Slow Cooker Kitchen logo

menu icon
search icon

Slow Cooker Kitchen

1 (or 2) Ingredient Crockpot Caramel Sauce

This Crockpot Caramel Sauce is Quick, Easy & Delicious!

Do you love caramel?  How about caramel sauce?  Salted caramel?  Salted caramel sauce? Have you ever heard of crockpot caramel sauce?  How about 1 or 2 ingredient crockpot caramel sauce?  You'll never guess how easy it is to make!

Caramel is one of my favorite dessert flavors.  And salted caramel.  When that stuff got popular I was forever drooling over the latest recipe.  The only problem about when something gets popular...or at least for me in a smaller town...supply.  Demand always seems to be higher than supply.  Great for the companies and make the stuff...terrible for me, because I can never FIND it!  Super frustrating, to say the least.  So I learned how to make crockpot caramel sauce and turn it into salted caramel sauce too!

Deliciously Easy Caramel Sauce...

I am very happy to say that my frustration is over!  No more searching for caramel sauce, salted caramel or anything of the like.  Crockpot caramel sauce takes two...count them TWO ingredients.  It also takes a grand total of 5 minutes to accomplish.

This is another total win!  Check out the step-by-step instructions below ~or~ page down for the Pinnable & printable versions of this recipe.

Give it a shot and tell us what you think too!

Happy Crockin' :)

Step by Step Crockpot Caramel Sauce

Buy Some Sweetened Condensed MilkSlow Cooker Caramel Sauce

Remove the labels & Place Them in the Crock Pot
Easy Caramel SaucePour water to about 1 inch over the top of the cans...

Cover & Cook on Low Overnight...

Turn off the crockpot and allow the cans to cool for a few hours.caramel sauce

If You Want Salted Caramel...

Grab some Himalayan pink salt, Celtic sea salt or something of the like...
caramel

Pour the salt into a canister of some sort and add 1/2 teaspoon of the salt.  Stir well.

Do A Taste Test...
Easy Caramel Sauce Recipe

This isn't only to check if you've got the amount of salt you want (but do this and adjust accordingly)  It's also to precede the booty dance you are more than likely gonna do :)

Cause It. Is. Awesome!!!

Cover, Label & Store in the Refrigerator Up to 2 MonthsSlow Cooker Caramel Sauce

You can also label the can and store it in the pantry.  Don't make it more than a couple months ahead though cause it will start crystallizing and gets a little gross.  No worries there though because tossing a can or two into the slow cooker overnight is completely no big deal.  You'll never have to buy it again :)

Check out the Pinnable and printable recipes below.  Let us know what you think too!

Recipe

Crockpot Caramel Sauce

Crockpot Caramel Sauce

SlowCookerKitchen.com
If you love caramel sauce or salted caramel for cooking...this recipe is for you.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Peel labels from milk cans.
  • Place in crockpot and cover with 1 inch of water.
  • Cover and cook on low overnight.
  • Allow to cool for a few hours before removing from crockpot.
  • Spoon cooled caramel into a bowl and mix in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt at a time.
  • Taste test and adjust accordingly.
  • Cover, label and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Easy Caramel Sauce

Bacon Wrapped Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

If You're Wanting Something a Little Different But Still Sorta Traditional...This Recipe is For You! 'Cause bacon is awesome.  Bacon-wrapped around anything else is just as awesome.  And I'd seen bacon-wrapped chicken a couple of times and thought it looked pretty delicious...But chicken isn't for the holidays around here. The in-laws like a little more of a traditional spin.  So this bacon-wrapped slow cooker turkey breast idea was born.slow cooker turkey breast

 

I thought when I started making it that it would take forever.  I'd never attempted the "basket weaving" thing with any kind of food.  Thankfully though, I was WRONG :)  It took a grand total of 15 minutes.

Before we go any farther, let's get the legal stuff out of the way…this post may contain affiliate links. This means I get a small commission if you purchase through these links. This will NOT increase your cost in any way. But does give you awesome recommendations that have been tested by myself or someone I dearly trust.

Maybe that was luck, maybe it'll be that easy the next round, I'm not sure.  All I know is that is was pretty easy to do and absolutely delicious!  Everyone loved it.

The bacon actually got a bit crispy too!  I really didn't expect that in the slow cooker.  I was very pleased.

The bacon grease also keeps the breast moist and juicy AND there are only 5 ingredients to this recipe too!  So a total win the whole way around.

Check out the recipe.  You can find both printable and Pinterest versions at the bottom of this post.  Give it a shot and let us know how yours turns out!

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Step-by-Step

Gather Your Ingredients

crockpot turkey breast

There isn't much to this (which is awesome)...

  • Any size turkey breast you'd like
  • Onion soup mix
  • Bacon
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder (or a little less if you'd prefer)

Begin by laying bacon strips like this...
crock pot turkey breast

Lay down a strip of bacon horizontally then move every other vertical bacon strip over it...
slow cooker turkey

Lay down another strip and repeat the process...

15 minutes later this is what you get!bacon wrapped turkey

It isn't perfect and the backside looks no-so-awesome...but that part will be laying down inside the crockpot.

