22 Crockpot Dump Dinners With 5 Ingredients or Less

You have enough on your plate without spending hours in the kitchen every single evening. I have learned that the best way to handle busy weeks is to stop overcomplicating dinner. You can put together some truly solid meals using only a few pantry staples and a slow cooker. These 5 ingredient crockpot meals save you time, money, and sanity while keeping your family fed with real food. It is all about the dump and go method. Just toss the items into your pot, set it, and walk away until you hear that delicious smell filling your home.

1. Salsa Chicken

Prep Time: 2 mins | Cook Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 2 mins | Serves: 4 | Difficulty: Easy

This is my go-to when I need something fast. It turns into tender, shredded chicken perfect for tacos or bowls.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 4 large boneless chicken breasts
• 1 jar (16 oz) chunky salsa
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

How to Prepare:

• Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your Crock-Pot 7-Quart Cooker.
• Pour the entire jar of salsa over the chicken to cover it completely.
• Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly across the top of the chicken and salsa.
• Cook on low heat for 4 hours until the chicken pulls apart with a fork.
• Stir in the black beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
• Top with shredded cheese right before serving so it melts into the sauce.

Serve it with:

• Easy side: serve inside warm flour tortillas with a dollop of sour cream.

Nutrition (per serving): 380 kcal, 42g protein, 28g carbs, 10g fat

Pro Tip: Use a mild salsa if you are cooking for children who dislike spicy food.

2. Creamy Mushroom Pork

Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 5 mins | Serves: 6 | Difficulty: Easy

Rich and savory, this pork roast relies on pantry staples to build a deep flavor profile without much effort.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 3 lbs pork loin roast
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream

How to Prepare:

• Lay the pork roast in the center of the slow cooker basin.
• Whisk together the mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and beef broth in a separate bowl.
• Pour this mixture over the pork to coat it evenly.
• Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the meat is fork tender.
• Remove the pork and stir the sour cream into the remaining hot liquid for a velvety sauce.
• Slice the pork and drizzle the thickened gravy over each serving.

Serve it with:

• Classic pairing: serve over a heap of buttery mashed potatoes.

Nutrition (per serving): 410 kcal, 38g protein, 12g carbs, 22g fat

Warning: Ensure the pork is fully submerged in the liquids to keep the meat from drying out.

3. BBQ Pulled Chicken

Prep Time: 2 mins | Cook Time: 5 hours | Total Time: 5 hours 2 mins | Serves: 4 | Difficulty: Easy

Nothing beats the simplicity of classic barbecue chicken. It is sweet, tangy, and perfect for sandwiches or salads.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 bottle (18 oz) high-quality barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

How to Prepare:

• Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
• Combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and paprika in a small bowl.
• Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken until fully coated.
• Cook on low for 5 hours until the meat is tender and pulls apart easily.
• Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot.
• Stir well to incorporate the juices back into the shredded meat.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: pile onto toasted brioche buns with a crisp pickle slice.

Nutrition (per serving): 340 kcal, 32g protein, 24g carbs, 12g fat

Good to Know: Chicken thighs stay much juicier than breasts when slow-cooked for several hours.

4. Enchilada Shredded Beef

Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 5 mins | Serves: 6 | Difficulty: Easy

This beef dish packs a punch of flavor with minimal ingredients. It is a hearty option for those who love bold, zesty meals.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 3 lbs chuck roast
• 2 cans (10 oz each) red enchilada sauce
• 1 cup diced white onion
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

How to Prepare:

• Place the chuck roast in the slow cooker.
• Add the diced onion and cumin around the roast.
• Pour the enchilada sauce over the meat until covered.
• Cook on low heat for 8 hours until the beef falls apart under light pressure.
• Shred the beef with two forks and stir it into the sauce.
• Sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese and cover until melted.

Serve it with:

• Best way: stuff into warm tortillas for quick beef enchiladas.

Nutrition (per serving): 490 kcal, 45g protein, 8g carbs, 30g fat

Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to three days.

