Enhanced Recipesculinary collection
Home
CoursesView CuisinesWhat Can I Make?My Kitchen

6 EASY Dump & Go Crockpot Dinners | Super Simple 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes | Julia Pacheco

Login to Save
206K views👍 8.6K
Julia Pacheco
Julia Pacheco
167 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
Follow Julia Pacheco to prioritize their recipes in your meal plans, pantry matches, and suggestions

Recipes in this Video

6 recipes

Crockpot chicken is a beloved American dish, particularly popular for its convenience and comfort. Originating from the mid-20th century when slow cookers became household staples, it embodies the spirit of home-cooked meals that require minimal effort. Families often enjoy it on busy weeknights, and it has inspired countless variations, from BBQ to creamy sauces, making it a versatile favorite.

Ingredients

  • chicken
  • onion
  • garlic
  • carrots
  • celery
  • chicken broth
  • potatoes
  • bay leaves
  • thyme
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • olive oil
  • parsley
  • lemon juice
  • cornstarch
  • water

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in the crockpot on high.
  2. 2Season chicken with salt and black pepper.
  3. 3Sear chicken in the crockpot until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. 4Remove chicken and set aside.
  5. 5Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the crockpot; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  6. 6Return chicken to the crockpot.
  7. 7Add chicken broth, potatoes, bay leaves, and thyme.
  8. 8Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
  9. 9Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
  10. 10Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry; stir into the broth in the crockpot.
  11. 11Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until thickened.
  12. 12Return shredded chicken to the pot; stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

chicken

Healthier: turkey

Cheaper: chicken thighs

Turkey is leaner, while chicken thighs are often cheaper than breasts.

chicken broth

Healthier: vegetable broth

Cheaper: water + bouillon cubes

Vegetable broth is lower in calories, while bouillon is a cost-effective substitute.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while canola oil is more affordable.

potatoes

Healthier: sweet potatoes

Cheaper: yams

Sweet potatoes are more nutritious, while yams are often cheaper.

Techniques

sautéingshredding

Equipment

crockpotknifecutting boardmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilk

Beef stew is a classic American comfort food, often associated with family gatherings and hearty meals during colder months. It showcases the use of a slow cooker, which allows for tenderizing tougher cuts of meat while blending flavors over time. This dish is versatile, with variations found in many cultures, making it a staple in many households.

Ingredients

  • beef stew meat
  • potatoes
  • carrots
  • onions
  • beef broth
  • garlic
  • bay leaves
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Cut beef into bite-sized pieces.
  2. 2Season beef with salt and pepper.
  3. 3In a skillet, brown the beef on all sides.
  4. 4Transfer beef to the crockpot.
  5. 5Add chopped potatoes, carrots, and onions to the crockpot.
  6. 6Pour in beef broth and add garlic and bay leaves.
  7. 7Stir to combine all ingredients.
  8. 8Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
  9. 9Check for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
  10. 10Serve hot.

Ingredient Alternatives

beef stew meat

Healthier: lean cuts of beef

Cheaper: chicken thighs

Chicken thighs are often less expensive and can be more flavorful.

beef broth

Healthier: low-sodium beef broth

Cheaper: vegetable broth

Vegetable broth can be a budget-friendly alternative.

Techniques

browningslow-cooking

Equipment

crockpotskilletcutting boardknife
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Slow Cooker Beef StewBeef Stew

BBQ ribs are a staple in American cuisine, particularly popular in Southern barbecue traditions. They are often served at gatherings, parties, and family meals, showcasing the rich flavors of slow-cooked meat. The use of a crockpot makes this dish accessible for home cooks, allowing for tender, flavorful ribs with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • pork ribs
  • BBQ sauce
  • onion
  • garlic
  • black pepper
  • salt

Instructions

  1. 1Prepare the ribs by removing the membrane from the back.
  2. 2Season the ribs with salt and black pepper.
  3. 3Slice the onion and garlic, then place them in the bottom of the crockpot.
  4. 4Layer the seasoned ribs on top of the onions and garlic.
  5. 5Pour BBQ sauce over the ribs, ensuring they are well coated.
  6. 6Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.