Place it in the slow cooker with the "no-so-pretty" ends down...crockpot dinners

Sprinkle with garlic powder, soup mix then drizzle with Worcestershireturkey breast

Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours

Here's the deliciousness cooked and ready to eat  :)slow cooker turkey breast

 Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast

Recipe

slow cooker turkey breast

Bacon-Wrapped Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Gwen@SlowCookerKitchen.com
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings 8 people

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

Slow Cooker

  • Basket-weave the bacon over and around the turkey breast.
  • Spray, oil or butter your slow cooker insert.
  • Place the turkey breast in the crockpot with the bacon strip ends facing down.
  • Sprinkle with garlic powder and soup mix, then drizzle with Worcestershire sauce.
  • Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours.

Oven-Baked

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Basket-weave the bacon as per the slow cooker images within the article.
  • Liberally oil/butter an oven-safe baking dish with at least 2-inch edges.
  • Put the turkey in the center of the baking dish with the bacon ends down per the slow cooker directions.
  • Drizzle with Worcestershire sauce and sprinkle with onion soup mix and garlic powder.
  • Preheat the oven to 340 degrees. Baked the turkey for 60 to 70 minutes. Internal temperature should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • If the turkey isn't done or hasn't reached the appropriate temperature rotate the turkey and bake an additional 20 to 30 minutes.

Freezer Meal (2 options)

  • Freezing before Assembly -
    1. Pour the Worchestershire sauce, onion soup mix, and garlic powder into a 1-quart freezer bag. Close and knead to mix. You may need to add a bit of water or chicken broth to make it mix.
    2. Open and squeeze out as much air as possible and stack with the packet of bacon and place both on top of the turkey breast. Wrap with freezer or painter's tape per the directions for our Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie recipe.
  • Freezing after Basket Weaving -
    1. Make a seasoning bag per the directions in #1 above. Set aside.
    2. Basket-weave the bacon around the turkey per the directions using the slow cooker method. Do this on an oiled or buttered cookie sheet.
    3. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer and allow the bacon to freeze completely (about 4 hours or overnight).
    4. Remove the turkey breast from the freezer and place it in a 1-gallon OR 2.5-gallon freezer bag.
    5. Toss the seasoning packet into the larger, prelabeled bag and freeze up to 3 months.

Notes

Crisping the Bacon - If the bacon doesn't brown to your liking, preheat the oven to broil, place the turkey in an oven-safe dish, and broil 5 to 15 minutes. Or until the bacon is at the crispness level you prefer.
 
Before Serving  - Transfer the turkey to a tray or cooling rack and allow it to rest 15 minutes before slicing.
Freezer Meal Notes (for preassembled option) - Do not defrost the turkey breast. Work quickly so it does not defrost, as defrosting and refreezing any raw meat isn't considered safe.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

9 Delicious Slow Cooker Meatball Recipes

Nothing Says Yummy Quite Like Meatballs

And nothings easier, yummier or gobbled down quite as fast as these slow cooker meatball recipes either :) So if you're having a party, taking stuff to a potluck sort of thing OR just wanting something tasty... THIS is the right place to be.

There's something for everyone in this list.

  • Beef, Pork or Chicken varieties
  • Quick and Easy's with frozen meatballs
  • From scratch meatballs and sauces too!

You'll find everything from a super-easy, 2 minute dump and go recipe to Asian-Sesame and Hawaiian types too.

Here's a detailed listing:

  • Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
  • Honey-Buffalo Meatballs
  • Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs
  • Super Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs
  • 3-Ingredient Barbecue Ranch Meatballs
  • Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
  • Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs
  • Crockpot Sesame-Asian Meatballs
  • Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

9 Delicious Slow Cooker Meatball Recipes. Find this and other awesome crockpot recipes at https://www.slowcookerkitchen.com

If you want to try something really cool borrow a couple slow cooker's from friends and family and make 2 or 3 of these recipes.  You might need quite a few toothpicks but folks LOVE the "meatball bar".  Afterward the leftovers (IF there are any) can go home as doggie-bags.  You can also freeze them for later.  Yep, most of these will freeze without any issue.

These meatball recipes aren't just appetizers though.  We've eaten just about every one for a main course too.  Over rice, topping pasta or just on their own with a salad on the side...they are absolutely delicious.

So scroll on down and check out our listing of slow cooker meatball recipes.  Enjoy the yumminess and let us know which is your favorite too.  And as always, Happy Crockin'!

9 Slow Cooker Meatball Recipes

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Meatballs by Tablespoonbuffalo chicken slow cooker meatball recipes

What a cool idea! This sounds completely delicious.

Honey-Buffalo Meatballs by Carls Bad Cravingshoney buffalo crockpot meatballs

These sounds amazing!!!

Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs by Carls Bad Cravingscranberry slow cooker meatballs

Yummy appetizer here. Both sweet & spicy. Can't beat this one!

Super Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs by Slow Cooker Kitcheneasy slow cooker meatballs

No one will guess they take 3 ingredients AND 3 minutes...

3-Ingredient Barbecue Ranch Meatballs by The Frugal Girlsbarbecue ranch meatball recipe

Here's another super easy meatballs recipe! YUM :)

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs by The Country Cookswedish meatballs

5 minutes and 6 ingredients to prep this deliciousness.  These make a perfect dinner, snack or appetizer.

