25 EASY 2-QUART CROCK-POT RECIPES FOR TWO (PERFECT SMALL BATCH DINNERS)

Cooking for two does not mean you have to stand over the stove every night.

A 2 quart crock-pot is the perfect size for couples, empty nesters, or anyone cooking for just two people.

It is small enough to not feel like overkill but big enough to make a proper meal — and sometimes enough for leftovers the next day too.

These 12 easy 2 quart crock-pot recipes for two are simple, flavourful, and completely hands off.

Set it in the morning or at lunchtime and come home to a hot meal that is ready and waiting.

No large batch cooking, no mountains of leftovers, no wasted food. Just the right amount of food for two people with almost zero effort.

A 2 quart slow cooker runs hotter than larger models. Check food a little earlier than the recipe suggests the first time you make it.

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2-QUART CROCK-POT RECIPES FOR TWO

1. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs for Two (34g Protein)

Sweet, sticky honey garlic chicken thighs that practically melt off the bone.

Serve over steamed rice with a drizzle of the extra sauce.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1 lb)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in the 2-quart crock-pot.
2. Whisk the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic and ginger and pour over.
3. Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours.
4. Stir the cornstarch with 1 tbsp water into the sauce and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes.
5. Top with sesame seeds and serve over rice.

2. Slow Cooker Beef Stew for Two

Tender beef, potatoes and carrots in a rich, savory gravy, sized just right for two bowls.

It’s cozy comfort food with almost no hands-on time.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 lb beef stew meat
• 1 tbsp flour
• 2 small potatoes, cubed
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 1/4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Toss the beef with flour, salt and pepper.
2. Add the potatoes, carrots, onion and garlic to the crock-pot and top with the beef.
3. Whisk the broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire and thyme and pour over.
4. Cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours.
5. Stir and season before serving.

3. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese for Two

Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese cooked right in the crock-pot with no boiling.

It’s perfect as a main or a side for a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry elbow macaroni
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
• 1/4 tsp mustard powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Lightly grease the crock-pot.
2. Add the dry pasta, milk, butter, cream cheese, mustard powder and 1 cup cheddar.
3. Cook on LOW for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring once halfway.
4. Stir in the remaining cheddar until melted and creamy.
5. Season and serve right away.

4. Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup for Two (28g Protein)

Classic, comforting chicken noodle soup made in a small batch.

It’s just right for a cold night or when one of you is under the weather.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs or 1 chicken breast
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 celery stalk, sliced
• 1/4 onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Add the chicken, vegetables, garlic, broth, thyme and bay leaf to the crock-pot.
2. Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours.
3. Shred the chicken and remove the bay leaf.
4. Add the noodles and cook on HIGH for 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Season and serve.

5. Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Salmon

Tender, flaky salmon gently cooked with lemon, garlic, butter and dill.

Slow cooking keeps salmon moist, and it’s ready in about 2 hours.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tsp fresh dill
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Line the crock-pot with parchment and lay half the lemon slices on the bottom.
2. Place the salmon on top and season with salt, pepper and garlic.
3. Drizzle with butter and pour the broth around the fish.
4. Top with remaining lemon and dill.
5. Cook on LOW for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until the salmon flakes easily.

6. Slow Cooker Butter Chicken for Two (32g Protein)

Mild, creamy and buttery chicken in a spiced tomato sauce.

Serve with basmati rice and warm naan for an easy date-night curry.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cubed
• 1/4 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Add the chicken, onion, garlic and ginger to the crock-pot.
2. Stir in the tomato sauce, coconut milk and spices.
3. Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours.
4. Stir in the butter and cream.
5. Serve over rice.

7. Slow Cooker French Onion Soup for Two

Sweet, slow-caramelized onions in a rich beef broth topped with cheesy toast.

The crock-pot does all the caramelizing, with no stirring needed.

Ingredients:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 slices French bread, toasted
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss

Instructions:

1. Add the onions, butter and sugar to the crock-pot.
2. Cook on LOW for 8 hours until deep golden, or HIGH for 4 hours.
3. Stir in the broth, Worcestershire and thyme and cook 1 hour more.
4. Stir in the balsamic and season.
5. Ladle into oven-safe bowls, top with toast and cheese and broil until bubbly.

8. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken for Two (33g Protein)

Tender chicken in a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce with broccoli.

