14 Simple 10-Ingredient or Less Crockpot Recipes

Dinner doesn't get easier than this

By
Lizz Schumer
Lizz Schumer
Lizz Schumer
A journalist, writer, and author, Lizz Schumer has 10+ years of experience covering food and drink for a wide variety of well-known print and online publications.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 04/18/24
Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs

 The Spruce

If you've got a few standards in the fridge and the pantry and a crockpot, you're on your way to a whole dish with this selection of 10-ingredient or less crockpot recipes. We assume you have salt and pepper and a few other pantry staples on hand, so all you have to do is grab a handful of other ingredients. For easy time-savers, look no further than these favorites.

  • 01 of 14

    Crockpot Roast With Onion Soup Mix

    Pot roast and vegetables in a crock pot

     The Spruce

    The next time you're at the grocery store, pick up a few packets of onion soup mix. They'll come in handy when you're ready to make this easy and versatile crockpot roast with onion soup mix recipe. Adding extra vegetables and potatoes will round it out to a full meal if you want to add a few additions.

  • 02 of 14

    Crockpot Pulled Pork Barbecue

    Pulled Pork Barbecue Slow Cooker

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    If you've got salt, pepper, and a bottle of barbecue sauce, you're almost ready to make this easy crockpot pulled pork barbecue. Pulled pork makes a satisfying, succulent meal with some sliced rolls and a little extra sauce on the side. Add liquid smoke, some red chili flakes, or a little extra garlic for an even more assertive flavor.

  • 03 of 14

    Easy Applesauce Kielbasa

    Applesauce Kielbasa

    Juanmonino / E+ / Getty Images

    You probably have several of the ingredients for this hearty, sweet and zesty easy applesauce kielbasa in your cabinet already. If you don't care for kielbasa, any other fully-cooked sausage will do. Mix it up by using whole-grain mustard instead of smooth dijon or another specialty mustard for a fun twist. Enjoy it as a main dish over pasta or rice, if you're looking for a delicious and filling meal.

  • 04 of 14

    Italian Chicken and Potatoes

    Crockpot Italian Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

    Cultura / BRETT STEVENS / Riser / Getty Images

    We all have those days when we just can't figure out what to make for dinner. As long as you've got a few basic spices, potatoes, some Italian dressing, and a package of chicken breasts on hand, you can turn to this easy Italian chicken and potatoes recipe. It's also versatile, lending itself to added veggies, using different cuts, or mixing up the spices to taste. A quick tossed salad would be a great side for this simple weeknight meal.

    Continue to 5 of 14 below.
  • 05 of 14

    Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs

    Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs

     The Spruce

    Yes, you really can make your favorite Italian meal of crockpot spaghetti and meatballs in the crockpot. Make sure the spaghetti is fully submerged in the water before you start the dish, but you can vary the amount of pasta and sauce to taste. If you'd like to make your own meatballs instead of buying them pre-made, toss them in while frozen so they don't overcook. Add some chopped vegetables for an extra hit of nutrition and serve with garlic bread or breadsticks.

  • 06 of 14

    Crockpot Meatball Soup

    Easy Crockpot Meatball Soup

    Images of Africa / Getty Images

    Toss a bag of frozen meatballs and another one of frozen mixed veggies into your crockpot with a few standard spices and a can of diced tomatoes before you leave for work and your house will smell delightful by the time you get home. Better yet, dinner will be all ready! This crockpot meatball soup lends itself well to experimentation. Use chicken or flavored meatballs, change up the vegetables, or toss in chopped onion, some potatoes, or even dried pasta. Some dinner rolls and a nice salad would go beautifully on the side.

  • 07 of 14

    Crockpot Barbecued Pinto Beans

    Crockpot BBQ Pinto Beans

    Steve Cohen / Photolibrary / Getty Images

    You'll never buy another can of baked beans after you try these crockpot barbecued pinto beans. Sweet, savory, and saucy, these have just enough bite to hold up to a classic steak, hamburger, or any grilled protein. Note that the beans do need to soak overnight, so plan ahead accordingly.

  • 08 of 14

    Crockpot Cola Ham

    Crockpot Cola Ham sliced on a platter

    The Spruce Eats / Maxwell Cozzi

    Don't think a ham has to be complicated. A can of cola, brown sugar and mustard combine to make a wonderful glaze for a simple crockpot cola ham that could be the centerpiece of your next meal. If you don't use a fully-cooked ham, make sure it comes to temperature completely before eating. Serve it with your favorite vegetable and some potatoes for a complete and hearty meal.

    Continue to 9 of 14 below.
  • 09 of 14

    Crockpot Pork and Beans

    Crock Pot Baked Beans
    Crock Pot Baked Beans.

    The Spruce Eats / Diana Rattray

    Yes, you can make this whole crockpot pork and beans meal using ingredients you probably have in your fridge. Just pick up an onion, a can of pork and beans, and some trimmed pork chops, grab the ketchup and mustard from the fridge, and you're off to the races. You might want to trim the pork and sauté it a bit for a little more flavor and color. Just make sure you drain them for a few minutes before adding, so the dish doesn't get greasy.

  • 10 of 14

    Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and Rice

    Buffalo chicken

     

    JGI/Jamie Grill / Getty Images

    This easy recipe for crockpot buffalo chicken and rice uses the flavors of spicy chicken wings in a flavorful, one-dish recipe. And it's made in the crockpot, so you can enjoy doing other things while your dinner cooks.

  • 11 of 14

    Thanksgiving-Flavored Turkey in the Crockpot

    Three ingredient crockpot turkey

    ​The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

    Got a hankering for Thanksgiving flavor, but don't want to make a whole spread? Have we got the recipe for you with this Thanksgiving-flavored turkey in the crockpot. Just toss a turkey breast, some cranberry sauce, and onion soup mix in the crockpot and you can satisfy those cravings with so little effort, you can take care of it before work. Mashed potatoes, green beans, and a nice, soft roll would really complete the package.

  • 12 of 14

    Macaroni and Cheese in the Crockpot

    Crockpot baked mac and cheese

    The Spruce

    We assume you've got a few standards on hand to make this easy macaroni and cheese in the crockpot recipe. A blend of evaporated and regular milks make it extra creamy, and you can add more cheese to make it super-loaded. If you really want to level it up, spoon it into a baking dish, sprinkle some cheese on top and broil it to get a nice and melty crust on top before serving.

    Continue to 13 of 14 below.
  • 13 of 14

    Simplest Crockpot Meatloaf

    Slow Cooker Meatloaf

    Lauri Patterson / Getty Images

    You already have eggs in the fridge, right? Then you're partway to this simplest crockpot meatloaf! Just add ground beef, onion soup mix, rolled oats, and ketchup or barbecue sauce and dinner is just about ready. Barbecue sauce will give this meatloaf a more southwest flavor, and you can also mix the two together to just split the difference. Serve with potatoes and a steamed veggie for a simple supper.

  • 14 of 14

    Crockpot Creamy Broccoli Chicken

    Creamy Broccoli Chicken

    The Spruce Eats / Abbey Littlejohn

    Crockpot one-dish meals are a great dinnertime solution for a busy weeknight, and this creamy broccoli chicken is a recipe the whole family will love. Boneless chicken breasts, frozen broccoli, and condensed cream of broccoli soup are cooked together for several hours in the crockpot, and toward the end of cooking time, milk is added. What results is a flavorful dish that is perfect served over mashed potatoes, angel hair pasta, or rice.