20 Delicious 4 Hour Crock Pot Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day at work? Do you wish you had more time to cook up a delicious meal, but just can’t seem to fit it into your busy schedule? Well, we’ve got good news for you! With these 20 delicious crock pot recipes, you can enjoy a mouth-watering meal without sacrificing too much of your precious free time. Each of these recipes takes only 4 hours to cook, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want to serve up something special.

From classic comfort foods like chicken and broccoli to international-inspired dishes like Mongolian beef and Hawaiian chicken, we’ve got a crock pot recipe that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And with ingredients like chicken breasts, ground beef, and tender pork chops, you can count on these recipes being flavorful and filling.

So go ahead, toss your favorite ingredients into the slow cooker, and let the magic happen! Here are our top 20 crock pot recipes for busy weeknights:

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Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Elevate your mealtime with this sweet and savory slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for a busy day. This Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a crowd-pleaser, requiring minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of olive oil.
2. In the slow cooker, whisk together honey, garlic, and soy sauce until smooth.
3. Add the chicken to the slow cooker and coat evenly with the honey-garlic mixture.
4. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and garnish with parsley or thyme, if desired.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)

Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli

This classic comfort food recipe is a staple for busy households. With minimal effort, you’ll have a deliciously tender beef and broccoli dish ready to serve.

Ingredients:

– 2 pounds beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add the sliced onion to the Crock Pot.
2. Place the beef stew meat on top of the onions.
3. Sprinkle the broccoli florets over the beef.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, heavy cream, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the Crock Pot.
6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)

4-Hour Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Treat your taste buds to a rich and flavorful dish with this 4-Hour Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe, featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy sauce infused with the bold flavors of Italy.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté chicken breasts in a little oil until browned on both sides.
3. Transfer chicken to a baking dish and pour in the creamy sauce (made by whisking together heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper).
4. Bake for 1 hour, then reduce heat to 325°F (160°C) and bake for an additional 2 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Easy Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Pork

Get ready for a mouthwatering, fall-apart tender pulled pork dish with minimal effort! This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a delicious, comforting meal.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Place the pork shoulder in a crock pot.
3. In a small bowl, mix together barbecue sauce and brown sugar.
4. Pour the BBQ mixture over the pork shoulder.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
6. Remove from heat and use two forks to pull apart the pork into shreds.
7. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings (e.g., coleslaw, diced onions).

Cooking Time: 4-10 hours

Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

This slow cooker recipe transforms thinly sliced beef into tender and savory goodness, infused with the bold flavors of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a party-worthy main course.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound beef (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Scallions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a slow cooker, whisk together oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add the sliced beef and stir until coated with the mixture.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)

4-Hour Italian Sausage and Peppers

This classic dish is a staple of Italian-American cuisine, perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering. With its rich flavors and tender texture, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients:

– 4 Italian sausage links (sweet or hot)
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook sausage links over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Add garlic, crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Return sausage links to the skillet and simmer for 1 hour, or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Cooking Time: 2 hours

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Effortlessly cook tender chicken tacos with minimal prep time and maximum flavor using your slow cooker.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 6-8 corn tortillas
– Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– Optional toppings: diced onions, sour cream, salsa, cilantro

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the Crock Pot.
2. Add diced tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning on top of the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Shred the cooked chicken with two forks and mix well with the sauce.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos by spooning the chicken mixture onto the warmed tortillas and topping with cheese and desired toppings.

Cook Time: 3-8 hours
Servings: 4-6

Quick Slow Cooker Chili

Quick Slow Cooker Chili Recipe: A Hearty and Flavorful Meal

Get ready for a comforting and easy meal with this Quick Slow Cooker Chili recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying dish in no time.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet; cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker with all remaining ingredients except salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with your desired toppings.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

4-Hour Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

This recipe yields tender and flavorful chicken thighs infused with the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. With minimal prep time and hands-on effort, you’ll be enjoying these deliciously glazed chicken thighs in no time!

