Slow Cooker Recipes for Kids
The crock pot can be such a busy-family lifesaver with its whole set-it-and-forget-it capabilities. It’s such an amazing feeling to have dinner ready and waiting at the end of the day! But—and this is often a big but—so many little kids don’t like foods all mixed together, so cooking family meals in a slow cooker can sometimes feel impossible. Which is where this list comes in! I can’t guarantee that your kids will eat everything on this list (I wish!), but I do hope that some of these meals will fly with your little people. I tried to cover a range of recipes to please your family, regardless of their preferences. Here’s to easy cooking! (You may also like my favorite Freezer Meals and Shortcut Meals.)
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Cooking chicken in the crockpot is one of the easiest ways to make tender, easy-to-chew chicken that kids and adults love. These are some of our go-to recipes for chicken in the slow cooker, starting with these easy tacos. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Butter Chicken
You can make this Indian-style chicken in the crock pot or Instant Pot, so you can go with the one that works better for your day.
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
You can make this easy barbecue chicken recipe in the slow cooker or Instant Pot, then serve it in sandwiches or alongside bread or rice. (You can also make classic salsa chicken by swapping in salsa for the barbecue sauce. That’s such an easy crockpot chicken recipe.)
Crockpot Veggie Chili
Whether for game day, a hearty meal on a chilly weekend, or just an easy weeknight supper, these slow cooker chili recipes are easy to make and serve up. I love to put out bowls of toppings so the kids can choose which ones they want. Things like shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, and diced tomatoes are great chili toppings, especially on this veggie chili. And you can make this chunky soup easier for kids to eat by draining off some of the liquid.
Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup
I love using a slow cooker to make soups and stews since you don’t need to stand by the pot while the soup simmers, and the flavors have plenty of time to meld and mix. This black bean soup option is a family favorite.
Red Lentil Soup
This plant-based soup includes sweet potato, coconut milk, ginger, and turmeric for a most delicious combination of flavors.
Crock Pot Lentil Soup
Put everything into the slow cooker and let it cook low and slow all day to make the yummiest vegetarian lentil soup. Add a simple side of crackers, toast, or a muffin to round out the meal.
Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes
We love these easy sweet potatoes as a side dish, but they can also be added to Sheet Pan Quesadillas and Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese.
Crock Pot Refried Beans
Learn how to make the easiest homemade refried beans to add to burritos, tacos, and more.
Slow Cooker Black Beans
It’s so easy to make a big batch of black beans starting from dried beans to use in soups, tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, Black Bean Brownies, and more.
Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce
Whenever we have too many fresh tomatoes, this is my go-to method for turning them into sauce.
Channa Masala with Rice
With a veggie-loaded base and Indian-style spices, this slow cooker meal can also be done in the instant pot if you prefer.
Slow Cooker Beef Burritos
With beef and veggies in the mix, this easy slow cooker recipe is a satisfying and flavorful burrito mixture.
Slow Cooker Meatballs
Use ground turkey, beef, or a mixture of pork and beef. Make any classic meatball recipe you like—such as the one below—by simmering meatballs on low in the slow cooker with a jar of marinara sauce.
Slow Cooker Pasta Recipes for Kids
There’s nothing inherently difficult about boiling water and making pasta … until you have little kids underfoot and demanding your attention! You can try slow cooker lasagna or slow cooker macaroni if you’d like.
Best Slow Cooker for Families
For years, I relied on my basic Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker. It was reliable and consistent and I totally recommend it—especially since it’s less than $40! Lately though, as I’ve been using my Instant Pot more, I’ve been using its slow cooker function, which is just as great. I recommend both options!
Favorite Instant Pot Recipes Master List of Healthy Family Meals Easy Make-Ahead Toddler Dinners Shortcut Toddler Meals
Do you have a favorite slow cooker for kids recipe that I missed? Please add it in the comments—I’d love to know!
This post was first published October 2019.
