These slow-cooker recipes for two, including tangy tropical chicken, tomato-basil steak and stuffed peppers, are perfect for easy dinners or lunches.
45 Slow-Cooker Recipes for Two
1/45
Slow-Cooker Bone-In Chicken Breast
From the Recipe Creator:
I use my slow cooker to prepare these well-seasoned chicken breasts that cook up moist and tender. My daughter, who has two young sons to keep up with, shared this great recipe with me several years ago. I now rely on cooking chicken in a Crock Pot many days a week. —Sundra Hauck, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 211 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 392mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
2/45
Cajun Pork Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe after returning home from my travels and discovering I had little food in the house. I used ingredients that were already available in the refrigerator and pantry. —Allison Gapinski, Cary, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups pork mixture with 1/4 cup pepper strips: 423 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 573mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
3/45
Slow-Cooked Italian Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
With its nicely seasoned tomato sauce, this enticing chicken entree is especially good over pasta. My father loved this dish. —Deanna D’Auria, Banning, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 231 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 818mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
4/45
Pork Chops and Sauerkraut
From the Recipe Creator:
Pair tender pork chops with sauerkraut for a filling main dish that's quick and easy to put together. —Stephanie Miller, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 599 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 1589mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 7g fiber), 39g protein.
5/45
Tangy Tropical Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
In this colorful dish, exotic fruits such as mango and pineapple beautifully complement the chicken and lend a pleasant hint of sweetness that’s balanced by a bit of soy sauce. —Christina Aho, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 299 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 760mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
6/45
Chicken and Green Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
My Greek grandmother made the most delicious Greek chicken and green beans with a lemon-tomato flavor. Whenever I make this slow-cooker recipe, I think of her. The juices from the chicken help flavor the green beans, but the beans can be prepared alone as a side dish without the chicken. —Elizabeth Lindemann, Driftwood, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 324 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 769mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 26g protein.
7/45
Slow-Cooker Mongolian Beef
From the Recipe Creator:
This slow-cooker Mongolian beef uses inexpensive ingredients to offer big flavor in a small amount of time. It's easier than getting takeout! Set your Crock-Pot on high for two to three hours to whip it up even quicker. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 329 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
8/45
Slow-Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I love this yummy dish! It’s a breeze to prepare in the slow cooker, and it tastes just like a meal you’d have at your favorite Indian or Thai restaurant. —Andi Kauffman, Beavercreek, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 371 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 265mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
9/45
Casablanca Chutney Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
If you enjoy Indian food, you'll love this dish. An array of spices and dried fruit slow cook with boneless chicken thighs for an aromatic and satisfying meal. To make it complete, serve over Jasmine or Basmati rice. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 389 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 6g fiber), 26g protein.
10/45
Tomato-Basil Steak
From the Recipe Creator:
We grow the basil and bell peppers I use in this dish. It's easy to prepare, yet so rich and delicious. —Sheryl Little, Sherwood, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without rice): 324 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 1116mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
11/45
Slow-Cooked Lemon Chicken Orzo
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 512 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 1107mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
12/45
Slow-Cooker Lamb Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
These slow cooker lamb chops are, without a doubt, the lamb dish we like best. I usually simmer them on low for hours. The aroma is irresistible, and they come out so tender, they practically melt in your mouth! —Sandy McKenzie, Braham, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 lamb chops: 201 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
13/45
Round Steak and Gravy
From the Recipe Creator:
Try less expensive round steak and gravy served over egg noodles for a hearty meal. Meaty and chock full of veggies, this slow-cooker creation will take the worry out of what's-for-supper any weeknight. Kathy Garret —Camden, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups beef mixture: 335 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1064mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 42g protein.
14/45
Slow-Cooker Pork Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone will enjoy these fork-tender, slow-cooker pork chops with a creamy, light gravy. Serve with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes and coleslaw or a salad. These are the best slow cooker pork chops. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 279 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
15/45
Slow-Cooker Stuffed Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
My favorite kitchen appliance is the slow cooker, and I use mine more than anyone else I know. It does a great job with this good-for-you dish. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 317 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
16/45
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
The slow cooker not only makes this an easy meal, it keeps the pork tender, saucy and loaded with flavor. —Beki Kosydar-Krantz, Mayfield, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 402 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1181mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
17/45
Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
For a meal on busy days, I pop ready-made meatballs in the slow cooker to make this tantalizing Asian-style specialty. Nothing is more convenient than walking in the door to dinner. —Lisa Stepanski, Munnsville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
8 meatballs: 794 calories, 29g fat (10g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 94g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
18/45
Country Ribs Dinner
From the Recipe Creator:
Ribs slow-cooked with carrots, celery, onions and red potatoes are pure comfort food for us. To add a little zip, we sometimes sprinkle in cayenne. —Rose Ingall, Manistee, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked meat with 1 cup vegetables and 1/4 cup gravy: 528 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 1016mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 43g protein.