Crockpot Teriyaki Meatballs by Recipe Runnerteriyaki slow cooker meatballs

From scratch meatballs AND teriyaki sauce. Cool!

Crockpot Sesame-Asian Meatballs by Flavor Mosaicasian sesame meatballs

How very cool does this recipe sound...

Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs by Six Sisters Stuffhawaiian meatballs

These look so fun...Talk about a yummy way to chase away the winter blahs!

If you like this post be sure to check out our 9 Uber Easy Crock Pot Dip Recipes!  They're just as delicious and take SOOOO little work.

Party foods can be super easy when you let your slow cooker do the work for you :)

And once again...Happy Crockin'!

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Dressing

This Slow Cooker Stuffing is a Delicious Addition to Any Holiday Dinner!

Have you ever made a slow cooker dressing? Pardon me. I was raised in the South. Have you ever made a slow cooker STUFFING?  I have...several times.  We've had everything from cornbread stuffing from scratch to stove-top only turned crockpot.  We've had several in between too.  Some have been epic fails, some have been pretty successful.  If you're looking for a one-pot stuffing meal, here's a chicken & stuffing casserole.  It was a success :)

Everyone likes this dressing recipe when it's made in the crock pot.  I think the main reason it's successful is that it stays super moist.  As long as you keep your lid on the moisture can't escape and it keeps it moist, creamy, and delicious.  I suppose some folks might like it drier, but no one around here does.

This recipe cooks for about 4 to 5 hours.  If you need it to cook longer make sure and add a bit more liquid.  Like about a 1/4 cup extra per hour.  Maybe upwards of 1/3 cup per hour, depending on how hot your crockpot cooks.

One Last Note...

This recipe was served up with a full crockpot spread!  It included:

So if you are looking to make your holiday meals super easy, check them all out and look for the holiday dinner to become super easy.

Before we go any farther, let's get the legal stuff out of the way…this post may contain affiliate links. This means I get a small commission if you purchase through these links. This will NOT increase your cost in any way. But does give you awesome recommendations that have been tested by myself or someone I dearly trust.

So if you're looking for a super easy, incredibly tasty version of dressing... here it is!  Oh!  One last requirement.  You MUST love King's Hawaiian rolls.

IF this stuffing mix has been available before this year, I didn't know about it.  My loss.  'Cause it's just plain YUMMY!

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Dressing. Visit https://www.slowcookerkitchen.com for this recipe and more!Here's the dressing recipe step-by-step.  If you're in a hurry or if you'd rather you can scroll down for the printable version as well.

Give it a try and let us know if you like it.  And as always...Happy Crockin'!

Slow Cooker Dressing Step-by-Step:

Gather your ingredients...

crockpot dressing

Ingredients:

  • King's Hawaiian bread crumbs
  • Turkey stuffing mix
  • Butter
  • Onions, diced (optional)
  • Celery, diced
  • Chicken broth ~or~ 4 cups water + 2 heaping tablespoons chicken flavored Better Than Bouillon

 

Dice up the veggies you're using...

crock pot dressing

Onions are required to be optional in this house.  My hubbie and I love them.  But we've a few friends that can't have them...so optional.  If you choose to go with the onions, a sweeter type like a Vidalia or sweet yellow works great with the sweetness of the Hawaiian bread.

 Saute the celery and/or the onions in the butter 'til just slightly browned...

stuffing recipe

Spray or butter the insert...

slow cooker stuffing

Add the bread crumbs, stuffing mix and veggies.

 Add the chicken stock and mix well...

crockpot stuffing

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.  If you would rather cook it overnight just add a little more broth or water so it doesn't dry out or burn around the edges.

 Serve up this delicious side for an amazing holiday dinner :)

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Dressing

 

Recipe

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Dressing

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Dressing - Easy Stuffing Recipe for Crockpot, Oven-Baked, & Freezer

SlowCookerKitchen.com
If you need to cook this yummy recipe longer than 5 hours just add a little more broth or water to keep the edges from burning.
5 from 4 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 12 ounce bag King’s Hawaiian bread crumbs
  • 2 boxes turkey stuffing mix
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 1/2 cups onions diced (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups celery diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth

Instructions
 

Slow Cooker

  • Spray or butter the crock pot insert.
  • Dice the celery and/or onion.
  • Saute them both over medium heat in the butter til they just begin to soften.
  • Mix all ingredients well.
  • Pour into the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.

Oven Baked

  • Follow steps 1 thru 4 from slow cooker directions
  • Pour into a buttered/oiled 9x13 oven-friendly baking pan. Cover pan with foil.
  • Bake in a preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15-20 more minutes. Or until the edges are just crispy.

Freezer

  • Follow the first 4 steps in the slow cooker method.
  • Pour into a labeled, one-gallon freezer bag. Freeze for up to 6 weeks.
  • To Cook -
    1. Allow to defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
    2. Choose your cooking method from above and pour into the appropriate pan/insert.
    3. Bake as per the directions in that cooking method. *See Notes.