It’s better than takeout and takes 5 minutes to prep.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 cup broccoli florets

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in the crock-pot.
2. Whisk the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, garlic and ginger and pour over.
3. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
4. Stir in cornstarch mixed with water and add the broccoli. Cook on HIGH for 20 minutes.
5. Shred or slice and serve over rice.

9. Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup for Two

Creamy, velvety tomato basil soup that’s perfect with a grilled cheese.

Canned tomatoes make it easy to enjoy any time of year.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 fresh basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Add the tomatoes, broth, onion, garlic and sugar to the crock-pot.
2. Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours.
3. Blend until smooth with an immersion blender.
4. Stir in the cream, butter and basil.
5. Season and serve with grilled cheese.

10. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos for Two (31g Protein)

Juicy shredded chicken cooked in salsa and taco spices.

Pile it into tortillas, burrito bowls or salads.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 4 to 6 small tortillas
• Toppings: cheese, lettuce, avocado and sour cream

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in the crock-pot.
2. Sprinkle with taco seasoning and pour the salsa over.
3. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
4. Shred the chicken and stir in the lime juice.
5. Serve in warm tortillas with toppings.

11. Slow Cooker Creamy Mushroom Chicken for Two (34g Protein)

Tender chicken in a rich, creamy mushroom gravy.

Serve over mashed potatoes, rice or egg noodles.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 2 oz cream cheese
• Parsley

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in the crock-pot and top with mushrooms and garlic.
2. Whisk the soup, broth and thyme and pour over.
3. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
4. Stir in the cream cheese until smooth.
5. Garnish with parsley.

12. Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake for Two

A warm, gooey chocolate cake with its own molten fudge sauce underneath.

Serve it warm with ice cream for an easy date-night dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1/4 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (for topping)
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 2 tbsp chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Grease the crock-pot.
2. Mix the flour, sugar, 2 tbsp cocoa, baking powder, milk, butter and vanilla and spread in the crock.
3. Sprinkle with brown sugar, 1 tbsp cocoa and chocolate chips.
4. Pour the hot water over the top. Do not stir.
5. Cook on HIGH for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until the top is set, then serve warm.

13. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff for Two

Tender strips of beef in a creamy sour cream mushroom sauce over egg noodles.

It’s a cozy, classic dinner sized for two.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 lb sirloin or stew meat, sliced
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 4 oz egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Add the beef, mushrooms, onion and garlic to the crock-pot.
2. Whisk the soup, broth and Worcestershire and pour over.
3. Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours.
4. Stir in the sour cream.
5. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

14. Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken for Two (30g Protein)

Just two ingredients make this tender, flavorful shredded chicken.

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

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup salsa
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Shredded cheese and lime for serving

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in the crock-pot.
2. Pour the salsa over and sprinkle with cumin.
3. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
4. Shred the chicken in the sauce.
5. Serve with cheese and a squeeze of lime.

15. Slow Cooker Pot Roast for Two

A small chuck roast with potatoes and carrots that turns fall-apart tender.

It’s a Sunday dinner for two without a giant roast.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lb chuck roast
• 6 baby potatoes, halved
• 2 carrots, cut into chunks
• 1/2 onion, cut into wedges
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp onion soup mix
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Place the potatoes, carrots, onion and garlic in the crock-pot.
2. Season the roast and set it on top.
3. Mix the broth, soup mix and Worcestershire and pour over.
4. Cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours.
5. Shred and serve with the vegetables and juices.

16. Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo for Two (38g Protein)

Tender chicken in a creamy parmesan Alfredo sauce over fettuccine.

It feels like a restaurant pasta night at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Alfredo sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 6 oz fettuccine, cooked

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in the crock-pot.
2. Add the Alfredo sauce, broth, garlic and Italian seasoning.
3. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
4. Slice or shred the chicken and stir in the parmesan.
5. Toss with cooked fettuccine.

17. Small Batch Crockpot Chili for Two

A hearty beef and bean chili made in a small batch.

Top with cheese, sour cream and green onions.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb ground beef, browned
• 1/4 onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/2 can (7 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 can kidney beans, rinsed
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 cup beef broth

Instructions:

1. Add the browned beef and all other ingredients to the crock-pot.
2. Stir well.
3. Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours.
4. Season to taste.
5. Serve with your favorite toppings.