5. Teriyaki Pineapple Roast

Prep Time: 3 mins | Cook Time: 7 hours | Total Time: 7 hours 3 mins | Serves: 6 | Difficulty: Easy

Sweet pineapple meets savory soy sauce in this slow-cooked beef roast. It is a fantastic change of pace from standard savory stews.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 3 lbs beef roast
• 1 bottle (12 oz) teriyaki sauce
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice
• 2 tbsp minced ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed

How to Prepare:

• Place the beef roast into the slow cooker.
• Pour the teriyaki sauce over the roast.
• Add the pineapple chunks including the juice from the can.
• Toss in the minced ginger and smashed garlic cloves.
• Cook on low for 7 hours until the beef is meltingly tender.
• Slice the beef into thin strips and serve with the pineapple reduction.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: serve over steamed white jasmine rice.

Nutrition (per serving): 420 kcal, 35g protein, 30g carbs, 15g fat

Make-Ahead: You can sear the roast in a hot pan before putting it in the pot for extra depth.

6. Comforting Chicken Stuffing

Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 5 mins | Serves: 4 | Difficulty: Easy

This meal brings the taste of a holiday dinner to a busy Tuesday. It is pure comfort food at its finest.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 box (6 oz) herb stuffing mix
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

How to Prepare:

• Combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and broth in the slow cooker.
• Add the chicken breasts to the liquid mixture.
• Sprinkle the dry stuffing mix evenly over the chicken.
• Cook on low for 4 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
• Shred the chicken and mix it into the softened stuffing.
• Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving to thicken the texture.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: pair with steamed green beans for a fresh contrast.

Nutrition (per serving): 390 kcal, 30g protein, 25g carbs, 16g fat

Variation: Add a cup of frozen peas in the last hour for extra color and nutrition.

7. Zesty Italian Beef

Prep Time: 2 mins | Cook Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 2 mins | Serves: 6 | Difficulty: Easy

Zesty and spicy, this is a crowd favorite for sandwiches. The pepperoncinis provide the perfect amount of heat.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 3 lbs beef roast
• 1 packet Italian dressing mix
• 1 jar (16 oz) sliced pepperoncinis
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp butter

How to Prepare:

• Place the beef roast into your slow cooker.
• Mix the beef broth and Italian dressing packet together.
• Pour the liquid over the beef.
• Add the entire jar of pepperoncinis and their juice.
• Place the butter on top of the roast.
• Cook on low for 8 hours then shred the meat into the juice.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: serve on crusty hoagie rolls with melted provolone.

Nutrition (per serving): 440 kcal, 40g protein, 4g carbs, 28g fat

Substitution: Use banana peppers if you prefer a milder sandwich.

8. Pesto Ranch Chicken

Prep Time: 3 mins | Cook Time: 5 hours | Total Time: 5 hours 3 mins | Serves: 4 | Difficulty: Easy

The combination of fresh pesto and tangy ranch creates a unique flavor that tastes like it took all day to prepare.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

How to Prepare:

• Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Whisk together the pesto, ranch dressing, and broth.
• Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts.
• Cook on low for 5 hours until the chicken is tender.
• Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top during the last 15 minutes.
• Serve hot with the juices spooned over the meat.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: serve alongside roasted zucchini slices.

Nutrition (per serving): 360 kcal, 38g protein, 6g carbs, 20g fat

Pro Tip: Use high-quality store-bought pesto to keep prep time under five minutes.

9. Honey Mustard Chicken

Prep Time: 2 mins | Cook Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 2 mins | Serves: 4 | Difficulty: Easy

Sweet honey meets sharp Dijon in this simple glaze. It turns plain chicken into a delicious, sticky meal.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 2 lbs chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt

How to Prepare:

• Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
• Mix the honey, Dijon mustard, oil, and salt in a bowl.
• Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken.
• Cook on low for 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.
• If you want a thicker glaze, spoon the liquid into a pan and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Pour the thickened glaze back over the chicken before serving.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: serve with roasted sweet potato wedges.

Nutrition (per serving): 320 kcal, 28g protein, 22g carbs, 12g fat

Good to Know: If the sauce is too thin, it will thicken significantly once it cools slightly.

