20 COZY GRANDMA CROCKPOT RECIPES THAT TASTE LIKE HOME

Looking for old-fashioned crockpot recipes like Grandma used to make? Here are 20 slow cooker comfort foods, from pot roast to chicken and dumplings.

Some meals taste like a Sunday afternoon at Grandma’s house: a pot roast that falls apart with a fork, chicken and dumplings bubbling away, a big pot of beans with a skillet of cornbread on the side.

This list brings back those classics, made easy in the slow cooker.

Most of them take 15 minutes of prep in the morning, and the crockpot does the rest while the house fills up with that smell you remember.

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OLD-FASHIONED GRANDMA CROCKPOT RECIPES

1. Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings (30g Protein)

Creamy, peppery chicken stew topped with fluffy biscuit dumplings, the ultimate Grandma comfort food.

Refrigerated biscuits make it easy, and nobody will know.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cans (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuits, cut into quarters
• 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions:

1. Add the chicken, vegetables, soup, broth, thyme and pepper to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low 6 hours or high 3 hours.
3. Shred the chicken right in the pot.
4. Scatter the biscuit pieces on top, cover and cook on high 45 to 60 minutes until fluffy and cooked through.
5. Stir in the peas for the last 10 minutes.

2. Crockpot Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots

Fork-tender beef, soft potatoes and sweet carrots in a rich, savory gravy.

This is the Sunday dinner everyone remembers.

Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 lb chuck roast
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes
• 4 carrots, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, cut into wedges
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary and thyme

Instructions:

1. Season the roast and sear it in oil on all sides until deep brown.
2. Place the potatoes, carrots, onion and garlic in the crockpot and set the roast on top.
3. Whisk the broth, soup mix and Worcestershire and pour over.
4. Add the herbs, cover and cook on low 8 to 9 hours until it shreds easily.
5. Thicken the juices into gravy and serve over everything.

3. Old-Fashioned Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Chunky beef, potatoes, carrots and celery in a thick, tomatoey broth.

Tossing the beef in flour first gives you a stew that thickens on its own.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tbsp oil
• 4 potatoes, cubed
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions:

1. Toss the beef with flour, salt and pepper and brown it in batches.
2. Add the beef and vegetables to the crockpot.
3. Whisk the broth, tomato paste and Worcestershire and pour over, then add the bay leaves.
4. Cook on low 8 hours or high 5 hours.
5. Stir in the peas for the last 15 minutes and remove the bay leaves.

4. Crockpot Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Juicy beef patties smothered in onion and mushroom gravy, just like the diner classic.

Serve over mashed potatoes to catch all the gravy.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 packet onion soup mix, divided
• 1/4 cup milk
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cans (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Mix the beef, breadcrumbs, egg, half the soup mix and milk and shape into 8 oval patties.
2. Brown the patties in a skillet 2 minutes per side.
3. Layer the onions and mushrooms in the crockpot and add the patties.
4. Whisk the soup, broth, Worcestershire and remaining soup mix and pour over.
5. Cook on low 6 hours or high 3 to 4 hours.

5. Crockpot Swiss Steak with Tomatoes and Onions

Round steak cooks low and slow in tomatoes, peppers and onions until it’s tender enough to cut with a fork.

It’s a frugal, old-school dinner that’s coming back.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs round steak, cut into 6 pieces
• 1/3 cup flour
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (10.75 oz) tomato soup
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Dredge the steak in seasoned flour and brown in oil.
2. Put half the onions and peppers in the crockpot, add the steak and top with the rest.
3. Mix the tomatoes, soup, broth and Worcestershire and pour over.
4. Cook on low 7 to 8 hours.
5. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.

6. Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

Tender shredded beef and thick egg noodles in a rich brown gravy.

It’s a Midwest potluck staple for good reason.

Ingredients:

• 3 lb chuck roast, cut into large chunks
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 12 oz thick egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef chunks and add to the crockpot with the onion and garlic.
2. Whisk the broth, soup, gravy mix and thyme and pour over.
3. Cook on low 8 hours.
4. Shred the beef in the pot.
5. Stir in the uncooked noodles, cover and cook on high 30 minutes until tender.

7. Old-Fashioned Crockpot Chili

Thick, hearty beef and bean chili, the way Grandma made it for cold Saturdays.

Serve it with cornbread, cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with the onion, pepper and garlic and drain.
2. Add to the crockpot with everything else.
3. Stir well.
4. Cook on low 6 to 8 hours or high 4 hours.
5. Season to taste and serve with your favorite toppings.

8. Crockpot Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup

A big pot of beef, potatoes, corn, green beans and carrots in a tomato broth.

It’s the soup Grandma made to clean out the fridge, and it’s always delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat or ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 cup green beans
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup peas
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 bay leaves

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef in a skillet.
2. Add the beef and everything except the peas to the crockpot.
3. Cook on low 8 hours or high 4 to 5 hours.
4. Stir in the peas for the last 15 minutes.
5. Remove the bay leaves and season.

9. Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

Creamy, smoky Southern red beans made with smoked turkey sausage, served over fluffy rice.

It’s a Monday tradition in New Orleans kitchens.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried red kidney beans, rinsed
• 12 oz smoked turkey sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Cooked white rice and green onions

Instructions:

1. Add everything except the rice and green onions to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low 8 to 9 hours until the beans are very soft.
3. Mash some of the beans against the side to make it creamy.
4. Remove the bay leaves and season.
5. Serve over rice with green onions.

💡 Tip: Smoked turkey wings or a smoked turkey leg give the same deep flavor and fall right off the bone.

10. Crock Pot BBQ Chicken (35g Protein)

Tender, saucy pulled chicken that’s perfect piled on buns with coleslaw.