19/45
Simmered Turkey Enchiladas
From the Recipe Creator:
I discovered a different way to serve economical turkey thighs. I simmer them in tomato sauce, green chiles and seasonings until they're tender and flavorful, then serve them in tortillas with our favorite fresh toppings. —Stella Schams, Tempe, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 497 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 1028mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 45g protein.
20/45
Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a go-to recipe when I know I'll be having a busy day. My family loves salsa, so I came up with this recipe for something to throw into a slow cooker and simmer on low. We love it served over rice or noodles, and then top it with tortilla chips and sour cream. —Deborah Pennington, Falkville, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1-1/2 cups bean mixture: 470 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1270mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 11g fiber), 47g protein.
21/45
Beef in Onion Gravy
From the Recipe Creator:
I double this super recipe to feed our family of four so I'm sure to have leftovers to send with my husband to work for lunch. His co-workers tell him he's lucky to have someone who fixes him such special meals. It's our secret that it's an easy slow cooker dinner! —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 326 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 1220mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
22/45
Butternut Beef Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
I tweaked this recipe I found in a magazine to suit my taste for sweet and spicy. I found that pureeing the tomatoes added a thicker consistency without using flour. —Erin Lembke, Monroe, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 377 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 1047mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
23/45
Spiced Acorn Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
Working full time, I found I didn't always have time to cook the meals my family loved, so I re-created many of those dishes in the slow cooker. This treatment for squash is one of our favorites. —Carol Greco, Centereach, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 squash half: 433 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 86g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
24/45
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tagine with Pumpkin
From the Recipe Creator:
I first discovered tagines—Moroccan stews—when my oldest son was a baby, and I've loved them ever since. I used a slow cooker for my first version and since I'm a mom with two active boys, that has stayed my preferred method. The pumpkin mixture is supposed to be thick, but if you like a thinner consistency, stir in chicken broth. —Necia Blundy, Bothell, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 400 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 10g fiber), 28g protein.
25/45
Italian Spaghetti Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a unique and easy way to cook spaghetti squash. Be sure the squash is on the small or medium side so that it fits into the slow cooker after being cut in half. —Melissa Brooks, Sparta, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 stuffed squash: 140 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
26/45
Slow-Cooker Tropical Pork Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
Pork and fruit go so nicely together and when you add fresh herbs, you get this fresh, light and bright main dish that everyone loves. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without crystallized ginger): 572 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 91g carbohydrate (86g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
27/45
Red Clam Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe tastes like an Italian restaurant specialty and cooks while you take care of other things. What a marvelous way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup sauce with 3/4 cup cooked linguine: 305 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 553mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 7g fiber), 15g protein.
28/45
Chicken & Mushroom Alfredo
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone in my family loves when I make this dinner...even my kids! What's great about this recipe is that you can add vegetables you have on hand to make it heartier, such as corn, peas, or diced red bell pepper. —Monica Werner, Temecula, California
29/45
Sweet Onion & Cherry Pork Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
When I want to jump-start supper, I opt for these tender pork chops. The sweet and savory cherry sauce makes the recipe a keeper. Try serving it with wild rice pilaf. —Stephanie Ray, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/4 cup cherry mixture: 278 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 425mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
30/45
Farm-Style BBQ Ribs
From the Recipe Creator:
Inspiration struck when I saw a recipe similar to this one in a newspaper. My version was an instant hit with my husband and our friends. It got even better when I discovered how easy it is to make in the slow cooker. —Bette Jo Welton, Eugene, OR
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 578 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 2503mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 7g fiber), 44g protein.
31/45
Slow-Cooker Pad Thai
From the Recipe Creator:
I love pad thai, but I hate standing over a hot stir-fry—especially in summer. This slow-cooker version lets me keep my cool and enjoy pad thai too. —Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 482 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 891mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
32/45
Red Pepper Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken breasts are treated to black beans, red peppers and juicy tomatoes in this Southwestern supper. We love it served with rice plumped up in chicken broth. —Piper Spiwak, Vienna, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 288 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
33/45
Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making this satisfying dish—it’s easy and elegant, and the slow cooker minimizes my time in the kitchen. I make this during football season too. For game days, I skip the pasta and serve the chicken on submarine rolls with a bit of the sauce and some chopped lettuce. It’s also good cut in half and served on smaller buns as sliders. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 480 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 171mg cholesterol, 1684mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 50g protein.
