18 Easy Crockpot Recipes for Busy Days

18 Easy Crockpot Recipes for Busy Days

By Sara Taylor

18 Easy Crockpot Recipes for Busy Days

By Sara Taylor
•
Updated
•
Recipes

When life is overwhelming me, and I am pushing through the day, my slow cooker creates magic and has dinner waiting for me as I come home exhausted! These 18 slow cooker recipes will do their magic while you're driving kids around, working, or even hiding in the bathroom for five minutes of peace. Just pour in the ingredients in the morning, and come home to a fulfilling meal.

Don't lose this article. Enter your email below, and I'll send it to you right now. Plus a little encouragement and inspiration from me, straight to your inbox.

1) Pulled Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa

pulled pork tacos topped with mango salsa on a wide wooden board shot horizontally, juicy shredded pork in corn tortillas with bright orange mango and red onion, lime wedges and cilantro scattered around, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

The upgraded taco night experience that my family always asks for is tender, smoky pulled pork, topped with mango salsa.

STROLLER ENVY DINNER CLUB
Dinner is handled every Sunday

Dinner is handled every Sunday

Get 5 easy family dinners, printable recipe cards, and one grocery list. Simple meals, normal ingredients, no more starting from zero at 5pm.

Get This Week's Dinners
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
pulled pork tacos topped with mango salsa on a wide wooden board shot horizontally, juicy shredded pork in corn tortillas with bright orange mango and red onion, lime wedges and cilantro scattered around, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Pulled Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa

Shredded slow-cooked pork shoulder for tacos and finished with fresh mango salsa.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs pork shoulder
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 mango diced
  • 0.5 red onion finely diced
  • 16 corn tortillas

Method
 

  1. Rub the pork all over with chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place in the crockpot and pour in the broth.
  3. Cover and cook on low 8 hours until fork-tender.
  4. Shred the pork with two forks and toss in the juices.
  5. Combine mango and red onion with a squeeze of lime for the salsa.
  6. Pile the pork into warm tortillas and top with mango salsa.

2) Hearty Beef Stew

hearty beef stew in a wide rustic bowl shot horizontally, tender beef chunks with carrots and potatoes in thick brown gravy, fresh thyme and crusty bread on a dark wooden surface, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cozy up with this beef stew! The slow cooker makes the beef melt-in-your-mouth tender.

hearty beef stew in a wide rustic bowl shot horizontally, tender beef chunks with carrots and potatoes in thick brown gravy, fresh thyme and crusty bread on a dark wooden surface, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Hearty Beef Stew

Pieces of beef and vegetables slow cooked in thick yummy gravy.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs beef chuck cubed
  • 4 carrots chunked
  • 3 potatoes cubed
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 3 tbsp flour

Method
 

  1. Toss the beef cubes in flour, salt, and pepper.
  2. Layer the beef, carrots, potatoes, and onion in the crockpot.
  3. Pour in the beef broth.
  4. Cover and cook on low 8 hours until the beef is tender.
  5. Stir well to thicken the gravy, adjusting seasoning to taste.
  6. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

Browning the beef first is optional but adds extra depth of flavor.

3) Chicken Alfredo Tortellini

creamy chicken alfredo tortellini in a wide bowl shot horizontally, plump tortellini and chicken in a glossy white sauce dusted with parmesan and parsley, a dark elegant surface, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This is the meal the kids gobble down and what I absolutely adore is how creamy and cheesy it is and how the tortellini is so tender!

creamy chicken alfredo tortellini in a wide bowl shot horizontally, plump tortellini and chicken in a glossy white sauce dusted with parmesan and parsley, a dark elegant surface, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chicken Alfredo Tortellini

Cheese tortellini and chicken in a creamy Alfredo sauce made right in the crockpot.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts cubed
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated parmesan
  • 20 oz cheese tortellini refrigerated
  • 3 cloves garlic minced

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken, cream, broth, and garlic in the crockpot.
  2. Cover and cook on low 3 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
  3. Stir in the parmesan until melted into the sauce.
  4. Add the tortellini and stir to submerge.
  5. Cover and cook 30 to 45 minutes more until the tortellini is tender.
  6. Season and serve hot.

Notes

Add the tortellini at the end so it doesn't turn mushy.

4) Vegetable Ratatouille

vegetable ratatouille in a wide shallow dish shot horizontally, colorful chunks of eggplant zucchini and bell pepper in a herby tomato sauce, fresh basil on top and a rustic table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

With a slow cooker, you can make this stew gorgeous, healthy, and almost effortless!

vegetable ratatouille in a wide shallow dish shot horizontally, colorful chunks of eggplant zucchini and bell pepper in a herby tomato sauce, fresh basil on top and a rustic table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Vegetable Ratatouille

A mix of summer veggies cooked and combined in an herby tomato sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 eggplant cubed
  • 2 zucchini sliced
  • 2 bell peppers chopped
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 tsp dried herbs de Provence

Method
 

  1. Add the eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and onion to the crockpot.
  2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle with the herbs.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
  4. Stir to combine everything evenly.
  5. Cover and cook on low 5 hours until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Serve warm over rice or with crusty bread.

