30 EASY 4-HOUR CROCKPOT RECIPES

When you need dinner on the table without spending all day in the kitchen, these 30 easy 4-hour crockpot recipes are perfect for busy days.

Each recipe cooks in about four hours, making them a great choice when you start dinner after lunch but still want a warm, homemade meal by evening.

Every recipe here cooks in about 4 hours, either on low or on high, so you can start it after lunch and eat on time.

They’re especially helpful for busy moms, working women, new parents, postpartum days, and hectic weeknights when you need dinner to practically cook itself.

These quick slow cooker meals are simple, filling, and made with everyday ingredients, so you can spend less time cooking and more time getting through your busy day.

Cook times can change a little depending on your slow cooker, so check that chicken reaches 165°F before serving.

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4-Hour Crockpot Recipes

1. Crockpot Salsa Chicken Tacos

This is about as easy as crockpot dinners get, with just chicken, salsa and taco seasoning.

The chicken shreds easily after 4 hours on low.

Use it for tacos, burrito bowls, nachos or salads all week.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 1 jar (16 oz) salsa
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• Tortillas and taco toppings

Instructions

1. Place the chicken in the crockpot and sprinkle with taco seasoning.
2. Pour the salsa over the top.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
4. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir it into the sauce.
5. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

💡 Tip: Stir in 4 oz of cream cheese after shredding for a creamy version.

2. Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken

Sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce coats tender chicken thighs.

It tastes like takeout but cooks while you do other things.

Serve over rice with steamed broccoli.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Place the chicken in the crockpot.
2. Whisk the honey, soy sauce, ketchup and garlic and pour over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
4. Stir in the cornstarch mix and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes until thick.
5. Serve over rice and top with sesame seeds.

3. Creamy Crockpot Ranch Chicken

Chicken cooked with cream cheese and ranch seasoning makes a rich, creamy sauce.

This version skips the bacon and still has tons of flavor.

Spoon it over rice or pile it onto buns.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• Green onions for topping

Instructions

1. Place the chicken in the crockpot and sprinkle with ranch seasoning.
2. Pour in the broth and lay the cream cheese on top.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
4. Shred the chicken and stir until creamy.
5. Stir in the cheddar and top with green onions.

4. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken simmers in a spiced tomato and cream sauce that tastes like your favorite Indian restaurant.

Garam masala, cumin and ginger do most of the work.

Serve with basmati rice and warm naan.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Add the chicken, onion, garlic and ginger to the crockpot.
2. Stir in the tomato sauce and spices.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and cook 15 more minutes.
5. Serve over rice with cilantro.

5. Crockpot Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is milder and creamier than tikka masala, so it is great for kids.

The sauce is buttery, a little sweet and full of warm spices.

Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1 can (13 oz) coconut milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Add the chicken, onion, garlic, tomato paste, butter and spices to the crockpot.
2. Pour in the coconut milk and stir.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
4. Stir in the cream and cook 15 more minutes.
5. Serve over rice with naan.

6. Crockpot Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Chicken in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.

It looks fancy but takes about 10 minutes of prep.

Serve over pasta to soak up all the sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 cups baby spinach

Instructions

1. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and add to the crockpot.
2. Add the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and broth.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
4. Stir in the cream, Parmesan and spinach and cook 15 more minutes.
5. Serve over pasta or rice.

7. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Homemade teriyaki sauce is easy and tastes better than the bottled kind.

The chicken comes out tender and coated in a shiny glaze.

Make rice bowls with steamed veggies and sesame seeds.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Add the chicken to the crockpot.
2. Whisk the soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic and ginger and pour over.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
4. Shred or slice the chicken, stir in the cornstarch mix and cook on HIGH 15 minutes.
5. Serve over rice.

8. Crockpot Chicken and Biscuit Dumplings

Canned biscuits turn into soft dumplings in a creamy chicken stew.

It is old-fashioned comfort food without all the work.

Add the biscuits in the last hour so they do not get soggy.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuits, cut into quarters

Instructions

1. Add the chicken, soup, broth and onion to the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours.
3. Shred the chicken and stir in the frozen vegetables.
4. Lay the biscuit pieces on top, cover and cook on HIGH for 1 more hour until the dumplings are cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

9. Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Homemade chicken noodle soup with carrots, celery and egg noodles.

It is the soup you want on a cold day or when someone is feeling under the weather.

Add the noodles at the end so they stay firm.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 cups egg noodles

Instructions

1. Add everything except the noodles to the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 1/2 hours.
3. Remove and shred the chicken, then return it to the pot.
4. Stir in the noodles and cook on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes until tender.
5. Season with salt, pepper and parsley.

