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14 Sunday Crockpot Meals (Set-It-and-Relax Dinners)

ByFoodarshia

You know those Sundays when you wake up, stare at the ceiling, and think, “Honestly, I refuse to cook anything that needs more than five minutes of effort”? Yeah, same. That’s exactly why I treat my crockpot like my weekend BFF. I toss everything in, shut the lid, and let it babysit dinner while I pretend I’m the kind of person who has their life together 🙂 Ever wondered why slow cookers feel almost magical? IMO, it’s because they save you from your own Sunday laziness and reward you with something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

If you’re craving cozy, hands-off meals that let you chill, nap, or binge a show guilt‑free, these Sunday crockpot meals will totally speak your love language. Every recipe hits that sweet spot between comforting and ridiculously easy — because no one wants stress on a Sunday, right?

Let’s kick things off with the first delicious, low‑effort hero.

1. Crockpot Creamy Chicken & Herb Stew

This recipe feels like a warm blanket in a bowl. I make it on weekends when I want something hearty but zero effort. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, and the flavor hits every time.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 medium potatoes, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Layer them at the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic on top.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the thyme and rosemary.
  4. Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes. If you want it thicker, whisk the cornstarch with a little water and add it in.
  6. Shred or chop the chicken inside the pot and mix everything well.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve warm with fresh parsley.

Ever notice how chicken thighs make everything taste richer without trying? This stew proves it every single time.

2. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs

These meatballs taste like you spent hours glazing them, but your crockpot actually does all the work. I bring these to potlucks sometimes, and people act like I’m some culinary genius. Like okay, yes, I’ll take the compliment.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs frozen or homemade meatballs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional for thickening)
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Add the meatballs to the crockpot.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, vinegar, and chili flakes.
  3. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and stir to coat.
  4. Cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours.
  5. If you want the sauce thicker, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last 20 minutes.
  6. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Seriously, how does something so easy taste this good? Ever feel like the crockpot is the only appliance that actually wants you to win at life? Because… same.

3. Crockpot Beefy Chili Sunday Bowl

I swear this is the kind of chili that makes you feel like you won some imaginary cooking contest. It’s rich, cozy, and has that “wow did I just make that?” energy. Perfect for Sundays when you want comfort without chaos.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (browned)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef on the stove and drain excess fat. (Yes, it’s one tiny extra step, but totally worth it.)
  2. Add the beef to your crockpot along with onion, bell pepper, garlic, beans, tomatoes, and broth.
  3. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stir everything together like a pro who totally knows what they’re doing.
  5. Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
  6. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
  7. Load up with toppings and enjoy the cozy vibes.

Ever notice how chili tastes even better when you do absolutely nothing to make it? Sundays just hit different when your dinner basically cooks itself.

4. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

This is the kind of recipe that makes your whole house smell like a backyard cookout — minus the sweat, the bugs, and the emotional commitment to grilling. I make this on Sundays when I want something that tastes like effort but takes literally none.

Ingredients

  • 3–4 lbs pork shoulder (boneless or bone-in)
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your fave)
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Extra BBQ sauce for serving
  • Buns or sliders

Instructions

  1. Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. Rub the pork shoulder with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Set the pork on top of the onions.
  4. Mix BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar in a bowl, then pour it over the pork.
  5. Cook on Low for 8–10 hours or High for 4–5 hours.
  6. Shred the pork using two forks; it should fall apart like it’s dramatically quitting a job.
  7. Stir in extra BBQ sauce and let it warm through for 10–15 minutes.
  8. Serve on buns, sliders, or even over rice.

Ever wonder why pulled pork feels like a cheat code? Because it is. You get maximum flavor with minimum adulting.

5. Crockpot Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This dish feels like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant, but your crockpot secretly does all the heavy lifting while you vibe through your Sunday. The creamy sauce, the sun‑dried tomatoes—everything just slaps.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • ½ cup sun‑dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, then place it into the crockpot.
  2. Add garlic and sun‑dried tomatoes on top.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth.
  4. Cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan during the last 30 minutes.
  6. Add spinach and let it wilt into the sauce.
  7. Shred or slice the chicken, then stir everything together.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy.

