A crock-pot meal is a type of slow-cooked dish that is prepared in a slow cooker. The term 'crock-pot meal' is often used to refer to a STEW, which is a type of soup or broth-based dish that contains vegetables and/or meat. Stews are usually cooked for several hours, allowing the flavors to blend and the ingredients to become tender. Crock-pot meals are popular because they are easy to prepare and require minimal effort.