Are you tired of the same old lunch and dinner routine for your kids? Do you struggle to come up with quick, easy, and delicious meal ideas that your little ones will love? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 easy and kid-friendly crock pot recipes that are sure to become a staple in your household. From classic comfort foods like mac and cheese and spaghetti to tasty twists on tacos and pizza, these slow cooker meals are perfect for busy families on-the-go.
These recipes are not only quick and easy, but they’re also healthy and flavorful. And the best part? They require minimal effort from you – just toss all the ingredients in your crock pot and let it do the work! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary newbie, these 20 kid-friendly crock pot recipes will help you feed your family with ease.
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Savor the comfort of a creamy macaroni and cheese dish with minimal effort, perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a slow cooker, combine milk, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and butter. Stir until smooth.
3. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1 hour.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1 hour (high)
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
Elevate your taco Tuesday with this effortless Crock Pot recipe! Tender chicken, bold flavors, and minimal effort make this a perfect meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 packet (0.25 oz) taco seasoning
– 6-8 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Place chicken breasts in the Crock Pot.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together diced tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning. Pour mixture over chicken.
3. Add red kidney beans to the Crock Pot.
4. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
5. Shred chicken with two forks.
6. Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
7. Assemble tacos by spooning shredded chicken onto tortillas and adding desired toppings.
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
Get ready to serve up a crowd-pleasing favorite with these tender and flavorful pulled pork sliders, smothered in sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering!
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Coleslaw, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork shoulder, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Place the pork in a large Dutch oven or slow cooker with the BBQ sauce. Cover and cook for 8 hours or overnight.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and mix with any remaining juices from the sauce.
6. Split hamburger buns in half and spoon the pulled pork onto each bun. Serve with coleslaw, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (or overnight)
Kid-Friendly Slow Cooker Spaghetti
A delicious and easy-to-make spaghetti dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound spaghetti
– 1 jar of marinara sauce (24 oz)
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the marinara sauce, peas and carrots, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Place the cooked spaghetti into the slow cooker. Pour the meat sauce mixture over the pasta.
5. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Cheesy Crock Pot Quesadillas
Get ready for a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion! This Cheesy Crock Pot Quesadillas recipe is a simple and satisfying twist on traditional quesadillas, cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 can (16 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cheese, black beans, onion, and garlic.
2. Place a tortilla in the crock pot and sprinkle half of the cheese mixture on top.
3. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
4. Repeat with remaining ingredients, placing each folded quesadilla in the crock pot.
5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
This mouthwatering dish combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavors of garlic, all wrapped up in tender and juicy chicken breasts. Perfect for a busy day, this slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together honey, garlic, olive oil, and thyme.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and spoon some of the honey-garlic mixture over each breast.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Meatballs in Marinara
This recipe is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With minimal effort, you’ll have tender and flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 jar marinara sauce (28 oz)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Crock Pot to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them in the Crock Pot.
4. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo
Looking for a creamy, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare? This slow cooker recipe delivers! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready when you need it.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the cream mixture over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Serve cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Kid-Approved Crock Pot Pizza Pasta
Transform a family favorite into a comforting, slow-cooked masterpiece that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious meal ready for your crew.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pasta of choice (e.g., penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
– 1 jar pizza sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup cooked ground beef or sausage, crumbled (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions; set aside.