Ever notice how creamy dishes make Sundays instantly feel 10x more relaxing? This one basically hugs you from the inside.

6. Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This is the kind of soup that makes you forget about every stressful thing you dealt with all week. It’s thick, creamy, cheesy, and fully gives “I spent hours on this” energy—even though the crockpot literally did everything for you.

Ingredients

  • 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Green onions for topping
  • Extra shredded cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Add potatoes, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika to the crockpot.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a quick stir.
  3. Cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes turn buttery soft.
  4. Use a potato masher to partially mash the mixture—keep some chunks for that perfect texture.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream, butter, and cheddar cheese until everything melts into a dreamy, creamy soup.
  6. Cook for an extra 20–30 minutes to let the flavors get cozy.
  7. Ladle into bowls and top with bacon, green onions, and extra cheese.

Tell me why this soup tastes like the warm hug your Sunday desperately needed? It’s basically comfort in a bowl, and yes, it absolutely deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.

7. Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken & Potatoes

This dish honestly tastes like you put actual thought into dinner—even though you just tossed everything into a crockpot and walked away. The lemon and garlic combo hits every single time, and the potatoes soak up all the flavor like little overachievers.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes, halved
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Add the potatoes to the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, then place it on top of the potatoes.
  3. Mix lemon juice, lemon zest, broth, olive oil, and garlic in a small bowl.
  4. Pour the mixture over the chicken and potatoes.
  5. Cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
  6. Stir gently before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve with fresh parsley for a bright finish.

Why does lemon make everything taste so clean and fancy? This meal feels like a Sunday reset for your taste buds—zero effort required.

8. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

This one has major “I cooked all day” vibes even though you were probably on the couch scrolling for half the afternoon. It’s rich, creamy, and ridiculously comforting — basically the best kind of Sunday energy.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water (optional for thickening)
  • Cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes for serving
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Add beef, onion, garlic, and mushrooms to the crockpot.
  2. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper over everything.
  4. Stir gently, cover, and cook on Low for 7–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
  5. If you want it thicker, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the pot during the last 20–30 minutes.
  6. Stir in the sour cream right before serving to make the sauce silky and dreamy.
  7. Serve over noodles or mashed potatoes and top with parsley.

Ever wonder how beef gets this tender without any effort from you? Crockpots are low-key wizards, FYI.

9. Crockpot Buffalo Ranch Chicken

If you love a little kick without destroying your taste buds, this one will be your new Sunday obsession. It’s spicy, creamy, and ridiculously easy—like, throw-everything-in-and-walk-away easy. I use it for sandwiches, rice bowls, or honestly just fork-to-mouth straight from the pot.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce (mild or hot, your call)
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • ½ cup cream cheese
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Green onions for topping
  • Buns, tortillas, or rice for serving

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken in the crockpot and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Add buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, butter, and chicken broth.
  3. Cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours.
  4. Shred the chicken directly in the pot.
  5. Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and creamy.
  6. Let it cook for another 10–15 minutes so everything blends perfectly.
  7. Top with green onions and serve however you like.

Is it even Sunday if you’re not eating something saucy and a little chaotic? This one definitely brings the fun without the stress.

10. Slow Cooker Veggie-Packed Lasagna Soup

This recipe hits that perfect sweet spot between cozy lasagna vibes and zero-effort soup comfort. It’s warm, flavorful, and sneaks in veggies without making you feel like you’re eating “health food” on a Sunday (because who does that?).

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground turkey or beef (optional — skip for vegetarian)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8–10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. If using meat, brown it quickly on the stove. (Yes, it’s optional, but the flavor boost is real.)
  2. Add the cooked meat (or skip this step), onion, garlic, zucchini, spinach, and bell pepper to the crockpot.
  3. Pour in marinara sauce and broth.
  4. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  5. Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
  6. Add the broken lasagna noodles during the last 30–40 minutes and stir occasionally.
  7. In a small bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  8. Serve the soup topped with a big spoonful of the cheese mixture and fresh basil.