10. Maple BBQ Pork Chops

Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 5 mins | Serves: 4 | Difficulty: Easy

Pork chops become incredibly tender in a slow cooker. This maple and BBQ glaze is a simple way to elevate them.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 4 thick-cut pork chops
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1/4 cup water

How to Prepare:

• Arrange the pork chops in the base of the slow cooker.
• Stir the barbecue sauce, maple syrup, and chili powder with water.
• Pour the sauce over the pork chops.
• Cook on low for 3 hours until the meat is tender and cooked through.
• Do not overcook, as pork chops can dry out if left too long.
• Remove the chops and serve with the remaining sauce from the pot.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: serve with a side of coleslaw for a crunch.

Nutrition (per serving): 350 kcal, 30g protein, 28g carbs, 14g fat

Warning: Check the pork chops at the 3-hour mark as they cook much faster than a large roast.

11. Lemon Garlic Chicken

Prep Time: 3 mins | Cook Time: 5 hours | Total Time: 5 hours 3 mins | Serves: 4 | Difficulty: Easy

Bright and zesty, this chicken dish is perfect for a lighter feeling dinner. The creamy sauce is truly addictive.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano

How to Prepare:

• Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
• Whisk the soup, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano together.
• Pour the mixture over the chicken.
• Cook on low for 5 hours.
• Shred the chicken or serve as whole breasts with the sauce.
• Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed before plating.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: serve over al dente angel hair pasta.

Nutrition (per serving): 310 kcal, 35g protein, 10g carbs, 8g fat

Pro Tip: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor balance.

12. BBQ Pulled Pork

Prep Time: 2 mins | Cook Time: 9 hours | Total Time: 9 hours 2 mins | Serves: 8 | Difficulty: Easy

A classic for a reason. This pulled pork is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a large group.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 4 lbs pork shoulder roast
• 1 bottle (18 oz) barbecue sauce
• 1 cup apple juice
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt

How to Prepare:

• Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
• Pour the apple juice over the meat.
• Rub the paprika and salt onto the surface of the pork.
• Cook on low for 9 hours until the meat shreds easily.
• Drain most of the liquid and shred the pork.
• Stir in the barbecue sauce and heat through for 20 minutes.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: serve on slider buns with pickles.

Nutrition (per serving): 480 kcal, 42g protein, 15g carbs, 25g fat

Storage: This freezes perfectly in portioned bags for future meals.

13. Orange Chicken

Prep Time: 3 mins | Cook Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 3 mins | Serves: 4 | Difficulty: Easy

Forget takeout. This orange chicken hits the sweet and savory notes you crave without the deep-fried mess.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 2 lbs chicken breast chunks
• 1/2 cup orange marmalade
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder

How to Prepare:

• Put the chicken chunks into the slow cooker.
• Combine the marmalade, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a bowl.
• Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
• Cook on low for 4 hours.
• The sauce will thicken into a glaze during the final hour.
• Serve over grains of your choice.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: serve over steamed brown rice.

Nutrition (per serving): 330 kcal, 32g protein, 35g carbs, 6g fat

Variation: Add a tablespoon of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.

14. Authentic Cochinita Pibil

Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 5 mins | Serves: 6 | Difficulty: Medium

This Yucatecan-inspired dish uses achiote paste for a beautiful color and earthy flavor. It is a true showstopper.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 3 lbs pork shoulder, cubed
• 1/2 cup achiote paste
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp salt

How to Prepare:

• Place the cubed pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
• Mix the achiote paste, orange juice, cumin, and salt in a bowl until smooth.
• Pour the marinade over the pork and toss to coat every piece.
• Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the pork is tender.
• Shred the meat and stir it into the remaining juices.
• Serve immediately while hot.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: serve with quick pickled red onions.

Nutrition (per serving): 420 kcal, 38g protein, 10g carbs, 24g fat

Good to Know: Achiote paste can be found in the international aisle of most grocery stores.

