Busy schedules often mean mealtime becomes a hurried affair. Enter: the crock pot. These 12 kid-approved recipes will make dinner a breeze while keeping your little ones happy and satisfied.
1. Cheesy Chicken Tacos
What kid doesn’t love tacos? This slow-cooked cheesy chicken taco filling combines tender chicken with gooey cheese for a meal that’s sure to please. Simply set it in the morning, and by dinner, your family will be greeted with a delightful aroma.
Serve with crunchy taco shells and let your kids add their favorite toppings. This dish is perfect for picky eaters and allows creativity at the table. It’s a win-win for busy nights.
Fun Fact: Tacos have been a family favorite since ancient Mexican times, signaling a rich cultural heritage.
2. Sloppy Joe Sliders
Sloppy Joes are a nostalgic favorite, and making them in a crock pot brings out their full flavor potential. With tender beef and rich sauce, these sliders become irresistibly juicy.
Kids love the messiness, and parents appreciate the simplicity of preparation. Serve on slider buns with a side of chips or veggies.
Quirky bit: Sloppy Joes are believed to have originated in the 1930s in an Iowa café, making them a staple in American households.
3. Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese is a classic that never goes out of style. Cooking it in a crock pot allows the cheese to meld perfectly with the noodles, creating a creamy delight.
Kids adore this dish for its simplicity and comforting taste. Add a breadcrumb topping for an extra crunch.
Did you know? The first recorded recipe for mac and cheese dates back to the 13th century, making it a timeless favorite.
4. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
BBQ Pulled Pork is a summertime favorite that can be enjoyed year-round. The crock pot slowly cooks the pork to perfection, making it tender and flavorful.
Kids love assembling their own sandwiches and adding sauce to taste. Pair with coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.
Fun fact: Pulled pork has roots in the American South, where it was traditionally cooked over an open flame.
5. Meatball Subs
Meatball subs in the crock pot offer a savory and satisfying meal. The meatballs soak up the sauce, making each bite juicy and delicious.
These subs are perfect for a quick dinner or a hearty lunch. Kids love the cheesy goodness and the fun of eating with their hands.
Did you know? Meatballs date back to ancient Rome, where they were a popular dish.
6. Chicken Noodle Soup
Nothing beats a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup on a chilly day. This crock pot version ensures the broth is rich and flavorsome.
Kids enjoy the familiar taste and soft noodles. It’s soothing and ideal for a cozy family meal.
Quirky fact: Chicken noodle soup is often called “Jewish penicillin” for its supposed healing properties.
7. Taco Soup
Taco soup combines all the taco flavors into a comforting bowl. It’s an inviting dish that fills the home with delightful aromas.
Serve with tortilla chips for added texture, and let kids sprinkle cheese or sour cream as they wish. It’s a versatile option for busy families.
Did you know? Taco soup is a modern twist on traditional Mexican flavors, blending cultures in one pot.
8. Beef Stew
A classic beef stew is a comforting meal that warms both heart and soul. Slow cooking in a crock pot makes the beef tender and the broth rich.
Kids appreciate the tender veggies and flavorful meat. Serve with a side of bread to soak up every last bit.
Historical note: Beef stew has been a staple since prehistoric times, evolving into the beloved dish we know today.
9. Potato Soup
Potato soup is creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. The crock pot method enhances the richness, creating a satisfying dish.
Kids love the smooth texture and the option to add toppings like bacon or cheese. It’s a delightful meal for any chilly day.
Fun fact: Potatoes are native to South America and have been a dietary staple for thousands of years.
10. Cheesy Broccoli Rice
Cheesy broccoli rice is a simple yet delicious dish that combines healthy and tasty elements. The crock pot ensures each grain of rice absorbs the cheesy flavor.
Kids enjoy the creamy texture and the bright green broccoli. It’s a nutritious option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Did you know? Broccoli has been cultivated since the Roman Empire, praised for its health benefits.
11. Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs are a family favorite, and the crock pot simplifies preparation while enhancing flavor. The sauce melds beautifully with the pasta.
It’s a playful dish that encourages kids to twirl and savor. Add Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch.
Historical tidbit: Although Italian in style, spaghetti and meatballs are considered an American culinary creation.
12. Vegetable Chili
Vegetable chili is both hearty and nutritious, filled with colorful ingredients that delight both the eyes and palate. The crock pot melds the flavors into a sumptuous stew.
Kids will enjoy the mild spiciness and chance to customize with toppings like cheese or avocado. It’s a fun way to incorporate veggies into a meal.
Fun fact: Chili originates from Texas, where it was crafted by blending native and Mexican flavors.
Well, hello there!
My name is Jennifer. Besides being an orthodontist, I am a mother to 3 playful boys. In this motherhood journey, I can say I will never know everything. That’s why I always strive to read a lot, and that’s why I started writing about all the smithereens I came across so that you can have everything in one place! Enjoy and stay positive; you’ve got this!