Tell me why “lasagna but easier” feels like an absolute Sunday win? This bowl basically tastes like comfort and convenience teamed up to make your life easier.

11. Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

If you love sweet-and-savory meals that taste like takeout but cost basically nothing, this one will be your new Sunday fave. The chicken turns super tender, the sauce gets glossy and perfect, and you barely have to lift a finger. Total win.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional for thickening)
  • 1 cup baby carrots
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • Sesame seeds for topping
  • Green onions for topping
  • Cooked rice for serving

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken thighs into the crockpot.
  2. Add baby carrots and sliced bell pepper on top.
  3. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
  4. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
  5. Cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours.
  6. Remove the chicken, shred it, and set it aside.
  7. Stir in the cornstarch slurry if you want the sauce thicker; let it cook for 15–20 minutes.
  8. Add the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and mix everything together.
  9. Serve over rice and top with sesame seeds and green onions.

Why does homemade teriyaki always hit harder than takeout? Probably because your crockpot did all the work while you lounged around like royalty.

12. Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini

This one tastes like a cozy Italian hug in a bowl. The tortellini get perfectly tender, the sauce turns silky, and the whole thing feels way fancier than the effort you actually put in (which is basically none).

Ingredients

  • 1 (20 oz) bag refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp dried basil (plus more fresh basil for garnish)
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and red pepper flakes into the crockpot.
  2. Season with salt and pepper, then stir everything together.
  3. Cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours.
  4. Add the tortellini during the last 30–40 minutes and stir occasionally so they cook evenly.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan until the sauce becomes creamy and dreamy.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve with fresh basil and extra Parmesan because why not.

Ever feel like you cheated the system by making something this good with zero effort? Yeah… this recipe definitely gives those vibes.

13. Crockpot Cajun Sausage & Rice

This one brings serious flavor without demanding any real energy from you — the dream Sunday combo. It’s smoky, spicy (but not too wild), and so satisfying that you’ll probably add it to your weekly rotation.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 cup long‑grain rice (uncooked)
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Green onions for topping

Instructions

  1. Add sausage, bell peppers, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, broth, and seasonings to the crockpot.
  2. Stir everything together so the spices coat well.
  3. Cook on Low for 4–5 hours.
  4. Add the rice during the last 60–70 minutes, stirring every so often to prevent sticking.
  5. Once the rice is tender, taste and adjust the seasoning.
  6. Serve hot and top with chopped green onions.

Isn’t it wild how sausage somehow makes even the simplest dishes taste like you really tried? This one brings big flavor with tiny effort — exactly what Sunday dinners should be.

14. Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken

This recipe feels like the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and cozy — the kind of dish that tastes way fancier than the five minutes of effort you actually gave it. The sauce caramelizes just enough to make the chicken ridiculously tender and flavorful.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • ¼ cup Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup whole-grain mustard
  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Mix Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, maple syrup, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
  3. Pour the maple Dijon mixture over the chicken and coat evenly.
  4. Cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours.
  5. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken halfway through cooking if you want extra flavor.
  6. Once done, slice or shred the chicken and stir it back into the sauce.
  7. Serve with rice, potatoes, or roasted veggies and top with fresh thyme or parsley.

Ever wondered why mustard and maple taste like they were destined to be together? This recipe proves they’re basically the power couple of Sunday dinners.

Conclusion

If your Sundays usually swing between “I want comfort food” and “I refuse to spend more than five minutes in the kitchen,” these 14 Sunday crockpot meals just became your new secret weapon. Every recipe brings that perfect balance of big flavor and low effort — honestly, the crockpot deserves an award for being the only appliance that truly gets us.

Whether you’re craving something creamy, spicy, cozy, or just straight-up lazy-day delicious, there’s a recipe here that has your back. And the best part? You get to chill while dinner cooks itself. Ever wonder why we don’t cook like this every day? Maybe we should 🙂

So go ahead — save your favorites, mark your next Sunday, and let your crockpot do the heavy lifting. You deserve a slow, calm, zero-stress dinner that tastes like you tried way harder than you did.

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