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I have gathered up some of the most delicious 3 ingredient crock pot recipes for you to whip up without much effort at all. 

I just love the ease of using a crockpot. I can plop something in before I leave, and when I get home, dinner is almost ready! But, these 3-ingredient crock pot recipes make using your crockpot even easier. 

collage of slow cooker dishes with text reading "3 ingredient crock pot recipes"

3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Recipes

What things can you cook in a slow cooker?

Crock Pots are best used for making meats especially meats that can be tough. Using your crock pot means you will have tender, juicy, and delicious meat. With that being said, there’s a variety of things you can make including:

In addition to meats, the crock pot is great for potatoes, carrots, and other fresh vegetables. Or peanut clusters, candied almonds, and salted caramel fudge if you have a sweet tooth.

What cannot be cooked in a slow cooker?

You can throw just about anything into your slow cooker, but there are a few things that just don’t work out too well. Things like pasta and delicate vegetables can wilt and disintegrate.

Here are a few things you generally don’t want to throw in at the beginning:

  • Pasta
  • Dairy
  • Rice
  • Wine
  • Delicate vegetables like asparagus, spinach, tomatoes, and peas (some of those will be ok if you throw them in the last 30ish minutes of cooking, but don’t leave them in for hours)
  • Seafood

Of course there are always exceptions, but the above ingredients require a bit more care than most “dump & go” slow cooker recipes.

Can you put raw chicken in a slow cooker?

You can absolutely put raw chicken in your slow cooker. However, you do not want to cook it from frozen. Always be sure to defrost it first.

Additionally, some people feel that slow cooking chicken can take away the flavor, so you can sear the chicken before slow cooking it for more flavorful chicken.

Do you mix ingredients in a slow cooker?

The great thing about using the slow cooker is that you don’t have to mix all the ingredients while it’s cooking. In fact, you often don’t really need to mix them before you start cooking either. Instead, you can just throw it all in and set the time.

Which slow cooker should I get?

I’ve been using a Hamilton Beach Set & Forget It slow cooker for a few years and I love that once it’s done cooking for the designated time, it automatically switches itself to warm. Read my full review here.

3 Ingredient Crock Pot Recipes

Now, let’s get to the best recipes with only 3 ingredients! 

wooden spoon scooping grape jelly meatballs from a crockpot.
Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatball Recipe
Tender meatballs slow cooked in a simple grape jelly and chili sauce. These meatballs make for the perfect simple savory party appetizer or easy dinner idea!
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Grape jelly meatballs are a cocktail party classic!

spoon lifting a scoop of mac & cheese from a slow cooker.
3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
There are only 3 ingredients in this easy, no boil Mac and Cheese and it's made in the slow cooker! No butter or flour but full of creamy, cheesy flavor that only takes minutes to prep.
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You don’t even have to boil the noodles before adding them to the slow cooker!

3 Ingredient Spicy Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken | Persnickety Plates
Three Ingredient Spicy Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken
It doesn’t get much easier than three ingredients in the slow cooker! Throw together this delicious dish of Spicy Ranch Chicken
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For your sweet tooth – some crockpot peanut clusters!

white chocolate crockpot candy with rainbow sprinkles.
White Chocolate Crockpot Candy
Three ingredient White Chocolate Crockpot Candy is one of the easiest desserts you can make! All you need are some peanuts, white candy melts, and colorful sprinkles for whichever occasion you're celebrating.
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Made with chicken, a little chicken stock, and delicious spicy ranch dressing, this 3-ingredient chicken is perfect for those who want to spice up their dinner!

Three ingredient Crock Pot Salsa Chicken is in my regular dinner rotation because it's so easy & so good! Flavorful and versatile, this slow cooker chicken can be made into burritos, taco bowls, nachos, whatever you feel like!
Crock Pot Salsa Chicken
Three ingredient Crock Pot Salsa Chicken is in my regular dinner rotation because it’s so easy & so good! Flavorful and versatile, this slow cooker chicken can be made into burritos, taco bowls, nachos, whatever you feel like!
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Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just a typical day of the week, this Mexican style chicken can be transformed into any meal you like. Whip it up into burritos, tacos, taco bowls, or even use it on your nachos.

crock-pot-lemon-chicken-SQUARE
Crockpot Lemon Chicken
This Crockpot Lemon Chicken is so easy and perfect for a busy weeknight. This 4 ingredient, slow chicken dinner is amazingly flavorful and sure to be your new favorite meal. Serve with vegetables and ready to serve rice for a fast healthy dinner!
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Add a burst of lemon zest to your taste buds with this delicious lemon chicken recipe. This 3-ingredient crock pot chicken is perfect for a busy week night.

