When I want dinner completely off my plate for the afternoon, this 3-ingredient slow cooker supper is one of the easiest things I make. It leans on a simple combination of a slow-roasted fibrous protein, a bottled sauce, and an aromatic vegetable so the cooker does all the heavy lifting while the house stays cool. It is the kind of low-effort comfort meal that feels especially right in July when turning on the oven sounds like the worst possible idea.
Serve this over mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, or thick slices of toast to catch every bit of the savory glaze. I also like it with simple green beans, corn on the cob, or a crunchy coleslaw on the side to balance the richness, and leftovers tuck nicely into sandwiches the next day.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Poor Man's Lazy Afternoon Supper
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
2 1/2 to 3 pounds slow-roasted fibrous protein
Directions
1. Spread the sliced onion across the bottom of the slow cooker to make a simple bed for the protein.
2. Set the slow-roasted fibrous protein on top of the onions, then pour the barbecue sauce over it, turning once if needed so the surface is well coated.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the protein is very tender and easy to pull apart with two forks.
4. Shred or break up the protein right in the cooker, stir it into the onions and sauce, and let it sit for 10 minutes so everything soaks up the glaze before serving.
Variations & Tips
Sweeter version: Use a honey barbecue sauce if you like a sweeter finish. This is a good choice if you plan to serve the dish on sandwich buns or with cornbread.
Extra savory version: Add a pinch of black pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika if you are willing to go beyond the strict 3-ingredient idea. Those pantry extras deepen the flavor without adding extra work.
Make-ahead tip: Slice the onion and measure the sauce the night before, then stash everything in the fridge. In the morning, all you have to do is load the slow cooker and turn it on before starting your workday.
Leftover tip: Store leftovers in the sauce so the protein stays moist. It reheats well for grain bowls, baked potatoes, or quick sandwiches the next day.