10. Crockpot White Chicken Chili

Creamy white chili made with chicken, white beans and green chiles.

Cream cheese stirred in at the end makes it rich and thick.

Top with avocado, cheese and tortilla chips.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 2 cans (15 oz) white beans, drained
• 1 can (4 oz) green chiles
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 8 oz cream cheese

Instructions

1. Add the chicken, beans, chiles, corn, broth and spices to the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
3. Shred the chicken in the pot.
4. Stir in the cream cheese until melted.
5. Serve with your favorite toppings.

11. Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

Creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken and pasta all made in one pot.

The pasta cooks right in the crockpot at the end.

Add broccoli for a full meal.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup grated Parmesan

Instructions

1. Add the chicken, broth, cream, garlic and Italian seasoning to the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 1/2 hours.
3. Shred or cube the chicken.
4. Stir in the pasta and cook on HIGH for 25 to 30 minutes until tender.
5. Stir in the Parmesan and serve.

💡 Tip: Check the pasta at 20 minutes since some slow cookers run hot.

12. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Tender beef in a creamy mushroom sauce served over egg noodles.

Cutting the beef into small strips helps it cook in 4 hours on high.

Sour cream goes in at the end so it stays smooth.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef sirloin, cut into thin strips
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 cup sour cream
• Egg noodles for serving

Instructions

1. Toss the beef in the flour and add to the crockpot.
2. Add the mushrooms, onion, garlic, broth and Worcestershire.
3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours.
4. Stir in the sour cream right before serving.
5. Serve over egg noodles.

13. Crockpot Mongolian Beef

Thin strips of flank steak in a sweet and savory brown sugar sauce.

It tastes just like the restaurant version.

Serve over white rice with green onions.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 3/4 cup soy sauce
• 3/4 cup water
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• Green onions

Instructions

1. Toss the steak in cornstarch and add to the crockpot.
2. Whisk the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic and ginger and pour over.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
4. Stir in sliced green onions.
5. Serve over rice.

14. Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Thin slices of beef cook in a garlicky sauce, and broccoli goes in at the end.

It is a lot cheaper than ordering takeout.

The broccoli stays bright green and a little crisp.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• 3 cups broccoli florets

Instructions

1. Add the beef, broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and sesame oil to the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 1/2 hours.
3. Stir in the cornstarch mix and broccoli.
4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30 minutes.
5. Serve over rice.

15. Crockpot Sloppy Joes

Sweet and tangy sloppy joes that kids always love.

Brown the beef first, then let the crockpot do the rest.

They are perfect for game days and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Hamburger buns

Instructions

1. Brown the beef with the onion and pepper and drain the fat.
2. Add it to the crockpot with the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard and Worcestershire.
3. Stir well.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
5. Spoon onto buns and serve.

16. Easy Crockpot Lasagna

Lasagna in the crockpot means no boiling noodles and no hot oven.

Regular uncooked noodles soften right in the sauce.

It slices best if you let it rest for 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 15 oz ricotta
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup Parmesan
• 9 uncooked lasagna noodles

Instructions

1. Brown the beef and stir in the marinara and tomato sauce.
2. Mix the ricotta, egg and Parmesan in a bowl.
3. Layer sauce, noodles (broken to fit), ricotta mix and mozzarella in the crockpot, repeating 3 times.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
5. Let rest 20 minutes before serving.

💡 Tip: Ground turkey works well in place of the beef for a lighter lasagna.

17. Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup

All the flavor of stuffed peppers in an easy soup.

Ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes and rice make it filling.

Add the cooked rice at the end so it does not get mushy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions

1. Brown the beef with the onion and drain.
2. Add it to the crockpot with the peppers, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth and seasoning.
3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours.
4. Stir in the cooked rice.
5. Top with shredded cheese and serve.

18. Crockpot Taco Soup

Taco soup is a dump-and-go recipe made with ground beef, beans, corn and tomatoes.

Ranch and taco seasoning give it lots of flavor.

Top with sour cream, cheese and crushed tortilla chips.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) corn
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 2 cups beef broth

Instructions

1. Brown the beef and drain the fat.
2. Add everything to the crockpot and stir.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
4. Taste and season with salt if needed.
5. Serve with toppings.

⚠️ Budget Note: Taco soup uses mostly canned goods, so it feeds a big family for very little money.

19. Classic Crockpot Chili

A simple ground beef and bean chili that is perfect for cold nights.

Browning the beef first gives it the best flavor.

It is great for game day and freezes really well.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cans (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Brown the beef with the onion and drain.
2. Add to the crockpot with the beans, tomatoes, sauce and spices.
3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Top with cheese, sour cream and green onions.

