27 Crockpot Recipes in 3 hours

Cooking at home doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. With a crockpot, you can make delicious meals in just three hours! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, these easy and tasty crockpot recipes will make your life easier.

From honey garlic chicken to Mongolian beef, these dishes are packed with flavor and require minimal effort. You just need to prepare the ingredients, toss them in the crockpot, and let it do the work!

This collection of simple and hearty slow cooker recipes is perfect for busy families, beginners, or anyone who loves homemade food but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive in and discover these easy crockpot meals that you can prepare in just 3 hours!

1. Honey Garlic Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 4

Sweet, savory, and garlicky—this honey garlic chicken is a family favorite! The combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a rich and flavorful sauce that coats the tender chicken perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, oregano, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
4. If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water, then stir it into the sauce. Let it cook for 5 more minutes.
5. Serve hot with rice or steamed vegetables.

2. Tater Tot Casserole

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 6

This tater tot casserole is cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor! It’s the perfect comfort food for busy days.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef with chopped onion in a skillet. Drain excess grease.
2. Spread the beef mixture in the crockpot.
3. Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the beef.
4. Add shredded cheese on top.
5. Arrange the frozen tater tots over everything.
6. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

3. Baked Ziti

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 6

A crockpot baked ziti is the easiest way to enjoy this classic Italian dish without the hassle! The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta (uncooked)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain the grease.
2. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Pour half of the marinara sauce into the crockpot.
4. Add half of the uncooked ziti, then half of the ricotta mixture, half of the beef, and half of the shredded cheese.
5. Repeat the layers, ending with shredded cheese on top.
6. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

4. Swedish Meatballs

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 4

Swedish meatballs are creamy, savory, and absolutely delicious. This crockpot version makes it super easy to enjoy this classic dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (24 oz) frozen meatballs
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pour over the meatballs.
3. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
4. Stir in the sour cream and mix well.
5. Serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

5. Taco Meat

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 6

Making taco meat in the crockpot is simple and gives the beef a deep, rich flavor. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or nachos!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• ½ cup water
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef with the chopped onion in a skillet. Drain the grease.
2. Transfer the beef to the crockpot.
3. Add taco seasoning, water, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
5. Serve in taco shells with your favorite toppings.

6. Honey Garlic Chicken and Vegetables

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 4

This honey garlic chicken recipe is made even better with vegetables! The sauce coats everything, making it a complete meal in one pot.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 cups baby carrots
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken, carrots, and potatoes in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, oregano, and black pepper. Pour over the ingredients.
3. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
4. Serve warm and enjoy!

7. Baked Potatoes

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 4

Crockpot baked potatoes come out soft, fluffy, and perfectly cooked every time. No need to heat up the oven!

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the potatoes. Poke each potato with a fork a few times.
2. Rub the potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
3. Wrap each potato in aluminum foil and place them in the crockpot.
4. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
5. Serve with butter, sour cream, cheese, or any toppings you like!

8. Italian Chicken and Potatoes

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 4

This dish is packed with Italian flavors and makes for a hearty and delicious meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 large potatoes, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 packet Italian dressing mix
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken and potatoes in the crockpot.
2. Sprinkle Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, and black pepper over the top.
3. Pour in the chicken broth.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes.
5. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
6. Serve hot with a side of salad or steamed vegetables.

9. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 6

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken stew is comforting, rich, and perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 3 cups diced potatoes
• 2 cups carrots, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken, potatoes, and carrots in the crockpot.
2. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour in the chicken broth.
4. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it cook for 5 more minutes.
6. Serve hot with crusty bread.

10. Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 4

This chicken broccoli alfredo is creamy, cheesy, and so easy to make in the crockpot!

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 12 oz cooked fettuccine pasta

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken, garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper in the crockpot.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well.
3. Cover and cook on high for 2.5 hours.
4. Add the broccoli and cheeses, stirring well. Cook for another 30 minutes.
5. Mix in the cooked pasta and serve hot.