Notes

Freezer Method - Your slow cooker stuffing will most likely lack a little moisture once it is defrosted. This is normal. The bread(s) have soaked up all the juices.
If you see it is a bit dry, just add a bit more chicken broth. Add about a 1/4 cup at a time until it is moist and looks like it did when you froze it. You can also add a bit more melted butter if you would like it to be extra creamy.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
 

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Make Ahead Chicken Thighs Can Be a Lifesaver!

These slow cooker chicken thighs are very tasty.  They can be eaten just as they are OR used to make just about ANY meal...

I try, Try, TRY to keep a menu plan and schedule most of the time.  But life happens.  We get busy and sometimes stuff has to go.  Sometimes I just plain forget too :)

Freezer meals and make-ahead casseroles are the bomb.  I love them!  But (yeah, there's another but) I'm a moody creature too.  I don't always want what I had planned.

That's where making meats ahead comes in so handy.  You can make these ahead, cut them up and freeze.  They are then ready to make any dish you can imagine that calls for chicken.  Absolutely perfection for busy day meals!

They take less than 5 minutes to toss in the slow cooker and I've cooked them overnight with success every, single time.

Let us know if you like the flavor or if the recipe comes in handy.

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Gather Ingredients...

make ahead chicken

Place chicken in oiled, buttered or sprayed slow cooker...crockpot chicken
Add 1/2 cup soy sauce...slow cooker chicken
Sprinkle on spices and seasonings...crock pot chicken thighs
Cover and cook on low overnight (or at least 5 hours)...freezer chicken
Dice it up & Use it...this is how I do it if it's still hot...slow cooker thighs

What To Do With It Now?

You can now use it any way you like...

  1. Eat it!  Just like it is.
  2. Dice it up and serve it over rice or pasta, drizzle on part of the juices.
  3. Use it immediately in a dish like these... Pst: Even if they call for raw chicken you can use it premade. It'll just cook lots faster :)

We hope you find this recipe helpful and a time saver.  It sure helps around here.

If you like this recipe you might also want to check out these yummy chicken ideas:

See below for the printable version of this recipe.

Recipe

slow cooker chicken thighs

Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

SlowCookerKitchen.com
These slow cooker chicken thighs are very tasty. They can be eaten just as they are OR used to make just about ANY meal…
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons parsley flakes
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Himalayan salt to taste optional

Instructions
 

  • Spray or oil the slow cooker insert.
  • Lay the chicken thighs in the crockpot bottom in a single layer (if you have more than will fit in a single layer just layer chicken, soy, spices like lasagna).
  • Drizzle on the soy, then the spices.
  • Cover and cook on low overnight (or at least 5 hours)
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese

Deliciously Creamy & Super Easy Too...

 

I've been searching for the perfect slow cooker mac & cheese recipe for a while now.  To me...for the crockpot that means:

  1. Easy
  2. Quick
  3. Decently healthy

I don't always make it on the third one but I try.  And honestly my theory there is even when I use canned cream of "something" or a packet for seasoning...it still comes from home, it's a heck of a lot healthier than take out and it can always be modified later for completely "from scratch" ingredients".

This one works for #1 & #2 and depending on your personal opinion...partially #3.

Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese Step-by-Step

Skillet Boiling the Pasta...

I don't boil pasta like most people. I am not sure where I even saw this method.  I'm pretty sure it was someplace in a cooking video on YouTube but I've no idea which one.

It's very easy and a super time saver.

  • Spray, oil or butter your skillet
  • Add the pasta
  • Cover with hot tap water 'til just covering the pasta
  • Cover and cook on high for about 5 minutes

slow cooker mac & cheese

Your pasta doesn't need to be done or even al dente'...for using it in a slow cooker recipe it just needs to be a little soft.  Sorta at the really gross stage if you taste it ;)

There are no other tricks to this recipe.  This is a super simple, warm...creamy...gooey slow cooker mac & cheese.  You can add cooked meats and veggies too!  Then you've got an easy one-pot meal :)

Give it a shot and let us know if you like it.

Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese Instructions

slow cooker mac & cheese

Gather your ingredients...

crock pot macaroni and cheeseSkillet boil your pasta for about 5 minutes.

mac and cheese

Toss everything in the crock pot.

slow cooker macaroni and cheese

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.

slow cooker macaroni and cheese recipe

Delicious, creamy comfort food!

Page down for the Pinnable & Printable versions of this recipe...

Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese...find this and more great recipes at https://www.slowcookerkitchen.com

Recipe

macaroni and cheese

Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese

SlowCookerKitchen.com
You can add a couple cups of cooked meats & or frozen veggies to this recipe...that makes it a super easy, yummy one-pot meal...
1 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta
  • 1 cups milk
  • 1 can cream of "something" soup
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 block cream cheese
  • 3 cups shredded cheeses

Instructions
 

Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese

  • Spray, oil or butter the slow cooker insert.
  • Skillet boil the pasta for 5 minutes (see instructions below).
  • Toss everything the in the crockpot.
  • Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours; high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

Skillet Boiling Pasta

  • Spray, oil or butter your skillet
  • Add the pasta
  • Cover with hot tap water ’til just covering the pasta
  • Cover and cook on high for about 5 minutes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs

A Super Easy, Yummy Appetizer!

