Cooking for one doesn’t have to mean boring meals or piles of leftovers you don’t know what to do with. Enter the 1.5-quart crockpot—a kitchen hero designed to simplify your life. Perfectly sized for single servings, it ensures you enjoy fresh, flavorful meals without waste or fridge clutter.
Today, you’ll discover my 10 irresistible crockpot recipes for one, ranging from creamy garlic chicken and comforting soups to tender, savory meats. These recipes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy days when you want a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Small crockpots (Affiliate link) come with big advantages—less prep, quicker cleanup, and meals made just for you. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, these dishes will help you get the most out of your compact crockpot.
Plus, if you’ve loved my previous crock pot recipes like chicken soups, beef stews, juicy hamburgers, you’re in for a treat.
Why Choose a 1.5-Quart Crockpot for Single-Serve Recipes?
- Perfect Portion Size: The 1.5-quart crockpot is just the right size for one serving. It saves you from making excessive amounts and ensures every meal is freshly cooked.
- Space-Saving: Compact in size, it fits in any kitchen, whether in a dorm room or a small apartment.
- Effortless Cooking: With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you can enjoy delicious meals without standing over a stove.
From hearty soups to savory mains, let’s get into these easy and flavorful recipes!
1. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken, this chicken alfredo pasta is a comforting meal you’ll want again and again.
Ingredients
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup cooked pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1/2 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Grated Parmesan (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breast, chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken with a fork, then stir in the Alfredo sauce and cooked pasta.
- Heat for another 15 minutes on Low to let the flavors combine.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese before serving.
2. Beef and Broccoli
A takeout favorite made healthier and fresher at home, this dish combines tender beef and broccoli in a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound beef sirloin, sliced thinly
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Add beef slices, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Stir in the broccoli and cook for an additional 30 minutes on Low.
- If desired, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it into the sauce to thicken.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
3. Vegetarian Lentil Soup
Warm, hearty, and packed with nutrients, this vegetarian lentil soup is perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried lentils (rinsed)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup diced carrots
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add lentils, vegetable broth, tomatoes, carrots, celery, onion, cumin, and paprika to the crockpot.
- Stir to combine, then cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours, until lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
4. Honey Garlic Chicken
Sweet and savory, this honey garlic chicken is tender, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken thigh
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place the chicken thigh in the crockpot.
- Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours.
- Serve with steamed rice or veggies.
5. Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup
All the flavors of stuffed bell peppers in a hearty soup, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
Ingredients
- 1/4 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then transfer to the crockpot.
- Add bell peppers, onion, tomatoes, broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours.
- Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread.
6. Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Juicy, tender pulled pork made easily in your crockpot, perfect for sandwiches or sliders.
Ingredients
- 1/4 pound pork shoulder
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 sandwich bun
Instructions
- Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot and add chicken broth, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 4 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
- Shred the pork using two forks and mix it with the sauce in the crockpot.
- Serve on a sandwich bun with extra barbecue sauce if desired.
7. White Chicken Chili
A creamy and flavorful twist on classic chili, this dish is comforting and loaded with protein.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup white beans (canned, rinsed, and drained)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add shredded chicken, white beans, chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours.
- Stir in the cream cheese until melted and combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with cilantro or shredded cheese if desired.
8. Teriyaki Salmon with Rice
A healthy and flavorful dish with flaky salmon, sweet teriyaki sauce, and fluffy rice.
Ingredients
- 1 salmon fillet (around 4 ounces)
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon minced ginger
Instructions
- Place the salmon fillet in the crockpot and pour the teriyaki sauce over it. Add minced ginger for extra flavor.
- Cover and cook on Low for 2 hours or High for 1 hour, until the salmon is cooked through and flaky.
- Serve over warm cooked rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
9. Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this crockpot mac and cheese is a single-serving delight.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add uncooked macaroni, milk, shredded cheese, mustard powder, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
- Stir to combine, then cover and cook on Low for 2 hours, stirring halfway through.
- Serve immediately while warm and gooey.
10. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
A timeless comfort dish, chicken noodle soup is perfect for warming up and soothing your soul.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup egg noodles
- 1/4 cup diced carrots
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add shredded chicken, chicken broth, carrots, celery, thyme, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours.
- Stir in the egg noodles and cook for an additional 30 minutes on Low until tender.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Final Thoughts
Cooking for one doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety. These 10 easy crockpot recipes for one are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy fresh, homemade meals without hassle.
With a 1.5-quart crockpot, you can save time, money, and effort—all while savoring every bite.