5) Buffalo Chicken Dip

bubbling buffalo chicken dip in a wide dish shot horizontally, creamy orange dip topped with melted cheddar and green onions, celery sticks and tortilla chips fanned around it, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

I always take this dip to parties and it gets consumed before halftime.

bubbling buffalo chicken dip in a wide dish shot horizontally, creamy orange dip topped with melted cheddar and green onions, celery sticks and tortilla chips fanned around it, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A creamy dip made in the slow cooker! We added shredded chicken and spicy buffalo sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup buffalo sauce
  • 0.5 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar

Method
 

  1. Add the shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch to the crockpot.
  2. Cover and cook on low 1 hour.
  3. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and smooth.
  4. Mix in the shredded cheddar.
  5. Cover and cook 30 to 60 minutes more until hot and bubbly.
  6. Serve warm with chips, celery, or crackers.

Notes

Keep it on the warm setting so it stays melty throughout the party.

6) Chocolate Lava Cake

warm chocolate lava cake scooped into a wide bowl shot horizontally, rich fudgy cake with molten chocolate oozing out, a scoop of vanilla ice cream and dusting of cocoa, a dark moody surface, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A little kitchen miracle is a good description for this slow cooker self baking fudgey chocolate cake!

warm chocolate lava cake scooped into a wide bowl shot horizontally, rich fudgy cake with molten chocolate oozing out, a scoop of vanilla ice cream and dusting of cocoa, a dark moody surface, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Chocolate Lava Cake

An indulgent and gooey chocolate cake with a molten center that is cooked in a crockpot.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 0.5 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup milk
  • 0.33 cup melted butter
  • 1.5 cups hot water

Method
 

  1. Grease the crockpot and whisk flour, half the sugar, half the cocoa, milk, and butter into a batter.
  2. Spread the batter evenly in the crockpot.
  3. Stir the remaining sugar and cocoa together and sprinkle over the batter.
  4. Gently pour the hot water over the top without stirring.
  5. Cover and cook on high 2 to 2.5 hours until the top is set but the center is gooey.
  6. Turn off the heat and let it rest 15 minutes to firm slightly before scooping.

Notes

Resist peeking too early; the molten center needs the full cook time to develop.

7) Savory Meatballs

savory meatballs in marinara in a wide shallow dish shot horizontally, glossy red sauce coating tender meatballs with fresh basil, a wooden spoon and rustic table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These lengthy cooking meatballs give an oozy tender meatball expliera way to saucy meatballs. Perfect for dinner or a party platter.

savory meatballs in marinara in a wide shallow dish shot horizontally, glossy red sauce coating tender meatballs with fresh basil, a wooden spoon and rustic table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Savory Meatballs

Delicious meatballs cooked slowly in a rich tomato and herb sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Method
 

  1. Mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
  3. Place the meatballs in the crockpot.
  4. Pour the marinara over the top.
  5. Cover and cook on low 4 hours until cooked through and tender.
  6. Serve over pasta or as an appetizer with toothpicks.

8) Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

cheesy broccoli and rice casserole in a wide dish shot horizontally, creamy rice studded with green broccoli and melted cheddar, a serving spoon and rustic surface, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This cheesy casserole is the ultimate form of comfort food and can almost be considered a make yourself dish!

Don't lose this article. Enter your email below, and I'll send it to you right now. Plus a little encouragement and inspiration from me, straight to your inbox.

cheesy broccoli and rice casserole in a wide dish shot horizontally, creamy rice studded with green broccoli and melted cheddar, a serving spoon and rustic surface, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Creamy and cheesy casserole with rice and broccoli baked together in the slow cooker.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups white rice uncooked
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10 oz
  • 1 onion diced

Method
 

  1. Stir the rice, broth, cream of mushroom soup, and onion in the crockpot.
  2. Cover and cook on low 2 hours.
  3. Add the broccoli florets and stir.
  4. Cover and cook 45 to 60 minutes more until the rice and broccoli are tender.
  5. Stir in the shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
  6. Season to taste and serve warm.

Notes

Add the broccoli partway through so it stays bright and doesn't overcook.

9) Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

honey garlic chicken wings piled on a wide platter shot horizontally, glossy sticky glazed wings sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onion, a dark slate surface and small dip bowl, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

These bone-in chicken wings marinated in sweet and sticky garlic sauce will literally fall off the bone from the sticky garlic goodness.

honey garlic chicken wings piled on a wide platter shot horizontally, glossy sticky glazed wings sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onion, a dark slate surface and small dip bowl, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

Slow-cooked tender chicken wings with a honey garlic glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs chicken wings
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 0.33 cup soy sauce
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

Method
 

  1. Place the wings in the crockpot.
  2. Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar, then pour over the wings.
  3. Cover and cook on low 4 hours until tender.
  4. Whisk the cornstarch with a splash of water and stir into the sauce.
  5. Cook 20 minutes more until the glaze thickens.
  6. Broil briefly for crisp edges if desired, then serve.

Notes

A quick run under the broiler makes the wings sticky and caramelized.

10) Savory French Onion Soup

French onion soup in a wide bowl shot horizontally, rich brown broth with caramelized onions topped with a toasted baguette slice and melted bubbly cheese, a rustic dark surface, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Slow-cooker soup with deeply caramelized onions and rich broth tastes like a classic bistro dish.

French onion soup in a wide bowl shot horizontally, rich brown broth with caramelized onions topped with a toasted baguette slice and melted bubbly cheese, a rustic dark surface, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Savory French Onion Soup

Sweet slow-cooked onions served in a rich beef broth and topped with toasted bread.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 5 large onions thinly sliced
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 6 slices baguette toasted
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère

Method
 

  1. Add the sliced onions and butter to the crockpot.
  2. Cover and cook on low 8 hours until deeply golden and caramelized.
  3. Stir in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
  4. Cover and cook 1 hour more to meld the flavors.
  5. Ladle into bowls and top each with a toasted baguette slice and Gruyère.
  6. Broil briefly to melt the cheese, then serve.

11) Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

teriyaki chicken thighs over rice in a wide bowl shot horizontally, glossy glazed chicken sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onion, steamed rice and a dark surface, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Tender, juicy chicken thighs absorb the flavors of a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze that pairs perfectly with a bowl of rice.

teriyaki chicken thighs over rice in a wide bowl shot horizontally, glossy glazed chicken sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onion, steamed rice and a dark surface, natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Slow cooker boneless chicken thighs with homemade teriyaki sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
  • 0.5 cup soy sauce
  • 0.33 cup brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
  2. Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, then pour over the chicken.
  3. Cover and cook on low 4 hours until tender.
  4. Whisk the cornstarch with a splash of water and stir into the sauce.
  5. Cook 15 minutes more until the sauce thickens and glosses.
  6. Serve over rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

12) Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

creamy tomato basil soup in a wide bowl shot horizontally, smooth red soup swirled with cream and topped with fresh basil, a grilled bread slice on the side, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This soup is silky and basil-forward. It is the ultimate hug in a bowl on your busiest days as it combines comfort and coziness.

creamy tomato basil soup in a wide bowl shot horizontally, smooth red soup swirled with cream and topped with fresh basil, a grilled bread slice on the side, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Slow cooker tomato soup finished with cream and fresh basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans crushed tomatoes 28 oz each
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 0.33 cup fresh basil chopped

Method
 

  1. Add the crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, and broth to the crockpot.
  2. Cover and cook on low 5 hours.
  3. Blend the soup until smooth with an immersion blender.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
  6. Serve hot with grilled bread.

Notes

A pinch of sugar tames the tomatoes' acidity beautifully.

13) Slow Cooker Chili

hearty slow cooker chili in a wide bowl shot horizontally, thick beef and bean chili topped with diced onion and a dollop of sour cream, tortilla chips on the side, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

My favorite chili that gets thick and smoky and also gets better the longer it simmers is what I make for cold weather and game days.

hearty slow cooker chili in a wide bowl shot horizontally, thick beef and bean chili topped with diced onion and a dollop of sour cream, tortilla chips on the side, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Slow Cooker Chili

A nice and cozy chili made with beef and beans and slowly simmered with all the right spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef browned
  • 2 cans kidney beans drained
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin

Method
 

  1. Add the browned ground beef to the crockpot.
  2. Stir in the kidney beans, tomatoes, onion, chili powder, and cumin.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cover and cook on low 6 hours.
  5. Stir well and adjust the seasoning to taste.
  6. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

14) Barbecue Ribs

barbecue ribs on a wide wooden board shot horizontally, glossy caramelized ribs glistening with barbecue sauce, a small sauce bowl and napkin on a rustic surface, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

You can make the slow cooker tender than normal baby back ribs as tender as the ribs you buy at the store that fall off the bone.

barbecue ribs on a wide wooden board shot horizontally, glossy caramelized ribs glistening with barbecue sauce, a small sauce bowl and napkin on a rustic surface, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Barbecue Ribs

Barbecue-drenched, fall-off-the-bone tender, slow-cooked pork ribs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs pork baby back ribs cut into sections
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1.5 cups barbecue sauce

Method
 

  1. Rub the ribs with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Stand the rib sections in the crockpot and brush with half the barbecue sauce.
  3. Cover and cook on low 7 hours until tender.
  4. Carefully transfer the ribs to a foil-lined sheet.
  5. Brush with the remaining sauce and broil 5 minutes until caramelized.
  6. Rest a few minutes, then serve.

