15 Most Popular Crockpot Lunch Recipes

There’s nothing better than coming home to a warm, delicious meal that practically cooked itself! That’s why I love using my crockpot for lunch recipes—it saves time, locks in flavor, and makes meal prep effortless.

Whether you’re working from home, meal prepping for the week, or just want a comforting midday meal without the fuss, the crockpot is your best friend. After testing these 15 most popular crockpot lunch recipes in my own kitchen, I can confidently say they’re not just easy but absolutely packed with flavor.

From hearty soups to tender meats and satisfying vegetarian options, these dishes are loved for their convenience and rich taste. If you’re looking for stress-free, home-cooked lunches that taste amazing, these crockpot recipes are a must-try!

1. Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 hours | Serves: 6

This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect comfort food. It’s warm, cozy, and easy to make, with tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables in a delicious broth. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you want something simple but flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add the chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. Remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred it using two forks, and return it to the soup.
4. Add the egg noodles and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
5. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup!

2. BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 4-6 hours | Serves: 6

BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches are a crowd-pleasing favorite! Tender, juicy chicken soaked in BBQ sauce makes for the perfect filling for a soft bun. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and you can serve it up at home or at a family gathering.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 6 hamburger buns
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and season with salt and pepper.
2. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken and top with sliced onions.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is tender.
4. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the crockpot.
5. Stir the chicken into the BBQ sauce and serve on hamburger buns.

3. Beef and Broccoli

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4-6 hours | Serves: 4

Beef and Broccoli is a classic dish that’s often served in restaurants, but with this crockpot recipe, you can easily recreate it at home. The beef becomes tender, and the broccoli soaks up the savory sauce, making it a dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 1 cup beef broth
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 cup broccoli florets

Instructions:

1. Place the beef stew meat into the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and garlic. Pour this mixture over the beef.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets and cook until tender.
5. Serve over rice for a complete meal.

4. Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 hours | Serves: 6

Loaded Baked Potato Soup is rich and creamy, filled with chunks of potato, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. It’s like having a baked potato in soup form! This hearty dish is perfect for those cold days when you need a filling, comforting meal.

Ingredients:

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• ¼ cup green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add the diced potatoes, onion, garlic, and chicken broth to the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
3. Once the potatoes are soft, use a potato masher to mash some of them in the crockpot to thicken the soup.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Top with bacon, green onions, and the remaining cheddar cheese before serving.

5. Vegetarian Chili

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 hours | Serves: 6

Vegetarian Chili is a flavorful, filling meal made with beans, tomatoes, and vegetables. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a meat-free meal that still satisfies. This chili is hearty and spicy with just the right amount of kick.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cans (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 can (4 oz) green chilies
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients to the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
3. Serve with your favorite chili toppings, like sour cream or shredded cheese.

6. Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4-6 hours | Serves: 6

Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a creamy and rich meal that’s loved by both kids and adults. The chicken is tender, the pasta is perfectly cooked, and the Alfredo sauce is incredibly smooth. It’s a great option for a comforting and filling lunch that doesn’t take too much time to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lb penne pasta (or any pasta you prefer)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the butter and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the crockpot.
5. Add the uncooked pasta to the crockpot and stir everything together. Cover and cook for 30-40 minutes on high, or until the pasta is tender.
6. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

7. Sloppy Joes

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4-6 hours | Serves: 6

Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food with a sweet and tangy filling. The ground beef is cooked in a delicious sauce and served on soft buns. It’s messy, fun, and perfect for lunch when you want something hearty and easy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 6 hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat. Transfer the beef to the crockpot.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and garlic powder to the crockpot.
3. Stir to combine, cover, and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
4. Once the mixture is thick and bubbly, serve on hamburger buns.

8. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4-6 hours | Serves: 6

Stuffed Bell Peppers are a healthy and flavorful lunch option. The peppers are filled with a savory mixture of rice, ground beef, and seasonings, all cooked together to create a delicious, well-rounded meal.

Ingredients:

• 6 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the excess fat. Add the chopped onion and garlic powder, and cook until softened.
2. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, and place them in the crockpot.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the peppers are tender.
5. Sprinkle cheese on top of the peppers about 10 minutes before serving, allowing it to melt.

9. Tomato Basil Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 hours | Serves: 6

Tomato Basil Soup is a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for a light lunch. The rich tomato flavor combined with the freshness of basil makes for a deliciously smooth soup that’s great on its own or paired with a grilled cheese sandwich.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add the crushed tomatoes, onion, vegetable broth, garlic powder, and dried basil to the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the flavors are well combined and the onion is softened.
3. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth (or transfer in batches to a regular blender).
4. Stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil if desired.

10. Mac and Cheese

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 2-3 hours | Serves: 6

Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? This recipe takes all the cheesy goodness and makes it even easier to prepare. With the crockpot, you can enjoy creamy, cheesy mac and cheese without having to watch over it constantly.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add the elbow macaroni, milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, and shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine, then cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring halfway through.
3. Once the cheese has melted and the pasta is tender, season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight!

11. Honey Garlic Chicken

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 4-6 hours | Serves: 6

Honey Garlic Chicken is a sweet and savory dish that’s bursting with flavor. The honey adds a perfect touch of sweetness, while the garlic and soy sauce balance it with a savory kick. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and will leave everyone asking for more!

Ingredients:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup honey
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce about 30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve the chicken with the sauce over rice, garnished with green onions if desired.

12. Taco Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 hours | Serves: 6

Taco Soup is a deliciously hearty meal that has all the flavors of a taco in soup form. It’s filled with beans, ground beef, and a mix of savory spices, making it a filling and flavorful lunch. Plus, it’s super easy to make!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (4 oz) green chilies
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 4 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips for topping

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef with the chopped onion in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
2. Add the beef, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, taco seasoning, and beef broth to the crockpot.
3. Stir to combine, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips for a fun and tasty lunch.

13. Lentil and Vegetable Stew

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 hours | Serves: 6

Lentil and Vegetable Stew is a healthy, hearty, and comforting dish. Packed with vegetables and lentils, this stew is filling and rich in flavor, making it a perfect vegetarian option for lunch. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat clean and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups dried lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, carrots, celery, onion, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
3. Serve hot, and enjoy this nourishing and filling stew!

14. Teriyaki Chicken Bowls

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4-6 hours | Serves: 6

Teriyaki Chicken Bowls are a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for lunch. The chicken is cooked in a flavorful teriyaki sauce and served over rice, creating a satisfying and delicious meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Cooked rice for serving
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ground ginger. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is tender.
4. For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce about 30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve the chicken and sauce over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds.

15. Minestrone Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 hours | Serves: 6

Minestrone Soup is a classic Italian dish that’s full of vegetables, beans, and pasta in a savory broth. It’s both filling and nutritious, making it a great choice for a light but satisfying lunch.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup pasta (like elbow macaroni or small shells)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add the cannellini beans, vegetable broth, onion, carrots, zucchini, diced tomatoes, pasta, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the vegetables and pasta are tender.
3. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful and hearty soup!

Conclusion

Crockpot lunch recipes are not only easy to prepare, but they also offer a variety of flavors to suit different tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty soup, a savory chicken dish, or a comforting pasta, there’s something for everyone.

These recipes are perfect for busy individuals or families who want to enjoy delicious, homemade meals without spending too much time in the kitchen. Give these crockpot lunch recipes a try, and enjoy a meal that’s both simple and satisfying!