3 Hour Crockpot Recipes

If you’re looking for simple, easy-to-make recipes that bring comfort and joy without taking up your entire day, you’re in the right place. Whether you need a quick dinner solution or a hearty meal for the family, our collection of 2-hour Crockpot recipes is a great place to start. But if you have a little extra time, today we’re diving into 3-hour Crockpot recipes—perfect for busy people who want tasty meals with minimal effort!

A Crockpot is a kitchen tool that makes cooking a breeze, and all the recipes we’ll explore today cook in just 3 hours, which means you don’t have to wait all day to enjoy a delicious meal.

In this article, you’ll find a wide variety of recipes for every taste, from creamy Chicken Alfredo to comforting Potato Soup. All the recipes are easy to prepare, with simple ingredients and clear instructions. Let’s get cooking!

1. Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serve: 4-6 people

Chicken Alfredo is a classic comfort food that never disappoints. Using a Crockpot to make this creamy dish takes all the stress out of cooking. I love how the chicken turns out so tender and the sauce so rich and cheesy. It’s a family favorite and perfect for those busy evenings when you need a warm, filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz fettuccine pasta, uncooked
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your Crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix the heavy cream, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
4. After 3 hours, shred the chicken using two forks.
5. Add the uncooked fettuccine pasta, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese to the Crockpot. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes until the pasta is tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

2. Beef Stroganoff

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serve: 4-6 people

Beef Stroganoff is a rich, creamy dish that’s perfect for any dinner. With the help of your Crockpot, you can make this classic Russian dish effortlessly. The beef becomes super tender, and the sauce is so flavorful that it’s perfect to serve over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp flour (optional for thickening)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Add the beef stew meat, onion, garlic, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika into the Crockpot.
2. Stir everything together, then cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
3. After 3 hours, check the beef; it should be tender and cooked through. If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of flour with a bit of water and stir it into the Crockpot.
4. Add the sour cream and stir until the sauce is creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve over noodles or rice.

3. 3-Hour Crockpot Chili

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serve: 6-8 people

This hearty 3-Hour Crockpot Chili is a one-pot meal that’s perfect for chilly days! It’s packed with protein, beans, and a delicious mix of spices. It’s easy to make, and you can even adjust the heat level to your liking. This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the cooked beef mixture to the Crockpot along with the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Stir everything together and cover. Cook on low for 3 hours.
4. Stir again before serving, and enjoy with some shredded cheese and sour cream on top!

4. Honey Garlic Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serve: 4 people

The Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious, sweet, and savory dish that’s super easy to make. The chicken is tender and coated in a thick, sticky sauce that makes every bite irresistible. You can serve this with rice, mashed potatoes, or even a side of vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the Crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
5. Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it with two forks and stir the sauce to coat the chicken evenly.
6. Serve the chicken over rice or your favorite side dish.

5. Mac and Cheese

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serve: 6-8 people

Nothing beats the comforting taste of Mac and Cheese. This Crockpot version is so creamy and cheesy that you’ll want to make it every week! With just a few ingredients, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the uncooked macaroni in the Crockpot.
2. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, cream of mushroom soup, and melted butter to the Crockpot.
3. Stir everything together and cover. Cook on low for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the cheese melts evenly.
4. Once done, season with salt and pepper to taste and serve!

6. BBQ Pulled Pork

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serve: 6-8 people

This BBQ Pulled Pork recipe is a hit at any gathering! The pork is slow-cooked to perfection, so it’s super tender and easy to shred. Add your favorite BBQ sauce, and you’ll have a flavorful meal that’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or just on its own with a side of coleslaw.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb pork shoulder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the pork shoulder in the Crockpot.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, chicken broth, and BBQ sauce.
3. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
4. After 3 hours, shred the pork with two forks and stir it in the sauce.
5. Serve the pulled pork on buns, in tacos, or over rice!

7. Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serve: 4-6 people

Crockpot Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort meal, combining tender chicken and fluffy rice in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or prepping for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup uncooked rice (long grain)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crockpot.
2. Add the chicken broth, rice, chopped onion, garlic, and dried thyme.
3. Stir everything together, then cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks and stir it back into the rice.
5. Add the frozen peas and stir. Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and the peas are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve!

8. Teriyaki Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serve: 4 people

Teriyaki Chicken is sweet, savory, and simple to make in the Crockpot. The sauce is a perfect blend of soy sauce, honey, and ginger, giving the chicken an irresistible flavor. Serve it over rice or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the Crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and grated ginger.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts and cover.
4. Cook on low for 3 hours.
5. After cooking, remove the chicken from the Crockpot and shred it with two forks.
6. To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with a small amount of water and stir it into the Crockpot. Cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir.
8. Serve the teriyaki chicken over rice.