Notes

A quick broil at the end gives the ribs that sticky, charred finish.

15) Butter Chicken

creamy butter chicken in a wide bowl over rice shot horizontally, glossy orange-red sauce coating tender chicken with a swirl of cream and cilantro, naan on the side, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

You would never believe that this butter chicken, which smells great, tastes amazing, and is ready for dinner by itself, is complete with home delivery!

creamy butter chicken in a wide bowl over rice shot horizontally, glossy orange-red sauce coating tender chicken with a swirl of cream and cilantro, naan on the side, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Butter Chicken

Slow-cooker style tender chicken with spicy cream and tomato sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs cubed
  • 1 can tomato sauce 15 oz
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic minced

Method
 

  1. Add the chicken, tomato sauce, garam masala, ginger, and garlic to the crockpot.
  2. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
  3. Cover and cook on low 5 hours until the chicken is tender.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream.
  5. Cover and cook 15 minutes more until warmed through.
  6. Season with salt and serve over rice.

16) Lentil Curry

creamy red lentil curry in a wide bowl shot horizontally, thick golden curry topped with cilantro and a swirl of coconut milk, naan and a lime wedge on a dark surface, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Everyone will love this cozy, wallet-friendly lentil curry! It's so hearty that no one will miss the meat.

creamy red lentil curry in a wide bowl shot horizontally, thick golden curry topped with cilantro and a swirl of coconut milk, naan and a lime wedge on a dark surface, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Lentil Curry

Red lentils are cooked in a thick and creamy coconut curry sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups red lentils rinsed
  • 1 can coconut milk 14 oz
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 tbsp curry powder
  • 4 cups vegetable broth

Method
 

  1. Add the lentils, tomatoes, onion, curry powder, and broth to the crockpot.
  2. Stir to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on low 5 hours until the lentils are tender.
  4. Stir in the coconut milk.
  5. Cover and cook 15 minutes more until creamy.
  6. Season with salt and serve over rice.

Notes

Stir well at the end since the lentils settle to the bottom.

17) Cornbread Pudding

golden cornbread pudding scooped into a wide dish shot horizontally, moist custardy corn casserole flecked with whole corn kernels, a serving spoon and rustic table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

At potlucks, this sweet-and-sour side dish, which is a fusion of a casserole and cornbread, always gets eaten.

golden cornbread pudding scooped into a wide dish shot horizontally, moist custardy corn casserole flecked with whole corn kernels, a serving spoon and rustic table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cornbread Pudding

A custardy corn pudding that is moist and comes out tender right in the slow cooker.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can creamed corn 15 oz
  • 1 can whole kernel corn 15 oz, drained
  • 1 box cornbread mix 8.5 oz
  • 2 eggs
  • 0.5 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup sour cream

Method
 

  1. Grease the crockpot well.
  2. Whisk the eggs, melted butter, and sour cream together.
  3. Stir in the creamed corn, whole kernel corn, and cornbread mix until just combined.
  4. Pour the batter into the crockpot and spread evenly.
  5. Cover and cook on low 3 to 3.5 hours until the center is set.
  6. Let it rest 10 minutes before scooping.

Notes

Lay a paper towel under the lid to catch condensation and keep the top from getting soggy.

18) Tuscan White Bean Soup

Tuscan white bean soup in a wide bowl shot horizontally, creamy white beans and green kale in a savory broth with a drizzle of olive oil, crusty bread on a rustic surface, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Soup is the heart of the home, and rustic, garlicky white bean soup with greens is the creme de la creme.

Tuscan white bean soup in a wide bowl shot horizontally, creamy white beans and green kale in a savory broth with a drizzle of olive oil, crusty bread on a rustic surface, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Tuscan White Bean Soup

Creamy white beans, shredded kale, and tomatoes simmered together in a rich herbed broth.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cans cannellini beans drained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz
  • 1 onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 3 cups chopped kale

Method
 

  1. Add the beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and broth to the crockpot.
  2. Season with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of dried rosemary.
  3. Cover and cook on low 5 hours.
  4. Mash some of the beans against the side to thicken the broth.
  5. Stir in the kale and cook 30 minutes more until wilted.
  6. Adjust seasoning and serve with a drizzle of olive oil.
Privacy Policy Your Privacy Choices Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Accessibility Widget