Finding meals that the little ones will actually eat can sometimes feel like a monumental task. I totally get the struggle of trying to please everyone at the dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen.
That is exactly why I pulled together this list of 21 kid-friendly slow cooker recipes that are packed with flavor and incredibly simple to make.
You can find everything from creamy soups to cheesy pasta dishes right here in one place. Let’s get your meal plan sorted with these yummy favorites.
1. Crockpot Stuffed Shells
You can make these jumbo shells extra tasty by packing them full of spinach and three distinct types of cheese. The recipe calls for covering everything in pasta sauce and letting it cook for about 4 hours.
It requires very little actual work from you. Your entire house will smell absolutely spectacular while it bubbles away.
2. Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
This soup is a major favorite among the kiddos during the cooler months of the year. It comes packed with hearty ingredients like russet potatoes, ground beef, carrots, and onions.
I love how the bacon and pepper jack cheese add such a savory kick to the bowl. The result is a thick, chunky, and herby meal with just a hint of spice.
3. Crockpot Chicken and Rice
This creamy and cheesy dream come true features fluffy, flavorful rice alongside tender chicken. I find it wonderfully herb-flavored and garlicky.
It is unbelievably filling for a hungry family. You only need about 10 minutes of prep time before you just dump it all into the pot.
4. Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
I am telling you right now that this dish is 100% addictive. It is hard to believe something with only six simple ingredients could taste this good until you try it.
The flavor profile is exceptionally zesty and cheesy. You will likely want to make this easy recipe again and again.
5. Crockpot Kid-Friendly Turkey Chili
Nothing beats a hot and chunky bowl of chili in the fall. This specific recipe is for a bean-free version, but you can certainly add a can of kidney beans if you prefer.
It features an impressive variety of veggies and is chock full of protein. Your kids are sure to love it whether you make it spicy or mild.
6. Slow Cooker Honey Chicken
This tender chicken dish brings a distinctly Asian flair to your dinner table. I love how the honey combined with soy sauce, onions, and garlic makes it both slightly sweet and savory.
It tastes best when served over rice. You can also eat it on a bun or with steamed veggies.
7. Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
You can make these soft and fluffy potatoes with only eight ingredients plus some salt and pepper. It takes a mere 5 minutes of prep time to get everything ready.
Most of the flavor comes from onions, garlic powder, and onion powder. The result is earthy, garlicky, and supremely cheesy.
8. Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Sliders
Sliders and chicken parmesan actually go together perfectly once you take that first bite. All you need are chicken breasts, marinara, and garlic.
You finish them off with Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella or provolone on wheat buns. They are incredibly easy to make.
9. Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole
I am a gigantic fan of foods that taste great a day or two later. This enchilada casserole is just as tasty when you enjoy it the night you make it or as leftovers.
It has so much flavor thanks to the garlic, peppers, and onions. You really can never go wrong with that combo.
10. Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
These chicken and dumplings are almost like a chicken pot pie without the pastry. The recipe includes peas, carrots, and cream of celery soup.
You make the dumplings out of refrigerated biscuits for a soft and incredible texture. They will almost fall apart on your tongue.
11. Slow Cooker Macaroni and Beef
You can make healthy and enjoyable macaroni and beef with only 10 minutes of prep work. The macaroni gets wonderfully soft and tomatoey in the slow cooker.
I love how the ground beef, herbs, and veggies give the whole dish a fantastic flavor. It is a great alternative to boxed meal kits.
12. Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole
This easy casserole is cheesy, beefy, and stuffed full of tater tots. It has a very Mexican vibe thanks to the black beans, corn, and salsa.
You also add green chiles, taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and cilantro. It really is every child’s dream meal.
13. Crockpot Beef Tacos
You will make the meat for these tacos in your slow cooker. The thing I love most about this recipe is the homemade taco seasoning.
It takes about 15 minutes to pull together and is far superior to any packet you buy in the store. It is well worth the effort.
14. Crockpot Pizza Casserole
This pizza casserole is incredibly filling thanks to the Italian sausage and ground beef. It has plenty of cheese, garlic, pizza sauce, and pepperoni.
You can make the whole thing with fewer than ten ingredients. The prep time is a mere 5 minutes.
15. Crockpot Baked Ziti
You can skip standing around waiting for the oven and try making baked ziti in your slow cooker instead. It uses penne pasta, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and eggs.
It takes only 20 minutes to whip up before you leave it alone for 2 or 3 hours. I find it super convenient and scrumptious.
16. Slow Cooker Ragu for Kids
The beef in this recipe is juicy and well-seasoned. I love how the carrots, celery, garlic, and tomatoes make the sauce flavorful and full-bodied.
It doesn’t even matter what kind of noodles you use. Your kids are sure to love this tasty meal.
17. Crockpot Ham and Swiss Sliders
Cooking these sliders in the slow cooker gives the ham the perfect texture and makes the cheese gooey and melty. The best part is the topping made from butter, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds.
It turns regular ham and cheese into something insanely yummy. Worcestershire, salt, and pepper round out the flavors.
18. Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
There is no easier or more convenient way to make your Sloppy Joe meat than in the slow cooker. Simmering it helps lock in all that flavor.
It makes the sandwiches absolutely melt-in-your-mouth decadent. You are doing it all wrong if you aren’t using this method.
19. Slow Cooker Lasagna
This Italian dish is made much easier by tossing ingredients like no-boil lasagna noodles and ricotta into the pot. The recipe calls for Italian sausage or ground beef, but you can adjust it any way you like.
You could easily take out the meat and use garden veggies for a vegetarian version. It is very customizable and delicious.
20. Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Everything about this recipe is easy to remember with five ingredients, 5 minutes of prep, and 5 hours to cook.
All you need is the meat, cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and water or broth. You serve it with steamed rice. The kids will gobble it up.
21. Crockpot Spaghetti Casserole
The only thing better than spaghetti is a casserole that includes lots of gooey cheese. The ground chuck makes it hearty enough to keep you full for hours.
I love how the herbs give it that traditional, rich Italian flavor. You can easily make it vegetarian-friendly by leaving out the meat.