2. In the Crock Pot, combine pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Stir until smooth.
3. Add cooked pasta to the Crock Pot mixture. If using ground beef or sausage, add it now.
4. Cover the Crock Pot and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or HIGH for 1 hour.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (LOW) or 1 hour (HIGH)
Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
This creamy soup combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with the convenience of a slow cooker, making it perfect for a cozy night in. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll be enjoying a warm and satisfying bowl of goodness in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and add the beef broth, milk, shredded cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
Transform your weeknight dinner with this easy and flavorful Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken Bowl recipe. Tender chicken, savory teriyaki sauce, and colorful veggies come together in a deliciously simple dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
– 8 oz cooked white rice
– Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place chicken breasts in the Crock Pot.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, water, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
4. Add mixed veggies on top of the chicken.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve chicken and veggies over cooked white rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Easy Slow Cooker Corn Dog Casserole
Easy Slow Cooker Corn Dog Casserole
A twist on classic corn dogs, this casserole combines the fun of a fairground favorite with the ease of a slow cooker. Perfect for parties or family gatherings!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup hot dog slices (about 4-6 hot dogs)
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup canned condensed cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup crushed Fritos
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine corn kernels, hot dog slices, milk, and cream of chicken soup. Stir until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker.
4. Top with shredded cheese and crushed Fritos.
5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 1-3 hours
Kid-Friendly Crock Pot Sloppy Joes
Get ready for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy families! This recipe is easy to prepare, tender, and full of flavor – kids will love it!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 hamburger buns
Instructions:
1. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic to the crock pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Split hamburger buns and fill with sloppy joe mixture.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Warm up with a comforting bowl of slow-cooked chicken and fluffy dumplings. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 cups all-purpose biscuit or dumpling mix
– 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, broth, carrots, celery, and onion.
2. Sprinkle flour, thyme, salt, and pepper over the top.
3. Pour in the biscuit or dumpling mix, stirring to combine.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in melted butter.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Mini Meatloaf Bites
These bite-sized meatloaves are perfect for parties or potlucks, and can be made ahead of time. With minimal prep work, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 12-15 mini crock pot liners or small ramekins
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Crock Pot to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and oregano. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Divide the mixture into 12-15 portions, depending on the size you desire for your mini meatloaves.
4. Place each portion into a mini crock pot liner or small ramekin.
5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until cooked through to an internal temperature of 160°F.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Easy Slow Cooker Pancake Bites
Start your day with a sweet and fluffy breakfast treat that’s easy to make and requires minimal effort. These bite-sized pancake bites are perfect for busy mornings or as a snack for the whole family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Optional toppings: maple syrup, honey, fresh fruit
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into a 6-quart slow cooker.
5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
6. Remove from the slow cooker and top with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Kid-Approved Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole
Kid-Approved Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole: A comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or weeknight meals. This easy recipe combines the simplicity of tater tots with the richness of cheese and creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 (32 oz) bag of Tater Tots
– 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup of milk
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your crock pot to low.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
3. Add the Tater Tots, shredded cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the preheated crock pot.
5. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1 hour.
6. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (low) or 1 hour (high)
Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal
Start your day with a deliciously creamy and indulgent oatmeal, packed with the flavors of peanut butter and chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine oats, milk, peanut butter, and butter. Stir until the peanut butter is fully incorporated.
2. Add chocolate chips and stir to combine.
3. Cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for 2-3 hours.
4. Just before serving, sprinkle with salt (optional).
Cooking Time: 2-5 hours
Crock Pot French Toast Casserole
Start your day with a delicious and easy-to-make Crock Pot French Toast Casserole that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Ingredients:
– 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
2. Add the French bread cubes to the egg mixture and stir until well coated.
3. Pour the mixture into a Crock Pot and top with melted butter.
4. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve warm, garnished with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar.
Cooking Time: 3-6 hours
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Nuggets
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Transforming frozen chicken nuggets into a mouthwatering meal is just a matter of slow cooking and minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy families or individuals looking for an easy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag (12-16 count) frozen chicken nuggets
– 1/4 cup your favorite barbecue sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the frozen chicken nuggets in the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken nuggets.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. When ready, stir the nuggets to coat with the sauce and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Summary
Get ready to delight your little ones with these 20 easy and delicious kid-friendly crock pot recipes! From classic mac and cheese to tasty tacos, pulled pork sliders, and more, these slow cooker meals are perfect for busy families. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, you’ll be a hero in the eyes of your kids. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special treat, there’s something for everyone on this list.
