Got picky eaters? You know, the kind who swear chocolate’s a part of the food pyramid — along with cold cereal, toaster pastries, and the broken dreams of hopeful parents. You’re not alone. This is why kid-friendly crockpot meals are a go-to in my house.
Below are 15 crockpot meals for kids that the whole family will love. There are some crockpot recipes for picky eaters too. (Hint: We’ve even included some chocolate. It’s a part of the food pyramid, right?)
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Crockpot Meals for Kids 101
Making kid-friendly crockpot meals is easier than you think. You can even prep the ingredients ahead of time for those super-busy nights. When the sports season comes around, I’m all about simple and easy.
I like to take one day to make a dinner menu for the week and see which ones have similar ingredients so I can prepare multiple meals at one time. Plus, we have tons of great crockpot hacks to make your life easier.
If you’re planning to prep these meals ahead of time, keep in mind that most crockpot freezer meals will require thawing in the fridge overnight or for 24 hours. In case you’re like me and forget to thaw your crockpot meals, add an extra hour to the cook time.
Coupons to Help You Save on Crockpot Meals:
Food coupons for all the ingredients needed
1. Crockpot French Toast Casserole Recipe
Yes, breakfast is an opportunity to win over picky palates. French toast in the crockpot? Talk about a stack of winning! Syrup. Stat! This recipe makes nine servings so it’s perfect for weekend sleepovers. Because let’s be honest — I’m not trying to spend over an hour flipping french toast for a house full of kiddos.
Get the recipe here.
2. Slow Cooker Spicy Shredded Beef Recipe
This recipe’s not only tasty, it’s totally paleo, so get your grok pot on. Serve with your favorite veggies, and expect plenty of pint-sized Paleolithic grins. The recipe is spicy, but you can omit the peppers or use mild green chilies instead.
Get the recipe here.
3. Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs Recipe
There’s just something magical about finger foods. Comfort food like this is totally fun, easy, and perfect for home (or parties). Add rice and you’re nailing dinner. You’ll prepare the meatballs in the oven but mix them with the sauce in your slow cooker.
Get the recipe here.
4. Crockpot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe
Who says crockpots are only for pot roasts? All hail the volcano of deliciousness, as a restaurant favorite makes it to your house. Just try not to lick the bowl (publicly). Don’t forget to buy the ice cream to put on top too. This will soon be a favorite crockpot meal for kids in your family.
Get the recipe here.
5. Slow Cooker Pepperoni Pizza Bake Recipe
Pizza night just became easier, but no less filled with hijinks — and pepperoni. Better yet, this recipe contains only 5 ingredients! The prep for this one is super quick too. It took me less than 10 minutes to get it ready. You can add cooked sausage to it too!
Get the recipe here.
6. Crockpot Peanut Butter Cup Cake Recipe
Okay here’s my confession…. Chocolate and peanut butter are absolutely my sinful treat. It is part of the food pyramid, right? If your kids are cringing at the thought of a pot roast, win them over to the crock-side. This recipe works with gluten-free cake mix and dairy-free milk alternatives too.
Get the recipe here.
7. Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe
Want all of the savory spudness the universe has to offer, minus the tinfoil and the effort? This is your soup d’grâce. The ingredients in this recipe will only cost you about $10 and will serve six people. Talk about making your dollar stretch.
Get the recipe here.
8. Mexican Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
‘Taters gonna tate! Bring the ethnic flavors of Mexico to your kitchen, and win picky eaters instantly with this spudlicious sensation. This recipe is not written for a crockpot, but it can easily be made in one. Just prepare it all as instructed for the casserole dish, then top with cheese.
Get the recipe here.
9. Crockpot Italian Mozzarella Chicken Recipe
It’s delicious! The acids of the tomato sauce help break down the chicken for a flavorful, savory dish meaning more cluck for your meat buck. If you’re looking to make this a little more carb friendly, you can sub out the pasta for spaghetti squash noodles.
Get the recipe here.
10. Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate Recipe
Who knew? First cars with four wheels, sliced bread, and now a hot cocoa with peanut butter that’s so rich and decadent, you’d think you were sipping dessert. Your hot chocolate will be ready in 3-4 hours on low or 2 hours on high in your slow cooker.
Get the recipe here.
11. Crockpot Frito Pie Recipe
Frito Pie is one of those dishes that takes me back to my childhood. Combine the delicious corn chip snack with ground beef and a little magic, and you have a simply rad dish that serves 8! And the kids love it.
Get the recipe here.
12. Crockpot Ravioli Casserole Recipe
Use your noodle and make dinner more exciting for everyone. Perfect whether you’re using penne pasta or bowtie noodles. Make sure you cook your pasta first before adding it to your slow cooker. It will serve 8, so plenty of leftovers for my family. It re-heated nicely too.
Get the recipe here.
13. Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken Recipe
My family loves Panda Express, so I had to find a recipe that would satisfy their cravings without hurting my pocket. Three ingredients make this recipe as delicious as it is easy. Just cook up some white rice to pair with it, and you have Panda Express at home!
Get the recipe here.
14. Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Chicken is just so darned easy to make, but it’s hard to make it delicious sometimes. This cheesy chicken spaghetti gets you out of the beef rut. It will easily be a fan favorite too. Plus, you can freeze this recipe uncooked and after being cooked.
Get the recipe here.
15. Crockpot Sweet and Spicy Chicken Recipe
This paleo dish is filled with kicky flavors for a real, stripped down and fun version of a winner winner chicken dinner! The recipe calls for coconut aminos. If you don’t have that, you can use tamarind or gluten-free soy sauce. Perfect with steamed broccoli.
Get the recipe here.
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