25 Kid-Friendly Crockpot Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Tackling weeknight dinners always seems a bit simpler when I've got my trusty crockpot on hand. If you're like me, you're juggling a busy schedule, managing work, and trying to keep the little ones happy and full. That's where these "25 Kid-Friendly Crockpot Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners" come in handy.

These meals are effortless to prepare ahead of time, giving us peace of mind during those chaotic evenings when the last thing we want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Each recipe is designed with both flavor and simplicity in mind, ensuring even the pickiest eaters at your table will find something they'll love.

1. Crockpot Chicken Tacos

A surefire hit, these chicken tacos are a breeze to make and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa
• Soft taco shells
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken.
3. Pour salsa over the chicken and seasoning.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks and serve with taco shells and your favorite toppings.

2. Cheesy Broccoli Rice

A creamy, cheesy delight that sneaks in some veggies with the broccoli.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add rice, chicken broth, and broccoli to the crockpot.
2. Cook on high for 2-3 hours.
3. Stir in milk, cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted and creamy.

3. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Savory and sweet BBQ sandwiches that make great use of tender pork.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Hamburger buns
• Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place pork shoulder in the crockpot.
2. Pour BBQ sauce and chicken broth over the pork.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
4. Shred the pork and serve on buns with coleslaw if desired.

4. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

A comforting, hearty soup that's perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup wild rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add chicken, rice, onion, carrots, celery, and chicken broth to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the crockpot.
4. Stir in heavy cream and cook for another 15-20 minutes until heated through.

5. Meatball Subs

Kid-approved meatball subs that are simple to prepare and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen meatballs
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Sub rolls

Instructions:

1. Place meatballs and marinara sauce in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
3. Spoon meatballs and sauce onto sub rolls.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and serve.

6. Spaghetti and Meatballs

A classic favorite that’s as easy as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 lb frozen meatballs
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add meatballs and marinara sauce to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
3. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
4. Mix spaghetti with sauce and meatballs, and serve.

7. Chicken Alfredo

Creamy and rich, this chicken Alfredo is a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 jar Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb fettuccine
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Pour Alfredo sauce over the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 5-6 hours.
4. Shred the chicken, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan.
5. Serve over cooked fettuccine.

8. Sloppy Joes

These sloppy Joes are messy, fun, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef, then place it in the crockpot.
2. Add bell pepper, onion, ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve on hamburger buns.

9. Turkey Chili

A hearty, healthy chili that's perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 packet chili seasoning
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Brown turkey and add it to the crockpot.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and chili seasoning.
3. Pour chicken broth over the mixture.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

10. Macaroni and Cheese

This creamy, cheesy classic is always a hit with kids.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cream cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve warm.

11. Teriyaki Chicken

Sweet and savory, this teriyaki chicken is an easy crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Cooked white rice

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Mix teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic, then pour over chicken.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Serve over white rice.

12. Beef Stew

A delicious, hearty stew perfect for any weeknight.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 4 potatoes, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place beef, carrots, potatoes, onion, beef broth, and tomato paste in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste before serving.

13. Ham and Potato Soup

Rich and comforting, this soup is a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced ham
• 4 potatoes, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine ham, potatoes, onion, and chicken broth in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Stir in milk, then cook for another 30 minutes.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste before serving.

14. Sweet and Sour Meatballs

A tangy, delicious dish perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen meatballs
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• Cooked white rice

Instructions:

1. Place meatballs and pineapple chunks in the crockpot.
2. Combine brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and cornstarch; pour over meatballs.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve over white rice.

15. Chicken and Dumplings

A comforting favorite sure to satisfy both kids and adults.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups mixed vegetables
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 tube refrigerated biscuit dough

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, chicken broth, vegetables, and cream of chicken soup in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Shred the chicken, then add pieces of biscuit dough on top.
4. Cook for an additional 30 minutes until the dough is cooked through.

16. Stuffed Peppers

A colorful, delicious meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine ground beef, rice, marinara sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Stuff each bell pepper with the mixture.
3. Place stuffed peppers in the crockpot.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
5. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese before serving.

17. Lemon Garlic Chicken

A zesty, flavorful chicken dish that's simple and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked white rice

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Mix lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper, then pour over chicken.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Serve over white rice.

18. Chili Mac

A hearty, cheesy dish that's sure to be a hit with the kids.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 packet chili seasoning
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef, then place it in the crockpot.
2. Add onion, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili seasoning.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
4. Stir in cooked macaroni and cheddar cheese.
5. Cook for an additional 20 minutes before serving.

19. Chicken Parmesan

An Italian classic made easy in the crockpot.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Cooked spaghetti

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Serve over spaghetti.

20. Beef Stroganoff

This creamy, comforting dish is sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• Cooked egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Combine beef, onion, mushrooms, and beef broth in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
3. Stir in sour cream and cornstarch.
4. Cook for an additional 20 minutes before serving over egg noodles.

21. Vegetable Lasagna

A healthier twist on a classic dish that's packed with veggies.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 box lasagna noodles
• 2 cups spinach

Instructions:

1. Layer marinara sauce, lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and vegetables in the crockpot.
2. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

22. Ranch Chicken Tacos

Ranch seasoning gives these tacos a delicious twist.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Soft taco shells
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the chicken.
3. Pour chicken broth over the mixture.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
5. Shred the chicken and serve with taco shells and toppings.

23. Chicken Enchilada Soup

This flavorful soup is packed with all the deliciousness of enchiladas.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Tortilla chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, enchilada sauce, chicken broth, black beans, and corn in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Shred the chicken and stir in cheddar cheese.
4. Serve with tortilla chips if desired.

24. BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

A simple and tasty dinner that’s perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Hamburger buns
• Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Pour BBQ sauce and chicken broth over the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Shred the chicken and serve on buns with coleslaw if desired.

25. Lentil Soup

A healthy, hearty soup that's easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups green lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine lentils, vegetable broth, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Conclusion

That's my list of 25 kid-friendly crockpot recipes that make weeknight dinners a breeze. I hope you find these recipes as much of a lifesaver as I do. Happy cooking!