Grandma’s secret: a little brown sugar and vinegar in the sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in the crockpot.
2. Whisk the remaining ingredients and pour over.
3. Cook on low 6 hours or high 3 hours.
4. Shred the chicken and stir it into the sauce.
5. Serve on buns with coleslaw.

11. Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy (35g Protein)

Just a few ingredients turn into tender chicken in a creamy, savory gravy.

Spoon it over mashed potatoes, rice or biscuits.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 2 packets chicken gravy mix
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in the crockpot.
2. Whisk the gravy mix, soup, broth, pepper and thyme until smooth.
3. Pour over the chicken.
4. Cook on low 6 to 7 hours.
5. Slice or shred the chicken and serve with plenty of gravy.

12. Slow Cooker Chicken à la King (28g Protein)

A creamy chicken, mushroom and pea sauce with pimentos, a dinner-party classic from decades ago.

Serve it over toast, rice or flaky puff pastry shells.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cubed
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 jar (4 oz) diced pimentos
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Add the chicken, mushrooms, pepper, onion, soup and broth to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low 6 hours or high 3 hours.
3. Stir in the peas, pimentos and cream.
4. Cook 20 more minutes.
5. Serve over toast, rice or puff pastry shells.

13. Crockpot Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice (31g Protein)

Chicken, wild rice, mushrooms and veggies in a creamy, comforting casserole.

It’s a cozy all-in-one dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Add the rice and vegetables to the crockpot and set the chicken on top.
2. Whisk the soup, broth and thyme and pour over.
3. Cook on low 6 hours until the rice is tender.
4. Shred the chicken.
5. Stir in the cream and season.

14. Slow Cooker Meatloaf with Potatoes

A classic meatloaf with a sweet ketchup glaze, cooked right on top of the potatoes.

It’s a whole dinner in one pot.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mustard

Instructions:

1. Place the potatoes in the crockpot and season.
2. Mix the beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic powder and Worcestershire and shape into a loaf on top.
3. Cook on low 6 hours until the center hits 160°F.
4. Mix the ketchup, sugar and mustard and spread over the loaf.
5. Cook 30 more minutes with the lid on, then rest 10 minutes before slicing.

💡 Tip: Make a foil sling under the meatloaf so you can lift it out in one piece.

15. Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy

Tender chunks of beef in a rich onion gravy, served over rice or egg noodles.

It’s an easy, budget-friendly Southern supper.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs sirloin tips or chuck, cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 packet brown gravy mix
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Cooked rice or egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef cubes in a hot skillet.
2. Add the beef and onion to the crockpot.
3. Whisk the soup mix, gravy mix, mushroom soup, broth and Worcestershire and pour over.
4. Cook on low 7 to 8 hours.
5. Serve over rice or noodles.

16. Crockpot Country-Style Green Beans and Potatoes

Southern-style green beans cooked low and slow with potatoes and smoked turkey until they’re meltingly tender.

It’s a side dish that can almost be a meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 1/2 lbs baby red potatoes, halved
• 1 smoked turkey leg or wing
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp seasoned salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Add the potatoes to the crockpot, then the green beans, onion and garlic.
2. Nestle the smoked turkey in the middle.
3. Pour in the broth and add the seasonings.
4. Cook on low 6 to 7 hours.
5. Pull the turkey meat off the bone, stir it back in with the butter and serve.

17. Slow Cooker Cabbage and Smoked Beef Sausage

Cabbage, potatoes and smoky beef sausage cook together into a simple, hearty one-pot dinner.

It’s a cheap meal that tastes like the old country.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked beef sausage, sliced
• 1 head green cabbage, chopped
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Layer the potatoes, onion and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Add the cabbage and sausage.
3. Pour in the broth and dot with butter, then sprinkle with paprika.
4. Cook on low 6 hours or high 3 to 4 hours.
5. Stir and season before serving.

18. Crockpot Potato Soup

Thick, creamy potato soup loaded with cheddar and green onions.

Frozen hash browns make it ridiculously easy.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (30 oz) frozen diced hash browns
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Green onions and sour cream

Instructions:

1. Add the hash browns, onion, broth, soup and garlic powder to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low 6 hours or high 3 to 4 hours.
3. Stir in the cream cheese until melted.
4. Stir in the cheddar.
5. Top with green onions and sour cream.

19. Slow Cooker Pinto Beans and Cornbread

Creamy, smoky pinto beans that simmer all day, served with a wedge of golden cornbread.

It’s humble, filling and pure Southern comfort.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried pinto beans, rinsed
• 1 smoked turkey leg or wing
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 jalapeño, optional
• 8 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Your favorite cornbread, for serving

Instructions:

1. Add the beans, turkey, onion, garlic, jalapeño and broth to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low 8 to 10 hours until the beans are tender.
3. Remove the turkey, pull the meat off and return it to the pot.
4. Season with salt, chili powder and pepper.
5. Serve in bowls with cornbread on the side.

⚠️ Budget Note: A pound of dried pinto beans costs about $2 and feeds 8 people.

20. Crockpot Apple Crisp

Warm cinnamon apples under a buttery oat topping, the perfect ending to any of these dinners.

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 6 apples, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon for the topping

Instructions:

1. Toss the apples with the sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon and cornstarch and spread in a greased crockpot.
2. Mix the oats, flour, brown sugar and cinnamon, 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 2 hours or low 4 hours.
5. Uncover for the last 20 minutes and serve warm.

If you only make one recipe from this list, start with the crockpot pot roast, because it’s the one that makes the whole house smell like Grandma’s kitchen.

Then make the chicken and dumplings on the next cold night, and don’t forget the apple crisp.