15. Cool Ranch Chicken Tacos

Prep Time: 2 mins | Cook Time: 5 hours | Total Time: 5 hours 2 mins | Serves: 4 | Difficulty: Easy

A fun twist on standard taco night. The ranch and taco seasoning create a creamy, flavorful shredded chicken.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

How to Prepare:

• Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
• Mix the ranch, taco seasoning, and water.
• Pour over the chicken and coat evenly.
• Cook on low for 5 hours.
• Shred the chicken with two forks.
• Stir in the cheese during the final 10 minutes.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: serve in crispy taco shells with fresh salsa.

Nutrition (per serving): 370 kcal, 40g protein, 8g carbs, 18g fat

Variation: Swap chicken for turkey breasts if you prefer a leaner option.

16. Smoky Chipotle Roast

Prep Time: 4 mins | Cook Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 4 mins | Serves: 6 | Difficulty: Easy

Chipotles in adobo add a smoky, deep heat that makes this roast feel like it came from a professional kitchen.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt

How to Prepare:

• Place the chuck roast into your slow cooker.
• Scatter the chopped carrots around the meat.
• Whisk the broth, minced chipotles, and garlic salt.
• Pour the liquid over the roast and carrots.
• Cook on low for 8 hours until tender.
• Slice the beef and serve with the tender carrots.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Nutrition (per serving): 450 kcal, 42g protein, 12g carbs, 24g fat

Pro Tip: Remove the seeds from the chipotles if you want less heat.

17. Hearty Chorizo Kale Soup

Prep Time: 6 mins | Cook Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 6 mins | Serves: 6 | Difficulty: Easy

This is a vibrant, healthy soup that comes together with minimal effort. It is perfect for chilly evenings.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb Spanish chorizo, sliced
• 2 bunches kale, chopped and stems removed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes

How to Prepare:

• Add the sliced chorizo and white beans to the slow cooker.
• Pour in the chicken broth and red pepper flakes.
• Cook on low for 4 hours.
• Stir in the chopped kale during the final 30 minutes.
• Let the kale wilt in the hot broth until tender.
• Serve hot in large bowls.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: serve with toasted baguette slices.

Nutrition (per serving): 320 kcal, 22g protein, 18g carbs, 18g fat

Good to Know: Remove the casing from the chorizo if you prefer a softer texture in the soup.

18. Root Beer Pulled Pork

Prep Time: 2 mins | Cook Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 2 mins | Serves: 8 | Difficulty: Easy

The sugar in the root beer helps tenderize the pork, while the flavor adds a unique depth to the sauce.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 4 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 can (12 oz) root beer
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp sea salt

How to Prepare:

• Place the pork in the slow cooker.
• Pour the root beer over the meat.
• Sprinkle with onion powder and salt.
• Cook on low for 8 hours until the meat is ready to shred.
• Discard the excess liquid, keeping about 1/2 cup in the pot.
• Shred the meat and stir in the barbecue sauce.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: serve on soft rolls with a side of potato salad.

Nutrition (per serving): 430 kcal, 35g protein, 20g carbs, 22g fat

Make-Ahead: The flavor is even better after resting in the fridge overnight.

19. Classic Italian Sandwiches

Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 7 hours | Total Time: 7 hours 5 mins | Serves: 6 | Difficulty: Easy

Giardiniera gives these sandwiches a crunchy, vinegary kick that makes them stand out from the rest.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 3 lbs beef roast
• 1 jar (16 oz) giardiniera
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet Italian seasoning
• 6 hoagie rolls

How to Prepare:

• Put the beef roast in the slow cooker.
• Pour the beef broth over the meat.
• Sprinkle with the Italian seasoning packet.
• Cook on low for 7 hours.
• Shred the beef and stir in the giardiniera.
• Spoon onto rolls and serve warm.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: serve with a bag of kettle chips.

Nutrition (per serving): 480 kcal, 40g protein, 25g carbs, 22g fat

Pro Tip: Toast the rolls under a broiler with a little butter before filling them.

