There's something incredibly satisfying about tossing a handful of ingredients into a crock pot and coming home to a delicious meal. I've discovered the beauty of crock pot recipes 5 ingredients or less, offering simplicity without sacrificing flavor.
These recipes are perfect for those of us who want hearty, home-cooked meals with minimal fuss.
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For busy weekdays or lazy weekends, these crock pot dishes are a game-changer. Imagine the convenience of minimal prep work and still getting a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
By focusing on recipes that limit ingredients, I find it easier to manage my pantry and grocery shopping while still enjoying a variety of tasty dishes.
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1) Slow Cooker Pear Butter
I love the simplicity of making Slow Cooker Pear Butter. It requires just five ingredients: ripe pears, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
I toss the chopped pears with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg directly into the slow cooker. I enjoy the comforting aroma that fills my home while it cooks.
I set the slow cooker to low for about 6-8 hours. When the pears are tender, I use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until it's smooth.
Sometimes, I cool the pear mixture slightly and use a regular blender in batches if I want a silkier texture. Then, I transfer the pear butter to airtight containers.
Storing it in the refrigerator lets me enjoy the pear butter for up to three weeks. This spread is perfect on toast, pancakes, or even as a filling for pastries.
2) Spicy Pulled Pork
I love making Spicy Pulled Pork in the crock pot, especially when I only need five ingredients. For this recipe, I usually start with pork tenderloin or pork shoulder as the main ingredient.
I rub a mixture of spices all over the pork. Typically, my go-to spices include smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and some pepper.
Once seasoned, I place the pork into the slow cooker. Then, I add some sliced onions, garlic cloves, and whole jalapenos for that extra kick.
For the liquid, I combine store-bought barbecue sauce with some chicken broth. This mix not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the pork moist.
I set my slow cooker to low and let it cook for about 8 hours. The long, slow cooking process ensures the pork is tender enough to shred with a fork.
When it's ready, I remove the pork from the slow cooker, shred it, and mix it back into the sauce. This Spicy Pulled Pork is perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even on its own.
3) Chicken Tacos
I love making chicken tacos in the crockpot because it's a breeze and perfect for busy days.
For this recipe, place boneless skinless chicken in the crockpot. I often use chicken breasts, but thighs work well too. Add a jar of salsa, ensuring the chicken gets fully coated.
Include a packet of taco seasoning for flavor. If you're feeling fancy, squeeze some lime juice over the top. This adds a refreshing zest.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-4 hours. Once done, shred the chicken with two forks. The chicken becomes tender and flavorful, easily shredding apart.
Serve on tortillas, and top with your favorite taco toppings. I usually go with lettuce, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
4) Beef Stew
I love making beef stew in my crock pot because it's simple and hearty. I start by placing a layer of mixed vegetables at the bottom, like carrots, potatoes, and celery.
Next, I add cubed beef stew meat on top of the veggies. This ensures the meat gets evenly cooked. For flavor, I combine cream of mushroom soup, condensed tomato soup, and dry onion soup mix.
Once everything is in the pot, I let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. The slow cooker does all the work, and by the end of the day, I've got a delicious, comforting meal ready. It's perfect for a busy weekday or a lazy Sunday at home.
5) Shredded Buffalo Chicken
One of my favorite crock pot recipes with just five ingredients is Shredded Buffalo Chicken. It's a hit every time I make it.
To start, I place chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Then, I sprinkle ranch dressing mix over the top.
Next, I pour a bottle of buffalo wing sauce over the chicken. This adds a spicy kick that everyone loves.
For extra flavor, I add a cube of butter. This helps to create a rich, creamy texture.
After cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4, I shred the chicken with two forks. It mixes perfectly with the sauce.
Simple and delicious, this recipe is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or even as a dip.
6) Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey Garlic Chicken has become one of my favorite crock pot recipes because it's so simple and flavorful. It's incredible that you only need a few ingredients to make a dish this tasty.
To prepare, I add chicken to my slow cooker and pour a delightful mix of honey, soy sauce, water, vinegar, and garlic over it. You won't believe how delicious it smells while it cooks!
I love that I can set the slow cooker to high for 2-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours, making it convenient for whatever my schedule demands.
When the chicken is done, it's perfectly tender and soaks up the honey garlic goodness. I usually remove it and let it cool for a few minutes before digging in.
This Honey Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with some steamed veggies or over a bed of rice. The sticky, sweet, and tangy sauce ties everything together so well.
7) BBQ Ribs
BBQ ribs in a crock pot are a game-changer, especially if you're short on time. With just five ingredients, you can create mouth-watering ribs that will impress everyone.
Start by selecting your favorite BBQ sauce. Next, add garlic powder, black pepper, and a can of whole berry cranberry sauce. These ingredients add a tangy twist to the traditional BBQ flavor.
Begin by cutting the ribs into smaller portions to fit them into the crock pot. Sprinkle garlic powder and black pepper over the ribs. Then, mix your BBQ sauce with the cranberry sauce and pour it over the ribs.
Set the crock pot to low and cook for about 4-6 hours. This method ensures the ribs are tender and juicy. Serve them straight from the crock pot or finish them under the broiler for a caramelized, crispy finish.
8) Teriyaki Chicken
I love making Teriyaki Chicken in the crock pot because it's incredibly simple and only requires a few ingredients.
I start by adding chicken breasts or thighs to the crock pot. Then, I whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
The sauce mixture goes over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. I cook it on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender.
Towards the end, I sometimes add steamed broccoli or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. This dish pairs well with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
9) Swiss Steak
Swiss Steak is one of my favorite dishes to make in the crock pot. It's so easy to prepare, and it uses only five ingredients.
To start, I coat the steaks with flour, salt, and pepper. A quick sear on each side is essential to lock in those lovely flavors.
Once seared, I place the steaks in the crock pot. Next, I add sliced onions and garlic for extra taste.
Then, I pour a can of diced tomatoes over the steaks. You can add a bit of apple cider vinegar for a tangy touch, but that's optional.
I cook everything on low for 6-8 hours until the meat becomes tender.
10) Cilantro Lime Chicken
I love making Cilantro Lime Chicken in the crock pot. It's so simple and full of flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious meal.
For this recipe, you'll need chicken breasts, fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and cumin. That's it!
I start by placing the chicken in the slow cooker. Next, I combine lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and cumin, and pour it over the chicken.
Cooking on low for 6-8 hours works best for me. The chicken absorbs all those wonderful flavors and becomes incredibly tender.
This dish is great served over rice or in tortillas with your favorite toppings. Simple, tasty, and incredibly easy to prepare!