Dump frozen imitation crab sticks in the crock pot with 4 everyday ingredients and get a meal so incredible, your friends will be begging for more!

This 5-ingredient slow cooker fiesta crab casserole is one of those “dump it and forget it” dinners that makes busy weeknights feel a little more special. It starts with frozen imitation crab sticks right in the bottom of the crock pot, then gets dressed up with four everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. A few hours later, you’ve got a creamy, cheesy, Tex-Mex–style casserole that tastes like you fussed, even though you barely lifted a finger. It’s perfect for casual get-togethers, game nights, or nights when you want something a little different that still feels familiar and family-friendly.

Spoon the warm fiesta crab casserole over hot cooked rice, buttered egg noodles, or tortilla chips for a nacho-style dinner. It’s also great tucked into warm flour tortillas or spooned into toasted buns for an easy sandwich. Add a simple green salad, steamed corn, or a side of black beans to round things out. A squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream on top makes it feel restaurant-worthy with almost no extra effort.

Servings: 4

1 pound frozen imitation crab sticks, unwrapped

Place the frozen imitation crab sticks in an even layer on the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. No need to thaw; just separate any pieces that are stuck together as best you can.

In a medium bowl, stir together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and salsa until well combined. This creates the creamy, flavorful sauce that will coat the crab sticks as they cook.

Pour the soup and salsa mixture evenly over the frozen crab sticks in the slow cooker, making sure all of the crab is mostly covered with the sauce.

Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese over the top of the sauced crab sticks. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese for later.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or on HIGH for about 2 hours, until the crab sticks are heated through and very tender and the sauce is hot and bubbly. Gently stir once about halfway through cooking to help break up the crab sticks and coat them in the sauce.

When the crab mixture is hot and the crab sticks are easy to pull apart with a spoon, turn the slow cooker to WARM or LOW. Gently stir in the sour cream until fully blended and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover again and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted.

Taste and adjust seasoning if you like, adding a pinch of salt or pepper if needed. Serve the fiesta crab casserole warm, scooping it straight from the slow cooker over rice, noodles, chips, or into tortillas.

To keep this friendly for picky eaters, choose a mild salsa and a creamier cheese like mild cheddar, and serve any stronger toppings (like jalapeños or hot sauce) on the side so everyone can customize their own bowl. You can swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery if that’s what you keep in your pantry. For a little extra color and crunch without adding more ingredients to the crock, stir in a cup of thawed frozen corn or a drained can of black beans right before adding the final cheese on top. If you’d like a slightly lighter version, use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese, and serve the casserole over cauliflower rice or a bed of steamed veggies. For a more “seafood dip” feel for parties, cook as directed, then serve the hot mixture with sturdy tortilla chips or baguette slices. Food safety tips: Always start with imitation crab that has been kept frozen solid until you’re ready to cook; do not use crab that has been thawed and refrozen. Keep the crab sticks covered in sauce so they heat evenly and safely. Cook on LOW or HIGH only as directed, and avoid leaving the slow cooker on the WARM setting for more than 2 to 3 hours after cooking. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of serving in a shallow container, and reheat until steaming hot before eating. Discard any leftovers that have been left at room temperature too long or that show any off smell or texture.