Ingredients:

– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
3. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Crock Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Transform your steak into tender bites infused with the savory goodness of garlic butter. This Crock Pot recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner that’s sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound steak (such as sirloin or ribeye), cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. In the Crock Pot, combine steak cubes, softened butter, garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in chopped parsley, if desired.
4. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Cooking Time: 3-8 hours

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Elevate your seafood game with this effortless slow cooker recipe that yields tender and flavorful shrimp smothered in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!

Ingredients:

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh lemon slices and parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a slow cooker, combine shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, chicken broth, olive oil, and parsley.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh lemon slices and parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 2-5 hours

4-Hour Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops

A rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in, these Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops are sure to impress. Tender pork chops smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce make for a mouthwatering meal.

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless pork chops (1-1.5 pounds)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, or until browned. Transfer to a baking dish.
4. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add mushrooms, garlic, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Stir until combined. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
6. Pour sauce over pork chops and bake for 4 hours, or until cooked through.

Cooking Time: 4 hours

Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken

This Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken recipe is a flavorful and effortless twist on traditional chicken dishes. With the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14 oz) pineapple rings in juice
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In the Crock Pot, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add chicken breasts to the mixture and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, add pineapple rings to the Crock Pot.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Quick Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This hearty beef stew is a perfect solution for a busy day when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort. This recipe yields tender and flavorful results, all thanks to the slow cooker’s magic.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound beef stew meat
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the beef, onion, garlic, potatoes, and thyme in a slow cooker.
2. Pour in the beef broth and add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and carrots.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)

4-Hour Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes

Get ready for a comforting side dish that’s perfect for any meal! These cheesy, bacon-ranch potatoes are easy to make and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

– 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of ranch seasoning mix
– 1/4 cup of heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced potatoes, crumbled bacon, grated cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning mix.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and toss until potatoes are well coated.
4. Transfer potato mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 4 hours, or until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown.

Cooking Time: 4 hours

Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers Pasta

This comforting one-pot dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday meal. With its rich tomato sauce, savory sausage, and tender peppers, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, rigatoni)
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add sausage, onion, peppers, garlic, tomatoes, pasta, oregano, salt, and pepper to the Crock Pot.
2. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream (if using).
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional).

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)

Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken

Elevate your meal prep with this tender and flavorful chicken dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in a slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Add the chicken broth to the slow cooker.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

4-Hour Spicy Black Bean Soup

A hearty, warming soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. This spicy black bean soup is packed with flavor and nutrients.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup dried black beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add soaked black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 4 hours or until the beans are tender.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, add sriracha sauce for an extra kick.

Cooking Time: 4 hours

Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Get ready to enjoy a deliciously easy side dish with this recipe! Tender potatoes smothered in a rich garlic parmesan sauce, all done with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients:

– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the potato slices in a Crock Pot.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Pour the garlic-parmesan mixture over the potatoes.
4. Dot the top of the potatoes with butter.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for 2-3 hours.

Cooking Time: 2-5 hours

Quick Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

Simplify dinner with this creamy, comforting recipe that’s ready in no time! This slow cooker Alfredo is a twist on the classic dish, using chicken and pasta cooked to perfection.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine, linguine)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour mixture over chicken.
3. Add pasta to the slow cooker; stir gently to combine.
4. Cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for 2-3 hours.
5. Stir in chopped parsley, if desired.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 2-5 hours

Summary

Get ready to revolutionize your busy weeknights with these mouthwatering crock pot recipes! In just 4 hours, you can have a delicious meal on the table. From classic comfort food like pulled pork and chili, to international flavors like Mongolian beef and Hawaiian chicken, there’s something for everyone. These easy-to-make recipes are perfect for busy families, working professionals, or anyone looking to simplify their dinner routine. So why not give one (or two, or three…) a try tonight? Your taste buds will thank you!