If you're doing any sort of potluck, get together or party...these easy slow cooker meatballs are the bomb!  They're so tasty you'd never guess they only take 3 ingredients or 3 minutes to toss in the crockpot :)

The ingredients are a snap...

  • 32 ounces of meatballs, any kind you like ~or~ you can make them from scratch
  • 1 bottle chili sauce
  • 1 jar of grape jelly

You mix up the ingredients, cover and cook them a couple hours. Easy, peesy...

You can also mix it up a little.  This is sorta a "classic" recipe but you can also change one or both the ingredients and come up with something totally different but equally tasty.  How about one of these ideas:

  • Swap out the grape jelly for apricot or plum
  • Swap out the chili sauce for salsa
  • Swap out the meatballs for kielbasa or little smokies
  • And the list goes on...

With us a couple little tweaks and maybe a triple crockpot you can easily have all the appetizers you need for any party.  It's a super simple way to take the stress out of most any get together prep.

Just check out the step-by-step pictures below.  Once you run through them once this recipe is a snap. You'll only wonder why you never made them before!

Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs Step-By-Step...
Gather your ingredients...crockpot meatballs
Mix the jelly and chili sauce together...meatball appetizer
Pour mixture over meatballs...crock pot meatballs
Cover and cook on low for about 3 hours...slow cooker appetizer
Serve and enjoy!easy slow cooker meatballs

If you're looking for more slow cooker appetizer recipes you might want to check out our 3-Ingredient Classic Queso or these 3-Ingredent Lil' Smokies.

We've provided the pinnable and printable versions of this recipe below.  We hope you enjoy both.

And as always...Happy Crockin'!

Visit https://www.slowcookerkitchen.com for more.

Recipe

easy slow cooker meatballs

Easy Slow Cooker Meatballs

SlowCookerKitchen.com
If you're doing any sort of potluck, get together or party...these easy slow cooker meatballs are the bomb! They're so tasty you'd never guess they only take 3 ingredients or 3 minutes to toss in the crockpot...
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 3 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 32 ounces of meatballs any kind you like
  • 1 bottle chili sauce
  • 1 jar of grape jelly

Instructions
 

  • Spray the slow cooker insert.
  • Pour meatballs into insert and mix equal parts chili sauce and grape jelly.
  • Pour mixture over the meatballs.
  • Cover and cook on low for 3-5 hours (5-7 if you are using homemade, raw meatballs).
  • Serve directly out of the crockpot or transfer to a serving plate with sauce on the side.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

 

Slow Cooker Spiral Ham

This is One Delicious Slow Cooker Ham Recipe!

 

Ham is a classic for the holidays in many homes.  It's one of the favorites around here for sure.  Spiral ham beat out regular ham years ago and this slow cooker spiral ham has now topped them all.

But there's an issue with favorites and classics. They add up. Quick.  Your menu and cooking schedule can get super overwhelming.  Not just that but the oven too.  No matter how big it is it's never quite big enough for the amount of food being cooked.  Thus our trusty slow cooker to the rescue!

 

You can make just about any cut of meat in your crockpot and ham is no exception.  This recipe takes 5 minutes to prep and just 5 ingredients.  This recipe is slightly sweet (from the pineapple juice) and slightly tangy (from the Worcestershire sauce).  If you like your ham sweeter, adding a cup of brown sugar with the spices does the job and makes another completely delicious option.

Turning or basting it once in the middle is great if you're home and have time.  But if you don't or aren't it won't hurt it a bit to just cover, turn on low and walk away for 8 hours either.

Check out the step by step recipe below...its super easy and will be a great time saver too :)

Step-By-Step 5 Minute Crockpot Spiral Ham Prep...

Gather your ingredients...

Crockpot Ham

2 cups pineapple juice

Crock pot ham

1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce

Crock pot spiral ham

Combine garlic and onion powders (and brown sugar if you're using it)crockpot spiral ham

Liberally sprinkle with half the spices...ham recipe

Flip the ham over and sprinkle with remaining spices.spiral ham

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.7 2

And that is it! It couldn't be easier and it has a delicious flavor that's perfect for just about anything.

Enjoy the recipe and let us know how it turned out, please.

And as always...Rock That Crock :)

Printable Slow Cooker Spiral Ham 

Recipe

Super delicious and incredibly easy too! This one's pineapple garlic AND there's directions for pineapple brown sugar too :)

Slow Cooker Spiral Ham

Gwen | SlowCookerKitchen
This 5 ingredient, 5 minute slow cooker ham is a great time saver. Slightly tangy and slightly sweet can be bumped up a level by adding 1 cup of brown sugar to the spice mixing step. 
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 5 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Spray, oil or butter your crockpot insert.
  • Place the ham in the slow cooker and marinate first with the pineapple juice then the Worcestershire sauce.
  • Mix your spices and liberally sprinkle over both sides. Try to get as much as possible down between the slices.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Video

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Pin It for Later Crock Pot Pineapple Garlic Spiral Ham

 

 

 

Slow Cooker Little Smokies

These 3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Smokies Rock!

 

This is a really cool twist on the classic little smokies recipe.  That particular recipe calls for chili sauce and grape jelly...and it's absolutely delicious too!

