Since my household consists of just my husband and I (well, and our dog), finding meals that are delicious — yet don't leave me with enough leftovers to feed a whole other country — can be a bit of a challenge. Needless to say, scouring the Internet for different Crock-Pot recipes for two has become one of my favorite pastimes.
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not what you'd call a whiz in the kitchen. The timing of things always manages to throw me off — which means we usually end up eating garlic bread as our first course and spaghetti as the entree a half hour later. But, that's one of the many things I love so much about Crock-Pot meals.
Crock-Pots are like these magical cauldrons, where you just toss in a bunch of ingredients, turn a dial, and then leave it alone for hours on end. When you finally open the lid again? Voila! You have a tasty dish that makes you look like a world-class chef.
However, I've discovered that many Crock-Pot recipes make enough to feed a small military. Seriously — I've found tons that yield 15-20 servings. And, while I'll never complain about the convenience of leftovers, sometimes I wish I could pull together a meal that's more suitable for just the two of us.
If there's one thing that looking for ideas has taught me, it's that finding Crock-Pot recipes that are perfect for a romantic two-person dinner is nearly impossible. So, in the interest of honest journalism, many of these recipes actually serve somewhere between four to six. But, you can definitely halve the recipe if need be. Or, invite someone else over for dinner. Or, suck it up and enjoy a more reasonable amount of leftovers.
At any rate, you are sure to wind up with less food than those other ridiculous, industrial-sized Crock-Pot recipes. Bon appetit!
1. Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
This flavor-packed recipe from Damn Delicious looks like it's straight out of a magazine. But, don't be fooled — it's insanely easy to make. The recipe technically yields four servings, but you're probably going to want a little extra. Trust me.
2. Beef and Broccoli
I love Chinese takeout just as much as the next person. But knowing I can accomplish that delicious, savory taste of beef and broccoli in my own kitchen? Well, the world just got a whole lot brighter. Luckily, this recipe from Table for Two makes it easy.
3. Carne Asada Nachos
Is there anything better than a delicious plate of nachos? What about a Crock-Pot nacho recipe that actually calls for beer? These nachos from How Sweet It Is are just what the doctor ordered. And, as the recipe states, they serve "4 appropriately, 2 obnoxiously." So, go wild.
4. BBQ Chicken
Pulled barbecue chicken is one of those things that you just have to make in a slow cooker every now and then. These sandwiches are perfect for those days when you really just want to dig in with something messy. Admittedly, this recipe from Mel's Kitchen serves six. But, let's be honest, you'll power through those leftovers without a problem.
5. Stuffed Peppers
What's nice about stuffed peppers? Other than the fact that they're unbelievably tasty, they look like you spent hours working on them — when, in fact, they involved very little effort. Whether you want to enjoy them as a meal or keep them around as a filling snack, these stuffed peppers from Damn Delicious are sure to please.
6. Chicken Taco Chili
When it comes to food, "taco" and "chili" are two of my favorite words. Put them together, and I'm ready to weep tears of joy. This recipe from The Comfort of Cooking makes all of my wildest Crock-Pot dreams come true.
7. Easy Quiche
Think slow cookers are just for dips, soups, and dinner dishes? Think again. This easy quiche recipe from A Spicy Perspective proves that you can accomplish some pretty impressive breakfast dishes with a Crock-Pot as well. Obviously, this quiche yields way more than two servings — unless you're eating a giant slice. But, it's great for keeping in the fridge in order to have an easy breakfast all week long!
8. Apple Crumble
You thought your Crock-Pot was done surprising you, and then all of a sudden a dessert recipe pops up. How Sweet It Is' apple crumble recipe looks positively mouth watering. Top it off with some cool vanilla ice cream, and you're livin'.
9. Lemon Garlic Chicken
The thing about cooking chicken in a slow cooker is that it becomes so flavor-filled and tender. Sure, roasting makes things go faster. But, we're all about quality here. This recipe from The Kitchn is fall-off-the-bone delicious. Even better? You use the leftover cooking broth to make a delicious gravy — meaning literally nothing goes to waste.
10. Sloppy Joes
Honestly, it's been years since I think I've enjoyed a tasty sloppy joe. But, this recipe from A Pretty life in the Suburbs had me craving one instantaneously. They look like they definitely live up to their "sloppy" name.
11. Sweet and Spicy Chicken Tacos
In my book, there's really nothing better than a great taco. Half Baked Harvest's version looks like it's right up my alley. I can already see myself layering on some avocado and shredded cheese, and totally indulging.
12. Beef and Barley Soup
Soup is one of those things that's great to make in a slow cooker, yet you usually wind up feeling like you need to keep a five-gallon drum of leftovers in your fridge. This recipe from Mel's Kitchen has a much more reasonable serving size. Plus, it looks like the perfect fix for a cold winter day!
For more ideas, check out Bustle on YouTube.
Images: Chungah Ree/Damn Delicious (3); Julie/Table for Two; Jessica/How Sweet It Is (2); Mel/Mel's Kitchen (2); Georgia, The Comfort of Cooking; Sommer Collier/A Spicy Perspective; Faith Durand/The Kitchn; Jo-Anna/A Pretty Life in the Suburbs; Tieghan/Half Baked Harvest
