5-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Recipes for Basically Every Occasion

By Stacey Ballis

February 14, 2020

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Credit: mauigirl

Slow cooking shouldn't be fussy. By its nature, slow cooking is meant to take a load of work off you so that you can make a delicious, filling dinner for your family or a party without standing over a stove and stirring for hours on end. While some recipes require more than a dozen ingredients — and they may very well be worth the effort — the beauty of slow cooking is that even just a handful of ingredients can lend themselves to savory, comforting end results. In short, there's something to be said for going back to basics and keeping things easier. We've gathered some of our favorite slow cooker recipes that call for five ingredients or less. These recipes often use pantry ingredients, along with slow cooking staples, so they'll come together quickly. These recipes couldn't be easier!

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Crock Pot® Party Meatballs

Credit: Nicholio

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Slow cookers are an entertaining godsend. These perfect party meatballs stew in your slow cooker and will keep warm in the cooker for the whole game or party.

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Big Game Dip

Credit: pelicangal

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Speaking of tailgating, a hot cheesy dip is a natural addition to any game-day menu. Using your slow cooker to prep this recipe couldn't be easier.

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Easy, Two-Ingredient Pulled Pork

Credit: mauigirl

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If you're serving your family or a crowd, pulled pork is an ideal choice. All you need (besides this super-simple recipe) are buns and some side dishes to make the perfect pulled pork dinner. No need to break a sweat.

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Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient French Dips

Credit: Jeremy

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French dip sandwiches may seem like too much fuss to attempt. This recipe, however, takes the hassle out of making the classic sandwich so that it's easy enough to prep on a weekday.

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Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Ham

Credit: De

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"Made this for several holidays and it's always a big hit," says recipe creator Kathy, "Not only is it simple, fast, and easy to put together, but it's perfect for a busy weekday. I turn on the slow cooker before I leave for work and it's ready when we get home. Very moist and tender, feeds a crowd!"

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So Simple Beef Stroganoff

Credit: tardismom

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Beef stroganoff is a classic dinner for a reason. This hearty dish only needs some rice or noodles to make a meal that will delight your family. This version takes the hassle out of the stew without sacrificing flavor.

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Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

Credit: D B Mattoon

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Chicken can get a bit bland and boring, but this spunky recipe will wake up your family's palates. Serve over rice with steamed vegetables for an easy and delicious dinner.

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Slow Cooker Chicken and Salsa

Credit: Buckwheat Queen

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Prefer something a bit spicier? The combination of tender chicken and salsa (any salsa!) will hit the spot. Whether your family craves mild or fiery meals, they will enjoy this dish.

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Mother's Pot Roast

Credit: Delly

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If you crave the comfort of your mother's pot roast, you can find it in this five-ingredient recipe. "The best vegetable gravy you ever tasted — and the roast isn't bad either," writes recipe creator J.Stewart. "We always had this meal with mounds of mashed potatoes. Great on a cold wintry evening!"

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Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs

Credit: naples34102

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Don't sweat standing over a smoker or grill for hours. Let's your slow cooker do the work of tenderizing racks of ribs for your next barbecue. "These are the best I've had, short of the actual grilling method of course," says recipe creator Norah. "This is a very simple recipe that I came up with a few years ago. It's not rocket science, just ribs cooked in the slow cooker and finished in the oven."

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Slow Cooker Green Beans and Potatoes

Credit: Soup Loving Nicole

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When you're using your slow cooker for complete meals or entrees, you can forget how great it is for side dishes. This combo of potatoes and green beans would make an ideal accompaniment for juicy roasted chicken, hearty meatloaf, or any other protein you have in the oven.

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Pinto Beans Muy Facil

Credit: Buckwheat Queen

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Full of protein and fiber, beans aren't just a nutritional powerhouse but also delicious. This recipe for jalapeño and garlic pinto beans will get these legumes on your table with ease!

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Crock-Pot® Mushrooms

Credit: Kristina Widjaja

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Nothing pairs with steak or pork chops like buttery mushrooms. This version lets your slow cooker do all the work while you man the grill.

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3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Sweetened Condensed Milk

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What's worse than realizing you're missing a pantry staple right as you're about to start cooking? When that staple happens to be sweetened condensed milk, know that you can make your own fresh version. Your slow cooker does all the work!

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Slow Cooker Cider Applesauce (No Sugar Added)

Credit: Rock_lobster

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Applesauce is a staple for many, but even no-added-sugar versions can still contain preservatives. Plus, nothing tastes better than fresh applesauce. This simple slow-cooker recipe will help you keep the good stuff in stock at your house, while giving you total control over ingredients.

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Kefir Yogurt (Sana)

Credit: Diana71

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These days, yogurt and kefir are on the menu for a lot of people who are trying to eat healthier. But most home cooks don't know just how easy making homemade versions from scratch is. Your slow cooker keeps things simple, and you can add whatever flavors or mix-ins you want.

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Alexander's Chocolate-Covered Peanuts

Credit: Christine

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Melting chocolate to make candy may seem daunting, as it requires double boilers and a lot of attention to ensure it doesn't scorch or seize. Your slow cooker and a few pantry ingredients are all you need for these delicious confections, which make a great hostess gift or addition to a dessert buffet.

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Slow Cooker Vanilla Tapioca Pudding

Credit: lutzflcat

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Your slow cooker is a perfect vehicle for all sorts of sweets, like this five-ingredient vanilla tapioca pudding. Best of all, it takes just five minutes of prep time!

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By Stacey Ballis