Family Friendly Slow Cooker Recipes is a collection of our favorite crockpot recipes you can use year-round and the whole family is sure to enjoy. There is nothing better than coming home to the smell of a meal that has been slowly cooking all day. Having your dinner ready for you when you get home is so satisfying! So, the next time you need crockpot dinner ideas, check out this list below, you are sure to find some new family favorites.
Our family-friendly recipes were tested in our own kitchen and are kid-approved! Most of these recipes require minimal prep and can be put into the crock pot to cook all day long. Plus, with the variety of recipes you’ll find below you’ll never get bored of using your slow cooker.
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Chicken Crockpot Meals
1. Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas
Key Features:
- Shredded chicken with black beans, green chiles, and creamy enchilada sauce
- Dinner favorite
- Perfect for fall crockpot meals
2. Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken
Key Features:
- Sweet and savory with Dijon, honey, garlic, and heavy cream
- Lean protein with maximum flavor
3. Crockpot Smothered Chicken
Key Features:
- Tender thighs in creamy gravy with kale or spinach
- Dinner favorite
- Kid approved
4. Crockpot Turkey Tenderloin
Key Features:
- Great alternative to whole turkey for smaller gatherings
- Free up oven space while using your crockpot
- Great for fall crockpot meals
Slow Cooker Pasta Recipes
1. Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Key Features:
- Rich, creamy sauce over fettuccine and chicken.
- Throw together and is a complete slow cooker meal.
- One of our easy summer crockpot meals- saves you from standing over a warm stovetop!
2. Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Key Features:
- Crockpot meal with creamy, smooth mac and cheese.
- Kid-approved
- Great to bring for pot lucks.
3. Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Key Features:
- Cream cheese, cheddar, and gruyere with elbow macaroni.
- Kid-approved recipe
- Another one of our easy summer crockpot meals- saves you from standing over a warm stovetop!
Beef Crockpot Meals
1. Crockpot Chuck Roast
Key Features:
- Ranch seasoned roast with potatoes and carrots, only 6 ingredients.
- The ideal fall crockpot meals.
2. Sirloin Tip Roast Slow Cooker
Key Features:
- Fall-apart tender roast with onions and rosemary.
- Perfect meal for entertaining.
3. Crockpot Swiss Steak
Key Features:
- Cube steak in rich tomato-based sauce with onions.
- Inexpensive cut of meat
4. Crockpot Swiss Steak
Key Features:
- Cube steak smothered in mushroom gravy.
- Cube steak is ideal for slow cooking.
Crockpot Freezer Meals
1. Crockpot Shredded Beef
Key Features:
- Pull-apart beef perfect for tacos, burritos, or sandwiches.
- Freezes well, double the recipe and save one for later.
2. Great Northern Bean Soup
Key Features:
- Freezes well
- A hearty meal for cold winter nights.
3. 15 Bean Soup in Crockpot
Key Features:
- Pantry staples meal
- Freezes well
Camping Crockpot Meals
1. Country Style Ribs
Key Features:
- Cost effective cut of meat
- Leftovers are versatile
- Beginner-friendly recipe
2. Crockpot Sausage and Potatoes
Key Features:
- Hearty, “one-pot” meal
- Fridge and pantry staple ingredients.
3. Crockpot Pinto Beans and Bacon
Key Features:
- Freezer friendly meal
- Ideal for using in multiple ways
Slow Cooker Tips
- Cooking time ranges: Slow cookers can vary quite a bit in how they cook. Some run hotter than others, and the age of your slow cooker can affect cooking times too. That’s why we give you a range in cooking times. Older slow cookers tend to run hotter and may cook faster, while newer models with digital controls often cook a bit more slowly and evenly.
- Layer strategically: place denser root vegetables (carrots, potatoes) at the bottom and leave tender vegetables and meats on top to be slowly steamed.
- Cut vegetables into similar sizes: similar sizes piece cook in a uniformed manner.
- Cooking time confusion: Unsure about cooking time? When in doubt, cook on the low setting!
- Don’t use the warm setting for too long: this tends to dry out meals when used to too long, if you need to use the warm setting keep an eye on the dish to ensure it isn’t drying out.
Crockpot FAQs
Slow cookers can vary quite a bit by brand, age, and model. Older crockpots can run hotter and cook faster, while newer digital models often cook more slowly and evenly. Get to know your specific slow cooker by checking food at the lower end of the time range first, then adjusting as needed.
For most families a 6-quart slow cooker is best. It’s large enough to cook a whole chicken or a big batch of soup, but not so large that small meals will still fit. If you frequently cook for events or love making big batches for meal prep, consider an 8-quart. For couples or smaller portions, a 4-quart works well.
You don’t have to, but browning adds a deeper, richer flavor to your meal. When you sear meat in a hot skillet first, it creates a caramelized crust that enhances the overall taste. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and your meal will still be delicious, just with a slightly different flavor profile.
Other Crockpot Recipes to try
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