Set It and Forget It: 22 Crockpot Meals for Back-to-School Nights

These 22 crockpot recipes are all about making back-to-school nights easier, cozier, and a whole lot less stressful. Set it, forget it, and actually enjoy your evening.

Brown Sugar Crockpot Pork

Shredded pork on a white plate. — Brown Sugar Crockpot Pork. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

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Sweet meets savory in this crockpot pork shoulder rubbed with brown sugar and spices. It cooks low and slow until tender with a rich, caramelized flavor that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Crockpot Pork

Crockpot Carnitas

Image shows Tongs holding carnitas over a tray. — Crockpot Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These crockpot carnitas turn pork into juicy, fall-apart perfection with just the right mix of spices. Shred it up for tacos, burritos, or nachos and watch it disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Carnitas

Crockpot Green Chili Chicken

Three tacos filled with shredded chicken, avocado, cilantro, and diced red onion are arranged in a metal taco holder on a wooden surface. — Photo Credit: Fit as a mama bear

Spicy, smoky, and packed with flavor, this green chili chicken is shredded to perfection in the slow cooker. With just a few ingredients, it’s an easy gluten-free dinner win.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Green Chili Chicken

Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups

Boldly seasoned beef meets crisp masa cups for a fun twist on taco night. The slow cooker takes care of the tender beef while you get all the credit.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups

Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash

Crockpot Shepherd's Pie in ceramic bowl on matching plate with wooden spoon and oregano garnish. — Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Comfort food gets a lighter spin with this shepherd’s pie topped with creamy cauliflower mash. It’s hearty, wholesome, and meal-prep friendly.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash

Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs (Crockpot)

A white bowl with turkey meatballs tossed in honey sriracha sauce. — Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs (Crockpot). Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Sweet, spicy, and just a little sticky, these turkey meatballs are slow-cooked in a honey sriracha glaze that makes them impossible to stop eating. Perfect for game day or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Honey Sriracha Turkey Meatballs (Crockpot)

Best Crock Pot Ham

Looking for an easy dinner where the crock pot does all the work? This Best Crock Pot Ham recipe is tender, flavorful, and practically effortless.
Get the Recipe: Best Crock Pot Ham

Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

Closeup of Slow Cooker beef with egg noodles. — Crock Pot Beef and Noodles. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Creamy pasta, juicy chicken, and a kick of Cajun spice—this dish brings bold flavor with almost no effort. Toss everything in the slow cooker and dinner is handled.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Crock Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Creamy ranch sauce, shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta twirled together into the ultimate family dinner. This recipe checks all the comfort food boxes.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Spoonful of chicken tortilla soup with chicken and vegetables. — Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Little Frugal Homestead.

Just toss it all in the pot and let it simmer into a hearty, flavorful soup. Top with crispy tortilla strips, cheese, or avocado for a dinner everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crock Pot Chili served in two white bowls with spoon. — Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Small in size but big on flavor, this cozy crockpot chili is perfect for nights when you’re cooking for two.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crock pot French toast casserole

Slow cooker lined with parchment paper and filled with high protein French toast casserole with blueberries. — Crock pot French toast casserole. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Breakfast meets crockpot magic in this hands-off French toast casserole. The bread turns perfectly soft inside while the edges get that golden caramelized crunch.
Get the Recipe: Crock pot French toast casserole

Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Ham and Potato soup in a gray and white bowl with a spoon. — Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Creamy, hearty, and cheesy, this ham and potato soup is a stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal. A warm hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Slow cooker Italian beef on a crusty roll with provolone cheese and peppers. — Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Juicy shredded beef piled high on a bun and topped with melted provolone. These sandwiches are messy, melty, and downright irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Crock Pot Pizza

Yes, pizza in the crockpot! The crust cooks up soft and chewy while the toppings stay gooey and delicious. A fun twist on a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Pizza

Crock Pot Ramen

Top view of slow cooker chicken ramen in the Crock Pot. — Crock Pot Ramen. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Skip the takeout and make this flavorful ramen right in your slow cooker. Warm, savory broth and noodles ready when you walk in the door.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ramen

Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Pork chop topped with onion gravy on a white plate. — Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These pork chops cook low and slow in a creamy mushroom and onion gravy. They come out fork-tender and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Smothered Pork Chops

Crock Pot Spiral Ham

Spiral ham on a plate with asparagus and peaches in the background. — Crock Pot Spiral Ham. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Holiday-worthy spiral ham without the hassle. The slow cooker keeps it juicy, tender, and full of flavor with zero fuss.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Spiral Ham

Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot

Pork tenderloin on a cutting board next to a slow cooker. — Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This pork loin turns out juicy and flavorful every time thanks to the crockpot. A simple yet impressive dinner that pairs with any side.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Loin in Crock Pot

Steak Cubes in Crock Pot

These steak cubes simmer in the slow cooker until tender and savory. Great with mashed potatoes, rice, or tossed into tacos.
Get the Recipe: Steak Cubes in Crock Pot

Turkey Wings Recipe Crock Pot

Crockpot Turkey Wings cooked with herbs and spices. — Turkey Wings Recipe Crock Pot. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Slow-cooked until perfectly tender, these turkey wings are seasoned to perfection and make a hearty, comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Wings Recipe Crock Pot