18. Slow Cooker Meatballs in Marinara for Two

Beef meatballs simmered in marinara until tender and full of flavor.

Serve over spaghetti or in sub rolls with mozzarella.

Ingredients:

• 12 frozen beef meatballs
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Parmesan and basil
• Spaghetti or sub rolls

Instructions:

1. Add the meatballs to the crock-pot.
2. Pour the marinara over and add garlic and Italian seasoning.
3. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
4. Stir gently.
5. Serve over spaghetti or in rolls with parmesan and basil.

19. Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken for Two (36g Protein)

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

It’s a restaurant-style dinner that’s perfect for date night.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 2 tsp cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in the crock-pot and season.
2. Add the broth, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
3. Cook on LOW for 3 hours.
4. Whisk the cream, parmesan and cornstarch, stir in with the spinach and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes.
5. Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes.

20. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup for Two

A hearty, healthy soup with lentils, vegetables and warm spices.

It’s budget-friendly, filling and great for meatless nights.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1/4 onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 can (7 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Add the lentils, vegetables, garlic, tomatoes, broth and cumin to the crock-pot.
2. Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours.
3. Stir in the spinach until wilted.
4. Add the lemon juice.
5. Season and serve with crusty bread.

21. Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy for Two

Tender bites of beef in a rich onion gravy.

Serve over mashed potatoes, rice or egg noodles.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 lb sirloin or chuck, cubed
• 1/4 onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 packet brown gravy mix
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Add the beef, onion and garlic to the crock-pot.
2. Whisk the broth, gravy mix and Worcestershire and pour over.
3. Cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours.
4. Stir in cornstarch mixed with water and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes.
5. Serve over mashed potatoes.

22. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken for Two (30g Protein)

Tender shredded chicken in tangy BBQ sauce, ready to pile onto buns.

Add coleslaw on top for crunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 brioche buns
• Coleslaw

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in the crock-pot.
2. Mix the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, vinegar and paprika and pour over.
3. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
4. Shred the chicken in the sauce.
5. Pile onto buns with coleslaw.

23. Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers for Two

Bell peppers stuffed with seasoned beef, rice and tomato sauce, topped with melty cheese.

Two peppers fit perfectly in a 2-quart crock-pot.

Ingredients:

• 2 large bell peppers, tops cut and seeded
• 1/2 lb ground beef, browned
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce, divided
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Mix the beef, rice, half the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning.
2. Stuff the peppers and stand them upright in the crock-pot.
3. Pour the remaining sauce over the tops and add 2 tbsp water to the bottom.
4. Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours.
5. Top with mozzarella and cook 15 minutes more until melted.

24. Slow Cooker Potato Soup for Two

Creamy, cheesy potato soup that’s thick, cozy and filling.

Top with cheddar, green onions and turkey bacon bits.

Ingredients:

• 3 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/4 onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
• Green onions

Instructions:

1. Add the potatoes, onion, garlic and broth to the crock-pot.
2. Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours until the potatoes are soft.
3. Mash some of the potatoes to thicken.
4. Stir in the cream cheese, milk and cheddar until melted.
5. Top with green onions.

25. Slow Cooker Apple Crisp for Two

Warm cinnamon apples under a buttery oat crumble topping.

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 3 tbsp flour
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cold butter

Instructions:

1. Toss the apples with sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice and add to a greased crock-pot.
2. Mix the oats, flour and brown sugar, then cut in the butter until crumbly.
3. Sprinkle the topping over the apples.
4. Lay a paper towel under the lid to catch moisture and cook on HIGH for 2 hours.
5. Serve warm with ice cream.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your 2-Quart Crock-Pot

Use Thighs for Longer Cooks

Chicken thighs stay juicy even if dinner runs late. Chicken breasts are best cooked 3 to 4 hours on low.

Line It for Easy Cleanup

Small slow cooker liners or a sheet of parchment make cheesy pastas and desserts easy to clean up.

Make a Side at the Same Time

Cook rice, mashed potatoes or a quick salad while the crock-pot finishes. Dinner is done in one go.

Plan for Leftover Lunches

Many of these make 2 servings plus a little extra. Pack it in a container for the next day’s lunch.

More Small Batch and Crockpot Ideas

• 25 Mini Casserole Recipes for a Romantic Dinner for Two or Cozy Date Night Meal
• 30 Easy Chicken Breast Crockpot Recipes