9. Potato Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serve: 4-6 people

There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of Potato Soup on a cold day. This creamy, hearty soup is loaded with potatoes, bacon, and cheese. Plus, it’s made right in the Crockpot, so you can set it and forget it while it cooks!

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the diced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth in the Crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
3. After 3 hours, use a potato masher or fork to mash the potatoes slightly, leaving some chunks for texture.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
5. Cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the soup is creamy and hot.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

10. Buffalo Chicken Dip

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serve: 6-8 people

Buffalo Chicken Dip is a perfect appetizer for parties, game days, or just a fun family snack. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with the bold flavors of buffalo sauce. You can enjoy this dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. In the Crockpot, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and both cheeses.
2. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring halfway through.
4. Once it’s bubbly and creamy, serve hot with your favorite dipping items like tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies!

11. Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serve: 4 people

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish featuring chicken cooked in a creamy, garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s perfect served over pasta, rice, or with a side of garlic bread. This dish feels fancy, but it’s so easy to make!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the Crockpot.
2. Add the heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach.
3. Stir everything together and cover. Cook on low for 3 hours.
4. After cooking, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
5. Return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve over pasta or rice.

12. Garlic Butter Pork Chops

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serve: 4 people

These Garlic Butter Pork Chops are so tender and packed with flavor, thanks to a rich, buttery garlic sauce. They’re a great weeknight dinner option, and they go wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the pork chops in the Crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix together melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the butter mixture over the pork chops.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
5. Once cooked, the pork chops should be tender and juicy. Serve with your favorite sides.

13. Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serve: 4-6 people

Who doesn’t love Crockpot Chicken Tacos? They’re quick, easy, and full of flavor. The chicken is cooked with a simple mix of taco seasoning, then shredded and served in tortillas with your favorite toppings. It’s a great option for busy days when you want a flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Tortillas, for serving
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, sour cream, avocado

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the Crockpot.
2. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken, then add the diced tomatoes, onion, and chicken broth.
3. Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for 3 hours.
4. After 3 hours, shred the chicken with two forks and stir it into the sauce.
5. Serve the chicken in tortillas and top with your favorite taco toppings!

14. Crockpot Meatballs

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serve: 6-8 people

These Crockpot Meatballs are perfect for any occasion! They’re great as a party appetizer or a main dish served over pasta. The sauce is rich and flavorful, making every bite of these meatballs so delicious. And the best part? You can prepare them in advance and let the Crockpot do all the work.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in size.
3. Place the meatballs in the Crockpot and cover with marinara sauce.
4. Stir gently, then cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
5. Serve the meatballs over pasta, or enjoy them with some crusty bread!

15. Vegetable and Lentil Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serve: 6-8 people

This Vegetable and Lentil Soup is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy and hearty meal. It’s packed with vegetables, protein-rich lentils, and spices to give it a deep, savory flavor. This soup is filling, nutritious, and easy to make!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Add the lentils, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper into the Crockpot.
2. Stir everything together, then cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
3. After cooking, check the lentils—they should be tender.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Serve the soup warm with a slice of bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs!

16. Beef and Broccoli

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serve: 4-6 people

Beef and Broccoli is a classic dish that’s easy to prepare in your Crockpot. The beef becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, and the broccoli adds a healthy, fresh touch to the meal. Serve it over rice, and you’ll have a complete, satisfying dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Place the beef stew meat in the Crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. Pour the sauce over the beef.
3. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
4. After 3 hours, mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the Crockpot to thicken the sauce.
5. Add the broccoli florets and stir. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
6. Serve the beef and broccoli over rice.

17. Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Serve: 6-8 people

This Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner. The hashbrowns are combined with cheese, sour cream, and seasonings, then cooked in the Crockpot until golden and bubbly. It’s the ultimate comfort food!

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hashbrowns
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In the Crockpot, combine the frozen hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
4. Once done, check that the casserole is hot and bubbly. Serve as a side dish or enjoy it as a main course!

Conclusion

These 3-Hour Crockpot Recipes are the perfect solution for busy days when you still want a delicious, home-cooked meal. From comforting soups to savory chicken dishes, there’s something for everyone.

Each recipe is designed to be simple and easy to follow, making it possible for even beginner cooks to prepare a tasty meal with minimal effort.

The best part is that the Crockpot does all the hard work, allowing you to enjoy flavorful, tender dishes without spending hours in the kitchen.

So, grab your Crockpot and start cooking – your family will love these meals!