But we were in the mood for something a little different and this orange marmalade was just hanging out in the cabinet.  So I figured why not give it a shot.  Just to see.

It was really good too.  A lot like the classic version but just enough different to be interesting...Spicy and sweet all at the same time.

An Excellent Game Day Recipe

 

We had these for game day.  Just about all slow cooker little smokies are a big hit for game day...or potluck...or movie night.  They just plain go over well.

Adding the toothpicks helps with stickiness.  But if you've got little ones around that can be dangerous.  If that's the situation we generally just have damp cloths available.  No one complains either way.

There will NOT be leftovers.

 Any size crock pot works3 Ingredient Cocktail Smokies

You can make these in any size of crockpot BUT your cooking time will be drastically reduced.  It only takes a couple hours in any case but even putting them on the warm setting in a big oval slow cooker can burn them after a few hours.

That's just a big FYI 'cause no one wants to clean burned jelly out of a crockpot...not ever ;)

There isn't much too this recipe but we've provided a printable copy so you can add it to your stash if you like.  Those are all the way at the bottom of this post...but here's the step-by-step as well :)

 

Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Little Smokies

Gather your ingredients...

Crock Pot Little Smokies

Toss everything in the slow cooker and stir it up...

Crockpot Little Smokies

 Cover & Cook for 2 to 3 hours on low...

Little Smokies

Uber deliciousness and nada on the leftovers...

Slow Cooker Cocktail Smokies

Scroll down for the printable & pinnable versions of this recipe.

Happy Crockin'!

Slow Cooker Little Smokies. Visit https://www.slowcookerkitchen.com for more...

Recipe

Slow Cooker Little Smokies

SlowCookerKitchen.com
These slow cooker little smokies are delicious! A little spicy...a little sweet. The perfect answer for an easy appetizer :)
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 28 ounces beef or pork cocktail smokies
  • 6-8 ounces orange marmalade
  • 12 ounces chili sauce

Instructions
 

  • Spray or oil the crockpot insert (butter doesn't really compliment this recipe).
  • Pour everything in the slow cooker and stir.
  • Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours.

Freezer Prep Method:

  • Combine the marmalade and chili sauce in a large freezer safe bag. Zip closed and knead to mix.
  • Open and add the cocktail smokies. Close again, shake to coat.
  • Label and freeze up to 8 weeks.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

 

 

Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole

Mac and cheese is the ultimate in comfort food.  Crockpots are the ultimate cooking convenience (to me anyway)…why the heck not combine the two?  Because when you do...you get this Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole!  Super easy deliciousness that'll please everyone...

Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni

But I wanted to take it a step further.  I wanted a one pot mac and cheese meal.  One-pot meals are all the rage right now.  And (again) why the heck not?  They're easier, faster and there's so much LESS clean up.  But there's just something about mac and cheese in the slow cooker.  It's creamier, gooier and takes comfort food to a whole new level.

I must say...this turned out pretty darn well too!

Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni

You don’t babysit this recipe.  You just pre-cook the meat and toss everything in.  AND, You can even do that a month ahead of time and freeze it if you want.

Notes About Crock Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni

Pasta

The pasta really is better if you precook it for just a couple minutes.  It's something about the starch I guess.

BUT there are some brands that work better than others.  So if you spend a little more on the pasta, it still works out with no pre-cooking.

Gluten-free pastas are an option many of us have to use these days. Sadly, me included as of last year. And the gluten-free pastas are great for gluten intolerant folks. But they DON'T work for this recipe.

Gluten-free pastas are made (somehow) with beans or other legumes. And not much else besides water. They won't hold up in this recipe.

Seasonings

Okay, this is a bit odd. But originally when I tested this recipe I had the seasonings set as they are now in the printable.

Then I got told the flavors were too strong. So I notched down the seasonings.

THEN the comments started rolling in that it was bland, didn't taste like a cheeseburger. Blah, blah...and no disrespect to the folks that stated those opinions. I agreed.

SO, I recently re-updated the recipe with the stronger amounts of seasonings. Therefore, if you read the comments down below about it being bland, you might NOT want to up the spice content...I already did that in the printable.

Just fyi on all that. Enjoy the recipe, comments and suggestions are always welcome!

Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Macaroni

Recipe

Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Macaroni

Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole

Gwen@SlowCookerKitchen.com
If you're looking for a super easy, kid-pleasing crock pot recipe...give this cheeseburger macaroni casserole a try...it's yummy :)
4.75 from 4 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound macaroni uncooked BUT it IS better if you cooked it a couple of minutes
  • 3 cups milk
  • ½ stick butter melted
  • 1 package cream cheese softened and cut into small chunks
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar
  • 1 pound precooked ground beef
  • 1 cups shredded mozzarella optional
  • 3 ribs celery diced optional
  • 1 bell pepper diced optional
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar optional, but adds a nice punch
  • 3 tsp smoked paprika less if you prefer a milder flavor
  • 3 tsp garlic powder less if you prefer a milder flavor
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Slow Cooker:

  • Mix milk, butter, and vinegar. Add paprika, garlic powder, and salt & pepper. Stir well. set aside.
  • Butter the crockpot insert well. Add pasta, ground beef, diced cream cheese, ½ of each shredded cheese, celery & bell pepper. Toss to combine.
  • Pour the milk sauce over the top. Top with remaining shredded cheeses. Cover & cook on low for 4 to 6 hrs. High 2 ½-3.

