoes, and savory seasonings to create delicious tacos with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (such as chuck or round), sliced into thin strips
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 packet (1.25 oz) taco seasoning
Instructions:
1. Add the sliced beef, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
3. Shred the beef with two forks and stir to combine with the juices.
4. Serve the beef mixture in tacos shells with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, lettuce, and diced tomatoes.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Summary
Get ready to make mealtime a breeze with these easy and delicious crock pot recipes! With just 3 ingredients, you can create a variety of mouth-watering dishes. From classic comfort foods like mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, to international-inspired flavors like teriyaki pork and sweet and sour meatballs, there’s something for everyone. And the best part? Simply add your ingredients, turn on the crock pot, and let the magic happen! Perfect for busy cooks, these recipes are a game-changer for any meal of the day.
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