34/45
Slow-Cooker Salmon
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this slow-cooker salmon recipe because it's healthy and almost effortless. The salmon always cooks to perfection! —Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 salmon fillet: 272 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
35/45
Beef ‘n’ Bean Torta
From the Recipe Creator:
This zesty dish is a favorite of mine because it has a wonderful Southwestern taste and is easy to prepare. I serve it on nights when we have only a few minutes to eat before running off to meetings or sports events. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 555 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 1365mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 36g protein.
36/45
Slow-Cooked Moroccan Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs and spices really work their magic in this crockpot recipe for two. The dried fruit adds an exotic touch. —Kathy Morgan, Ridgefield, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 435 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 755mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 6g fiber), 42g protein.
37/45
Slow-Cooked Peach Pork Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
I played around with many variations of this recipe until I came up with one that was just right. The warm peaches make an excellent side dish for the pork. —Bonnie Morrow, Spencerport, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 389 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.
38/45
Sausage-Stuffed Flank Steak
From the Recipe Creator:
As part of a prize I won for a recipe contest, I received a slow cooker. I hadn’t used one in years, so I didn’t have any recipes on hand. This tasty beef was my first creation, and it was a hit with my family. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without pasta): 815 calories, 45g fat (14g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 1687mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 4g fiber), 49g protein.
39/45
Weeknight Goulash
From the Recipe Creator:
With this recipe, you can put in a full day’s work, run some errands and still get dinner on the table in hardly any time. Make it extra-special by serving the meat sauce over spaetzle. —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 478 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 1005mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 45g protein.
40/45
Rosemary Pot Roast
From the Recipe Creator:
Come home to a comforting, ready-to-eat entree with this slow-cooker favorite sized just right for two. It’s so easy, and it fills the house with a wonderful aroma. —Marcia Schroeder, River Edge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef: 358 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 472mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.
41/45
Creamy Italian Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
Italian salad dressing mix is like a secret weapon for adding flavor to this creamy chicken dish. Served over rice or pasta, this Italian dressing chicken is rich, delicious and special enough for company. —Maura McGee, Tallahassee, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 473 calories, 29g fat (14g saturated fat), 158mg cholesterol, 1556mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 40g protein.
42/45
Lamb and White Bean Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
I created a fresh take on chili using lamb and Moroccan seasoning with a feta and almond garnish. It was so exciting and tasty to my husband and son, I made a second batch almost right away. If you like a spicier chili, add harissa paste or use medium salsa instead of mild. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 438 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 840mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 7g fiber), 28g protein.
43/45
Slow-Cooker Beef and Broccoli
From the Recipe Creator:
I love introducing my kids to all kinds of flavors. This Asian-inspired slow-cooker meal is one of their favorites, so I serve it often. —Brandy Stansbury Edna, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 366 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 1696mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 42g protein.
44/45
Apricot-Orange Salsa Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet oranges and apricots blend perfectly with zippy salsa in this five-ingredient entree. Keep the heat to your liking with mild, medium or hot salsa. Served over rice, it's a dinner we've enjoyed time and again. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/2 cup rice: 427 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein.
45/45
Hearty Chicken Enchiladas
From the Recipe Creator:
This slow-cooker shredded chicken enchiladas recipe is my husband and I's favorite dish. You can modify it to suit your taste, adding corn, rice or refried beans. —Jenny Miller, Raleigh, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 577 calories, 20g fat (4g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 1541mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 46g protein.
Slow Cooker Recipes for Two FAQ
Can you make small portions in a regular-sized slow cooker?
Yes, you can make small portions in a regular-sized slow cooker, although you may need to adjust the amount of liquid or cooking time to ensure the food cooks safely and evenly. You can also add food to a smaller, oven-safe dish that fits inside the slow cooker insert. Add some water to the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the dish to promote even heating and cooking. If you often cook for two, consider buying a smaller slow cooker to avoid having to convert recipes to the size of your slow cooker.
What are the best proteins for small-batch slow cooker meals?
Whether you’re making a party-size meal or a small-batch recipe, the best proteins to make in a slow-cooker stay tender and juicy after gently braising for hours, like bone-in chicken and chuck roast. Extremely lean proteins are more prone to drying out, but these cuts have just enough fat or marbling to keep them soft. They are also versatile when it comes to seasoning, so you can make savory Korean beef or tangy barbecue chicken without sacrificing taste.
How do you scale down recipes for two people?
To scale down a recipe for two, begin by reducing the overall ingredient amounts using cooking measurement conversions. Many ingredients can be halved easily, like meats, vegetables or grains. Others, like garlic, herbs and onions, don’t always need to be exact, so adding a little more or less won’t drastically change the final dish. Bold or spicy flavors, such as hot sauce or vinegar, are best adjusted to taste to keep everything balanced. Cook times can be shorter as well, so check for doneness early, especially with leaner, boneless cuts like chicken breasts or pork tenderloin.