Instant Pot:

  • Brown the ground beef using the saute function. Drain excess grease.
  • Add remaining ingredients except for the shredded cheeses.
  • Lock the lid and close the pressure valve. Set to manual, high for half the cook time of your noodles. Natural release 5 minutes then quick release.
  • Open the instant pot and add half the shredded cheeses. Mix well. Top with remaining cheese and close lid. Allow to rest 15 minutes before serving.

Stove Top:

  • Put a pot of water on to boil for the pasta. Brown your ground beef over medium-high heat.
  • Drain pasta. Add remaining ingredients, holding out half the shredded cheeses. Mix well.
  • Cover and allow to rest 20 minutes. Note: If your pasta was cooled completely, you may need a bit of heat to melt the cream cheese. Use VERY low heat and stir constantly.
  • Top with remaining cheese and allow to set about 5 minutes for the cheeses to melt.

Oven-Baked:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Follow steps 1 and 2 of stovetop directions. Combine ingredients and pour into a well-greased 9x13 baking dish.
  • Top with remaining cheeses and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Freezer Meal:

  • Cook the pasta according to package directions BUT for only half the time indicated. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large freezer bag, combine the cooked meat, pasta, vegetables, cream cheese, and 1/2 the cheeses.
  • Use a sandwich bag for the last of the cheese.
  • In a quart-sized bag, combine the liquid ingredients and the spices. Place the sandwich bag and the quart-sized bag inside the larger bag with the pasta-meat-vegetable mixture.
  • Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with cooking directions shown above.

Notes

Want to completely save yourself the step of cooking the ground beef? Check out our Make-Ahead Ground Beef Recipe. It is excellent, cooks overnight, and freezes very well for quick & easy meals!
Here are a couple of seasoning options. Just delete the paprika and go a little lighter on the garlic powder...
• 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning or keep the paprika and go with a little less taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
Want to make it a complete meal?
• Add 1 to 2 cups of defrosted, frozen peas and carrots in step #3, cover, and allow it to cook another 30 minutes or so.
• If you're going for the taco seasoning then frozen or canned corn would work great! Add a can of black beans too! These could get tossed in during step #1 without issue.
• If you'd rather do Italian then broccoli, cauliflower or Italian green beans would work great!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Pin It for Later Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole

Creamy, cheesy slow cooker deliciousness! Crock Pot Pasta | SlowCookerKitchen.com | https://www.slowcookerkitchen.com

This cheeseburger macaroni casserole is a deliciously easy crock pot comfort food :) | SlowCookerKitchen.com

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

6 Ingredients & 5 Minutes Til Suppers Cookin'!

This recipe is just yummy!  I had something like it at a restaurant several years ago and just loved it!  Sadly...said establishment is well over 3 hours from my house.

I liked it enough I was considering driving that far.  For a bowl of soup!  Then I sorta kicked myself and started researching.

Tortilla Soup

Ingredients for Crock Pot Tortilla Soup

It took a couple hours, trying several recipes and four failed attempts on my own part.  But I finally got it!

It turned out to be a very easy recipe.  6 ingredients plus the toppings.  Go figure.  I paid dearly for that bowl of soup.  Now I can make a whole crockpot full for the same costs.  That's not including the gas to drive 3 hours either...

Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla SoupIt's really good alone but it's just awesome topped with:

  • Sour Cream
  • Shredded Cheddar
  • Warm Tortilla Chips
  • Guacamole on the Side

You can also make your own warm flour tortillas from scratch.  I've honestly never done it myself.  But I have a friend that's a pro.  That makes this recipe even better!  Whichever way you decide to go, this recipe is delicious!

 

Freezing Chicken Tortilla Soup

PS: It freezes well too!  Just seal it in a zipper freezer bag, lay flat and keep up to 3 months.  If you freeze it, don't forget to label and date.  I don't know about you but things get lost in my freezer.

Scroll Down for the Pinnable & Printable Versions for this Recipe :)

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup. Find this & more crockpot recipes @ https://www.slowcookerkitchen.com

 

Recipe

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

SlowCookerKitchen.com
A delicious 6 ingredient crockpot soup! Just takes a couple minutes to toss in the slow cooker and you're all set for supper!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks
  • 1 large white onion diced
  • 1-2 cans white beans
  • 1 can whole kernel corn
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes with chiles
  • 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon I used “Better Than Bouillon”

Instructions
 

  • Spray, butter or oil the crockpot insert.
  • Add all the ingredients and stir.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours (or 3 to 4 hours on high).

Serving Suggestions:

  • Sour Cream
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • Warm Tortilla Chips
  • A Side of Guacamole
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

Baby Back Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe

 

The Absolute Best Way to Cook Baby Back Ribs

Have you ever wondered how the steakhouses get their ribs to be so delicious?  I did.  For a very, very long time.

I've tried for years to get this recipe right.  Never did it dawn on me it would be a three step process.