20. Crockpot Swedish Meatballs

Frozen meatballs in a creamy gravy are an easy dinner or party food.

Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

Check that your frozen meatballs are all-beef, since many brands mix in pork.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs frozen all-beef meatballs
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Add the frozen meatballs to the crockpot.
2. Whisk the soup, broth, Worcestershire and garlic powder and pour over.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
4. Stir in the sour cream.
5. Serve over egg noodles with parsley.

21. Crockpot Baked Ziti

Cheesy baked ziti made without turning on the oven.

The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so it is a one-pot meal.

It is great for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb uncooked ziti
• 2 jars (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup water
• 15 oz ricotta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup Parmesan

Instructions

1. Brown the beef and drain.
2. Stir together the beef, ziti, marinara and water in the crockpot.
3. Dollop the ricotta on top and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours until the pasta is tender.
5. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

22. Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Marinara

Homemade turkey meatballs cook gently in marinara sauce.

They stay juicy and tender, not dry.

Serve with spaghetti, on sub rolls or with zucchini noodles.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup Parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Mix the turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic and seasoning.
2. Roll into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
3. Pour half the marinara into the crockpot, add the meatballs and top with the rest of the sauce.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
5. Serve over pasta with extra Parmesan.

23. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

Hearty lentil soup with carrots, celery and warm spices.

Lentils do not need soaking, so you can just add them to the pot.

It is cheap, filling and packed with fiber and protein.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups dried brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 cups spinach

Instructions

1. Add everything except the spinach to the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours until the lentils are soft.
3. Stir in the spinach until wilted.
4. Season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon.
5. Serve with crusty bread.

24. Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup

Creamy potato soup topped with cheese, sour cream and green onions.

This version skips the bacon and is still rich and comforting.

Cutting the potatoes small helps them cook in 4 hours.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced small
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• Sour cream and green onions

Instructions

1. Add the potatoes, onion, broth and garlic to the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours until the potatoes are soft.
3. Mash some of the potatoes right in the pot.
4. Stir in the cream cheese, milk and cheddar until smooth.
5. Top with sour cream and green onions.

25. Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

A hearty Italian vegetable soup with beans and small pasta.

It is a great way to use up extra vegetables.

Serve with Parmesan and garlic bread.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup small pasta

Instructions

1. Add everything except the pasta to the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 1/2 hours.
3. Stir in the pasta.
4. Cook on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes until tender.
5. Top with Parmesan.

26. Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese made in the slow cooker.

Evaporated milk keeps the sauce smooth.

It is the perfect side for holidays and potlucks.

Ingredients

• 1 lb uncooked elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheddar
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 2 cups milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder

Instructions

1. Grease the crockpot well.
2. Add the macaroni, 3 cups of the cheese, evaporated milk, milk, butter, salt and mustard powder and stir.
3. Top with the rest of the cheese.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, stirring once halfway.
5. Stir and serve when the pasta is tender.

💡 Tip: Do not cook it longer than needed, or the pasta can turn soft.

27. Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

Chicken, peppers and onions cook in fajita seasoning until tender.

Pile it into warm tortillas with sour cream and guacamole.

Leftovers make great burrito bowls.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 3 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
• Tortillas and toppings

Instructions

1. Place the peppers and onion in the crockpot.
2. Add the chicken and sprinkle with fajita seasoning.
3. Pour the tomatoes over the top.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
5. Shred or slice the chicken and serve in tortillas.

28. Crockpot Orange Chicken

Sweet orange chicken that tastes like the takeout favorite.

Orange marmalade makes the sauce quick and easy.

Serve with fried rice or white rice.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 3/4 cup orange marmalade
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• Green onions and sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Toss the chicken in cornstarch and add to the crockpot.
2. Mix the marmalade, BBQ sauce and soy sauce and pour over.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
4. Stir to coat the chicken in sauce.
5. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.

29. Crockpot BBQ Pulled Chicken

Tender shredded chicken in BBQ sauce, ready for sandwiches.

It takes about 5 minutes to get into the crockpot.

Serve on buns with coleslaw on top.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Buns and coleslaw

Instructions

1. Place the chicken in the crockpot.
2. Mix the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire and garlic powder and pour over.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
4. Shred the chicken and stir into the sauce.
5. Serve on buns with coleslaw.

30. Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Chicken and baby potatoes cook together in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

It is a full dinner in one pot.

Add green beans in the last 30 minutes for a vegetable.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
• 1 jar (15 oz) garlic Alfredo sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Place the potatoes in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Lay the chicken on top and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic.
3. Pour the Alfredo sauce over everything.
4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley before serving.