Crockpot Taco Meat Recipe
This easy Crockpot Taco Meat recipe requires just 3 ingredients. Perfect for family dinners, Taco Tuesdays, feeding a crowd & meal prepping.
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This is the perfect Taco Tuesday or Cinco De Mayo recipe! Letting your taco meat cook for hours in the crockpot really allows the Mexican flavors to seep into the meat.

Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork
Make pulled pork in your crockpot. Add barbecue sauce and you have a delicious pulled pork sandwich.
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This pork roast is pull-apart tender after 6-8 hours of cooking. Just plop it in on the way out the door and add your favorite BBQ sauce for a delicious pulled pork sandwich in the evening.

Crockpot Coca-Cola Meatballs Recipe
These savory 3-ingredient crockpot Coca-Cola® meatballs are perfect for game day!
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Perfect for game night, the coca cola really caramelizes the meatballs making for a deliciously sweet and tangy appetizer. Spice it up with a little sriracha for a spicy twist.

Easy Crockpot Shredded Chicken
This Crockpot shredded chicken is so easy, juicy, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep! It’s an all-purpose recipe that you will love.
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With just boneless chicken breasts, salt and pepper, this chicken is simple and delicious. Use it in a variety of meals including chicken tacos, chicken and noodles, in casseroles, or in any chicken dish.

Crock-Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham
The sweetest, most tender ham & made with just 3 ingredients!
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Easter or Christmas dinner has never been easier with this brown sugar pineapple ham. It comes out sweet and savory every single time!

Crockpot Ranch Chicken Sliders
My Crockpot Ranch Chicken Sliders are made with chicken thighs simmered until they are falling apart and infused with a delicious ranch flavor.
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Everyone loves a good slider. These delicious ranch chicken sliders are perfect for a quick dinner, or an appetizer for a family get together. Top them with pepper jack cheese to make them even more delicious.

Best Ever BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe
How to make the best ever BBQ Chicken Wings in the Slow Cooker with only 3 ingredients. One of our most popular summer recipes and for good reason! #bbqchickenwings #slowcookerchickenwings
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Fall off the bone delicious, these chicken wings are perfect as a main course, with pizza, or as an appetizer at your BBQ. Crisp them up in the broiler for a perfectly crisp wing.

Crockpot BBQ Meatballs
Crockpot BBQ Meatballs are an easy appetizer recipe that takes 5 minutes to prep and only has 3 ingredients. Super simple and full of flavor!
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Simple, easy and delicious is what you get with these BBQ meatballs. They are perfect for BBQs, dinner entrees, or even spreads. Whip up several batches and freeze them for later.

Crock Pot Apple Spice Dump Cake
Super easy Crock Pot Apple Spice Dump Cake Recipe!
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Your crockpot doesn’t just make delicious meals and meats, but it makes delicious desserts too! Make this delicious apple crisp for dessert and top it with some vanilla ice cream.

Italian Chicken Sandwich
There’s nothing like a delicious sandwich filled with flavor on crusty bread and this Italian Chicken Sandwich fits the bill!
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Craving Italian beef, but don’t have any roast? This Italian chicken is just as yummy and easy to make. Slow cook it all day and serve it up for dinner.

Crock Pot Pumpkin Cake Recipe
Can you make pumpkin cake without an oven? Yes! Make this crock pot pumpkin cake using 3 ingredients! Its an effortless and stress-free holiday dessert
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Don’t take up space in your oven this Thanksgiving making pumpkin pie! You can literally make it in your crockpot. And, it’s just as delicious.

Nothing beats cooking in your crockpot. It’s simple, delicious and packed with flavor! If you liked these 3-ingredient crockpot recipes, please pin this post to Pinterest for others to enjoy!

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