Ingredient Alternatives

BBQ sauce

Healthier: homemade BBQ sauce

Cheaper: ketchup

Homemade BBQ sauce can be lower in sugar and preservatives.

pork ribs

Healthier: chicken ribs

Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken ribs are leaner, while pork shoulder is often less expensive.

Techniques

seasoninglayeringslow-cooking

Equipment

crockpotknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Slow Cooker BBQ RibsBBQ Pork Ribs

Chili has deep roots in American cuisine, particularly in the Southwest. It is often associated with Texan culture and is a staple at gatherings and competitions. Traditionally made with meat and beans, chili varies widely in ingredients and preparation methods across regions. Today, it is enjoyed throughout the U.S. and has inspired numerous variations, including vegetarian and vegan versions that cater to diverse dietary preferences.

Ingredients

  • ground beef
  • kidney beans
  • black beans
  • diced tomatoes
  • onion
  • garlic
  • bell pepper
  • chili powder
  • cumin
  • oregano
  • beef broth
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • jalapeno
  • olive oil
  • corn
  • cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. 2Add chopped onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. 4Add ground beef to skillet; cook until browned, breaking it apart, about 7-10 minutes.
  5. 5Drain excess fat from the skillet and transfer mixture to a crockpot.
  6. 6Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, oregano, beef broth, salt, and black pepper to the crockpot.
  7. 7Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  8. 8Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  9. 9If using, add corn and jalapeno during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  10. 10Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
  11. 11Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

Ingredient Alternatives

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground chicken is often less expensive.

cheddar cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: monterey jack cheese

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

Techniques

sautéingbrowningmixing

Equipment

large skilletcrockpotcutting boardknifespatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediummilksoy

Also Known As

Slow Cooker ChiliChili Con Carne

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1In a bowl, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, chicken broth, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  2. 2Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  3. 3Pour the honey mustard mixture over the chicken, ensuring they are well coated.
  4. 4Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. 5Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes.
  6. 6If desired, you can thicken the sauce by transferring it to a saucepan and simmering it on the stove until reduced.
  7. 7Serve the chicken with the sauce drizzled over the top.

Equipment

slow cookermixing bowlmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonsknifecutting board

Barbecue ribs are a quintessential American dish, deeply rooted in Southern cooking traditions. Often enjoyed at family gatherings and summer cookouts, these ribs symbolize comfort and indulgence. The slow cooking method allows the meat to become tender and infused with flavor, making them a favorite for casual dining. Today, barbecue ribs have gained worldwide popularity, with variations in sauces and cooking techniques across different cultures.

Ingredients

  • pork ribs
  • barbecue sauce
  • brown sugar
  • apple cider vinegar
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • smoked paprika
  • black pepper
  • salt
  • cayenne pepper
  • mustard powder
  • liquid smoke
  • water
  • Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. 1Prepare the ribs by removing the membrane from the back.
  2. 2Mix together the dry spices in a bowl.
  3. 3Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the ribs.
  4. 4Place the ribs in the slow cooker, standing them upright if necessary.
  5. 5In a separate bowl, combine barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
  6. 6Pour the sauce mixture over the ribs in the slow cooker.
  7. 7Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until tender.
  8. 8Once cooked, remove the ribs from the slow cooker and set aside.
  9. 9Optional: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  10. 10Brush additional barbecue sauce on the ribs and grill for 5-10 minutes until caramelized.
  11. 11Serve the ribs with extra barbecue sauce on the side.

Ingredient Alternatives

barbecue sauce

Healthier: homemade barbecue sauce

Cheaper: ketchup + vinegar + spices

Homemade sauce can reduce sugar and preservatives.

pork ribs

Healthier: chicken thighs

Cheaper: pork shoulder

Chicken thighs are leaner, while pork shoulder is more affordable.

Techniques

rubbingsimmeringgrilling

Equipment

slow cookermixing bowlgrill
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumsulfites

Also Known As

BBQ RibsCrockpot Ribs

More Crockpot Chicken Videos

(8 videos)

Similar American Videos

(24 videos)

Similar Dishes From Other Cuisines

(23 videos)