Easy Family Friendly Slow Cooker Recipes
Preparing meals that appeal to both kids and adults can be challenging, but with a slow cooker, you can create delicious and kid-friendly dishes that the whole family will love. Here are some kid-approved slow cooker recipes to try:
1. Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- Instructions:
1. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente; drain.
2. In the slow cooker, combine cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, evaporated milk, regular milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir well to combine. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted and mixture is creamy.
4. Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra shredded cheese.
2. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa
- Taco shells or tortillas
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream
- Instructions:
1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over them.
2. Pour chicken broth and salsa over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
4. Shred chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks and mix well with the cooking liquid.
5. Serve chicken taco filling in taco shells or tortillas, topped with desired toppings.
3. Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen meatballs (pre-cooked)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (16 oz) package spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 4 cups water or beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Instructions:
1. Place frozen meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Pour marinara sauce over meatballs.
3. Add broken spaghetti noodles on top of the sauce.
4. Pour water or broth over the noodles, making sure they are fully submerged.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until pasta is tender.
6. Stir well before serving, optionally topping with shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- Ingredients:
- 3 lbs pork shoulder or butt roast, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Hamburger buns
- Coleslaw (optional topping)
- Instructions:
1. Place pork roast in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
3. Pour sauce mixture over the pork roast.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Shred pork using two forks and mix well with the sauce.
6. Serve pulled pork on hamburger buns, optionally topped with coleslaw.
5. Slow Cooker Beef Stew:
- Ingredients:
- 2 lbs stew beef, cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
1. Place stew beef, beef broth, chopped onion, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until beef and vegetables are tender.
4. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.
These slow cooker recipes are not only easy to prepare but also cater to children's tastes with their comforting flavors and textures.