20. Creamy Boursin Chicken

Prep Time: 4 mins | Cook Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 4 mins | Serves: 4 | Difficulty: Easy

This dish feels like a restaurant meal. The Boursin cheese melts into a sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 2 lbs chicken breast chunks
• 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin garlic and herb cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup orzo pasta, cooked separately

How to Prepare:

• Place the chicken and tomatoes in the slow cooker.
• Add the Boursin cheese on top of the chicken.
• Cook on low for 4 hours.
• Stir in the spinach until it wilts into the sauce.
• Add the cooked orzo to the pot and toss well.
• Serve immediately in bowls.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: serve with a crisp side salad.

Nutrition (per serving): 410 kcal, 35g protein, 30g carbs, 16g fat

Substitution: Use heavy cream if you cannot find Boursin cheese.

21. Beef Stroganoff

Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 5 mins | Serves: 6 | Difficulty: Easy

Beef stew meat becomes incredibly tender when simmered in this savory mushroom and cream cheese sauce.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup beef broth

How to Prepare:

• Place the beef stew meat in the slow cooker.
• Mix the soup, onion mix, and broth.
• Pour the mixture over the beef.
• Cook on low for 6 hours.
• Stir in the softened cream cheese until the sauce is smooth.
• Serve hot over your favorite pasta or noodles.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: serve over broad egg noodles.

Nutrition (per serving): 440 kcal, 38g protein, 10g carbs, 26g fat

Good to Know: Use a high-quality stew meat with some marbling for the best flavor.

22. Savory Pineapple Chicken

Prep Time: 3 mins | Cook Time: 5 hours | Total Time: 5 hours 3 mins | Serves: 4 | Difficulty: Easy

This dish balances salt and sweet perfectly. The chicken stays moist and absorbs all the pineapple flavor.

Save

Ingredients Needed

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

How to Prepare:

• Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
• Add the pineapple chunks with the juice.
• Stir in the soy sauce, minced garlic, and pepper.
• Cook on low for 5 hours.
• Remove the chicken and shred it.
• Return the chicken to the pot to soak up the sauce.

Serve it with:

• Perfect pairing: serve over cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Nutrition (per serving): 300 kcal, 35g protein, 25g carbs, 4g fat

Warning: Ensure the pineapple is in its own juice, not heavy syrup, to keep sugar levels low.

Getting the Most Out of Your Slow Cooker

The beauty of the slow cooker lies in its ability to transform tough cuts of meat into something tender with almost no supervision. When you are looking for 5 ingredient crockpot meals, you should always focus on the quality of your sauce base. Since you have so few ingredients, the flavor relies on the broth, the seasoning packet, or the sauce you choose. I recommend keeping a well-stocked pantry with these items so you can whip up dinner even on the most chaotic days. If you are struggling with your meat coming out dry, try adding a splash more liquid, like broth or juice, at the start. Also, always avoid opening the lid during the first few hours of cooking. Every time you lift the lid, you lose a significant amount of heat, which extends your cooking time by 20 to 30 minutes. If you want to dive deeper into larger meals for the weekends, I have written about 18 Slow Cooker Roast Dinners for Sunday that might help you plan your entire week in advance. Remember, the best part about these recipes is that they are flexible. You can swap out vegetables or spices based on what is currently in your pantry. Start with these basics, build your confidence, and you will find that you rarely feel the need to order takeout.

Equipment You’ll Need

The right gear makes this recipe easier. Here is the essential kitchen equipment we recommend:

slow cooker liner

mixing bowl

FAQ

Can I put frozen meat in the slow cooker?

While some people do it, it is generally safer to thaw your meat in the refrigerator overnight. Frozen meat stays in the danger zone for bacteria growth for too long before it hits a safe internal temperature.

Is it necessary to spray the pot with oil?

Yes, I highly recommend using a little cooking spray or a slow cooker liner. It makes cleanup significantly faster and prevents those stubborn cooked-on edges that are hard to scrub.

What happens if I cook on high instead of low?

Cooking on high will finish the meal much faster, but you might lose some of the tenderness you get from a long, slow cook. Stick to the low setting whenever you have the time.