Groan.  3 Steps.  Seems like a lot with crockpot cooking.  It is.  And it isn't.  Honestly.

All in all it's still much, much faster than the line at the steakhouse.  It's even faster AND more tasty than tossing them on the grill too!

It's truly awesome (to me) NOT to stand in line for 30 minutes or drive an hour one way to a steakhouse (yeah, I live that far in the boonies).  Those are both awesome BUT the best part...get this 'cause THIS is the best part...

Cost Savings by Making Your Own Ribs: Cost Savings for Slow Cooker Ribs

 This Meal...Plus a Salad & Rolls for 4 to 6 People for $43.22!Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe, Crock Pot Baked Beans & Steakhouse Mac & Cheese

THIS excites me!  This excites me a lot.  When we went out and ate almost this same meal it was almost $110.00 for four of us.  That was before the tip.  Don't get me wrong I DO enjoy going out on occasion and I'll not be giving that up.  But saving $70 bucks and having this deliciousness once a month or so...Yummy!

Plus it was fun to hang out, treat friends, not drive forever and we got an excellent meal.  We'll be having it again.  And again.  And most likely again :)

I'll post the other recipes that go with this shortly (work in process :) )...'til then, here's the ribs recipe!

 Easy Step-by-Step Process for Our Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe:

Scroll down for the Pinnable & Printable versions...

Ingredients:

Slow Cooker Ribs

  • 2 baby back rib racks
  • 2 bottle barbecue sauce
  • 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 recipe for barbecue rib rub

How to Make Your Own Rib Rub:

You can purchase rib rub at the grocery or you can make your own.  It'd be healthier to make your own and leave out the preservatives and fillers.  But I get it.  Time and life are a factor and it doesn't always work that way.

I'm open to either personally.  I can make a lot from scratch.  But I can also grab a bottle or a mix when I need to.  Whatever works.

If you decide to make your own rib rub, here's the recipe we like the best...

Crockpot Barbecue Ribs

  • 1 tablespoon pink Himalayan salt
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried mustard

Just mix it all up and set it aside.  You can also make it ahead and store it upwards of 3 months.

Instructions:

  1. Remove ribs from packaging & drain.Crockpot Ribs

  2. Mix up the rib rub and set aside.Crock Pot Ribs

  3. Cut up the ribs into serving size pieces that fit in your slow cooker.Easy Ribs Recipe

  4. Rub the ribs down on both sides with the rib rub.Baby Back Ribs

  5. Set the ribs aside and allow them to rest while you mix up the sauce.  This make the rub sorta "meld" with the meat.Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs
  6. In a separate bowl mix the barbecue sauce, minced garlic and liquid smoke.  Reserve about 3/4 cup for later.

  7. Spray, oil or butter your crockpot insert.Slow Cooker Barbecue Ribs
  8. Place a layer of the ribs in the crock pot.  Liberally brush them down on both sides with the barbecue sauce.  Continue the layering process until the ribs are all in the slow cooker.
  9. Cover and cook them on low for 6 to 8 hours.

20 Minutes Before Serving:

  1. Heat your oven to broil.
  2. Line a couple cookie sheets with foil and spray, oil or butter them.
  3. Use tongs to remove the ribs from the crock pot and lay them out in a single layer on the foil lined cookie sheets.
  4. Brush them with a healthy layer of the reserved barbecue sauce.
  5. Place them in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
  6. They're ready when they look a little glossy and are slightly browned.Barbecue Ribs

And that would be all.  It's a little more involved than a lot of the 10 minute and 5-Ingredient recipes we usually post...but hey...$70 bucks :)

Let us know if you try it, like it or make up your own.

Happy Crockin'!

Yummy Baby Back Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe. Check out more of our delicious recipes at https://www.slowcookerkitchen.com

Recipe

Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe

Yummy Baby Back Slow Cooker Ribs Recipe

SlowCookerKitchen.com
Steakhouse quality without steakhouse price.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Course Meals
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

Ribs

  • 2 baby back rib racks
  • 2 bottle barbecue sauce
  • 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 recipe for barbecue rib rub

Rib Rub

Instructions
 

  • Remove ribs from packaging & drain.
  • Mix up the rib rub and set aside.
  • Cut up the ribs into serving size pieces that fit in your slow cooker.
  • Rub the ribs down on both sides with the rib rub.
  • Set the ribs aside and allow them to rest while you mix up the sauce. This make the rub sorta "meld" with the meat.
  • In a separate bowl mix the barbecue sauce, minced garlic and liquid smoke. Reserve about 3/4 cup for later.
  • Spray, oil or butter your crockpot insert.
  • Place a layer of the ribs in the crock pot. Liberally brush them down on both sides with the barbecue sauce. Continue the layering process until the ribs are all in the slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook them on low for 6 to 8 hours.

20 MINUTES BEFORE SERVING:

  • Heat your oven to broil.
  • Line a couple cookie sheets with foil and spray, oil or butter them.
  • Use tongs to remove the ribs from the crock pot and lay them out in a single layer on the foil lined cookie sheets.
  • Brush them with a healthy layer of the reserved barbecue sauce.
  • Place them in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • They’re ready when they look a little glossy and are slightly browned.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!