11 Easy and Healthy Kid Friendly Crock Pot Meals!

Are you tired of cooking meals that your kids refuse to eat? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with these kid friendly crock pot meals. These recipes are not only easy to prepare but also budget-friendly and healthy. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or just two, these easy family slow cooker meals will keep everyone happy and full.

Key Takeaways

• Kid Friendly Slow Cooker Recipes: Perfect for picky eaters and easy to prepare.
• Healthy and Budget-Friendly: Nutritious meals that won’t break the bank.
• Variety of Options: From chicken to beef, there’s something for everyone.
• Time-Saving: Set it and forget it with these kid friendly crock pot dump meals.

Why Choose Crock Pot Meals?

Crock pots are a lifesaver for busy families. They allow you to cook delicious meals with minimal effort. Just toss the ingredients into the pot, set the timer, and let it do its magic. Here are some benefits of using a crock pot:

• Convenience: No need to stand over the stove; just set it and forget it.
• Energy Efficient: Crock pots use less energy than ovens, making them a great choice for saving on utility bills.
• Tender and Flavorful: Slow cooking allows flavors to meld together, resulting in tender and delicious meals.
• Healthy Cooking: You can use less oil and still get flavorful results, making these meals healthier options.

Kid Friendly Slow Cooker Recipes for Picky Eaters

Picky eaters can be challenging, but these kid friendly slow cooker recipes are sure to win them over. Here are a few tried and true recipes that even the fussiest eaters will enjoy:

Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo

This creamy and comforting dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. The combination of tender chicken and rich Alfredo sauce is irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz uncooked fettuccine

Instructions:

• Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
• In a small bowl, mix the heavy cream, milk, butter, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the Parmesan cheese.
• Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions and serve the chicken Alfredo over the pasta.

Slow Cooker Beef Fritters

These beef fritters are a fun and nutritious way to get your kids to eat their veggies. They’re easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1/2 cup grated zucchini
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce

Instructions

• In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated carrots, grated zucchini, chopped onions, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
• Form the mixture into small patties and place them in the slow cooker.
• Pour the tomato sauce over the patties.
• Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
• Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice

This one-pot wonder is a family favorite. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup frozen carrots
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
  2. Add the rice, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, frozen peas, frozen carrots, frozen corn, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Serve hot and enjoy!

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? This crock pot version is creamy and delicious, and it’s a breeze to make!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In the crock pot, mix the condensed cheddar cheese soup, evaporated milk, shredded cheddar cheese, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the cooked macaroni to the crock pot and stir well to combine.
4. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Beef Stew for Kids

Beef stew is a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for cold days. This kid-friendly version is packed with vegetables and tender beef.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the beef stew meat, onion, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf in the crock pot. Stir to combine.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen peas and corn. Stir to combine.
4. In a small bowl, mix the flour and water until smooth. Pour the mixture into the crock pot and stir well.
5. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until the stew thickens.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

BBQ pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for sandwiches or tacos. This slow cooker recipe makes it easy to achieve tender, flavorful pork every time.

Ingredients:

• 1 (3-4 lb) pork shoulder roast
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Hamburger buns or tortillas

Instructions:

1. Place the pork shoulder roast in the crock pot.
2. In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the pork and rub it in.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until the pork is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
4. Shred the pork using two forks.
5. Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns or tortillas. Enjoy!

Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

This cheesy chicken pasta is a comforting and delicious meal that your kids will love. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 lb egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
2. Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, condensed cheddar cheese soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
4. Shred the chicken using two forks.
5. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and add to the crock pot. Stir well to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Beef and broccoli is a classic dish that’s easy to make in the slow cooker. This recipe is packed with flavor and is perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14.5 oz) beef broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the beef, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf in the crock pot. Stir to combine.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets. Stir to combine.
4. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour the mixture into the crock pot and stir well.
5. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a classic Italian dish that’s easy to make in the slow cooker. This recipe is packed with cheese and flavor, and it’s perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Place half of the cooked ziti in the crock pot. Top with half of the meat sauce, half of the ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the cheese is melted and the ziti is heated through.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Easy Family Slow Cooker Meals on a Budget

These easy family slow cooker meals are not only delicious but also budget-friendly. Here are a few more recipes that won’t break the bank:

Slow Cooker Tacos

Who doesn’t love tacos? This slow cooker version is a fun and interactive meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 8-10 taco shells
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives

Instructions

• Place the ground beef in the slow cooker and sprinkle the taco seasoning over it.
• Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
• Assemble the tacos with the cooked meat, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, red onion, sour cream, and black olives.
• Serve and enjoy!

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

This hearty vegetable soup is perfect for a cold day. It’s packed with nutrients and can be customized to include your family’s favorite veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 lb mixed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, green beans, corn, peas)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14.5 oz) vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

• Place all the vegetables, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, onions, celery, bell peppers, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Serve hot with a slice of bread or crackers.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat in these recipes?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken or beef with pork, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Are these recipes suitable for picky eaters?

Yes, these kid friendly crock pot meals are designed to be appealing to picky eaters. They are simple, flavorful, and can be easily customized to suit your family’s preferences.

Can I prepare these meals in advance?

Definitely! Many of these recipes can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Just make sure to follow proper food safety guidelines.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. Always reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

Cooking for a family, especially one with picky eaters, can be a challenge. But with these kid friendly crock pot meals, you can ensure that everyone is happy and well-fed. These recipes are easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and most importantly, delicious. Try them out and see how much your family enjoys them!

For more delicious and easy recipes, check out our other articles:

• 10 Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
• Budget-Friendly Family Meals
• Healthy Family Dinners

Happy cooking!