11. Chicken Pot Pie

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 6

A chicken pot pie without the hassle! This crockpot version has all the comforting flavors of the classic dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken, frozen vegetables, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Spoon the chicken mixture into an oven-safe dish. Place biscuit dough on top.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until biscuits are golden brown.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

12. Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 4

This garlic parmesan chicken & potatoes is flavorful and so easy to make!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 large potatoes, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken and potatoes in the crockpot.
2. Sprinkle garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the top.
3. Pour in the chicken broth.
4. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
5. Serve hot with a side of vegetables.

13. Chicken Curry

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 4

This crockpot chicken curry is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken, tomatoes, onion, garlic, curry powder, salt, and black pepper in the crockpot.
2. Pour in the coconut milk and mix well.
3. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
4. Serve hot with rice.

14. Moroccan-Spiced Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 4

This Moroccan-spiced chicken is full of warm spices and rich flavors, making it a perfect comforting meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken, diced tomatoes, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Add cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
5. Serve with couscous or rice and enjoy!

15. Pork Chops

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 4

These tender and juicy crockpot pork chops are full of flavor and pair well with mashed potatoes or rice.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless pork chops
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Place the pork chops in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Pour the mixture over the pork chops.
4. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
5. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or vegetables.

16. Candied Yams

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 6

These sweet and buttery candied yams are a delicious side dish, perfect for the holidays or any time of year!

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Place the sliced sweet potatoes in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
3. Pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes.
4. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

17. Grape Jelly Meatballs

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 8

These grape jelly meatballs are sweet, tangy, and perfect as an appetizer or main dish!

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (24 oz) frozen meatballs
• 1 cup grape jelly
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions:

1. Place the frozen meatballs in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix grape jelly and barbecue sauce. Pour over the meatballs.
3. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve as an appetizer or over rice.

18. Beef Bourguignon

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 6

This classic French beef stew is rich, hearty, and full of deep flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups carrots, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Place the beef, onion, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms in the crockpot.
2. Add tomato paste, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour in the red wine and beef broth. Stir well.
4. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
5. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

19. Mac and Cheese

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 6

This creamy and cheesy crockpot mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Place the uncooked macaroni in the crockpot.
2. Add the shredded cheeses, milk, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve warm and enjoy!

20. Kielbasa and Sauerkraut

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 4

This hearty kielbasa and sauerkraut dish is tangy, savory, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced
• 1 can (16 oz) sauerkraut, drained
• ½ cup apple juice
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Place the sliced kielbasa and sauerkraut in the crockpot.
2. Add apple juice, brown sugar, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
4. Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

21. Scalloped Potatoes

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 6

These creamy and cheesy scalloped potatoes are a perfect side dish for any meal!

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Layer the sliced potatoes in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour over the potatoes.
3. Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese on top.
4. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

22. Chicken Alfredo

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 4

This crockpot chicken alfredo is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner!

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 12 oz cooked fettuccine pasta

Instructions:

1. Place the cubed chicken in the crockpot.
2. Add heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
3. Cover and cook on high for 2.5 hours.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt for 10 minutes.
5. Add the cooked pasta and mix well. Serve hot.

23. Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 6

This chicken enchilada casserole is packed with cheesy, spicy, and comforting flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, shredded
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup black beans, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 small corn tortillas, cut into pieces
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Place the shredded chicken in the crockpot.
2. Add enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, cumin, and garlic powder. Mix well.
3. Layer the corn tortillas over the mixture.
4. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and let it melt for 5 minutes. Serve hot.

24. Pulled Pork

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 6

This juicy and flavorful pulled pork is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or just by itself!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over the pork.
3. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
4. Shred the pork with two forks and mix it with the sauce.
5. Serve on buns or over rice.

25. Mongolian Beef

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serves: 4

This Mongolian beef is sweet, savory, and better than takeout!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak, sliced thin
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup beef broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the sliced beef in the crockpot.
2. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
3. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it thicken for 10 minutes.
5. Serve over rice or noodles.

Final Thoughts

Cooking delicious meals doesn’t have to be complicated! With these easy 3-hour crockpot recipes, you can enjoy comforting, homemade food with minimal effort.

Whether you’re craving hearty beef dishes, creamy pastas, or flavorful chicken recipes, there’s something here for everyone.

So grab your crockpot, pick a recipe, and let the magic happen!