As parents or caregivers, it’s often difficult to juggle a busy day while trying to make meals that everyone enjoys. Crock pot recipes are a game-changer because they allow you to prepare meals in advance with minimal effort. You can simply set it and forget it while you focus on other things, like helping your kids with homework or getting other chores done. Plus, the beauty of crock pot meals is that they allow the flavors to develop over time, making the food taste even better!
Whether it’s a creamy mac and cheese, flavorful BBQ chicken sliders, or comforting beef stew, crock pot recipes for kids are versatile and make mealtime easier. You can also adjust the ingredients based on what your family loves, making it even more customizable.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Crock Pot Recipes for Kids
Before you dive into these delicious meals, here are a few helpful tips to make the most out of your crock pot recipes for kids:
- Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time: If you’re short on time during the day, prep your ingredients the night before. Chop vegetables, measure spices, and have everything ready to toss into the crock pot in the morning.
- Use Lean Meats: For healthier options, consider using lean cuts of meat, such as chicken breasts or lean beef, in your crock pot recipes. You’ll still get great flavor, but with less fat.
- Use Frozen Veggies: Frozen vegetables are a great way to save time and make sure you’re getting a nutritious meal without any extra work.
- Avoid Overfilling the Crock Pot: Your crock pot works best when it’s filled about halfway to two-thirds full. Too much food in the pot can prevent proper cooking and prevent the heat from circulating evenly.
- Stir Occasionally: Although many crock pot recipes don’t require stirring, it can help the flavors combine and prevent any ingredients from sticking to the bottom. Stir occasionally if you’re at home, especially with soups and stews.
- Serve with Sides: Don’t forget to pair your crock pot meals with simple sides that kids love, such as bread, fruit, or a salad to make the meal even more satisfying.
1. Mac and Cheese
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Serve: 2
Ah, Mac and Cheese! It’s a classic comfort food loved by kids of all ages. This crock pot recipe is super simple, and it’s the perfect way to create a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that your kids will beg for every night. The beauty of making mac and cheese in a crock pot is that the cheese melts so perfectly, creating a smooth and rich sauce that coats every noodle. It’s a no-stress dinner that tastes like it took hours to make.

Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Start by spraying your crock pot with cooking spray so that the mac and cheese doesn’t stick.
- Add the elbow macaroni into the crock pot.
- Pour in the milk, heavy cream, and melted butter. Stir everything together.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir again until the cheese is evenly distributed.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 2 hours. Stir halfway through for an even creaminess.
- Once the mac and cheese is done, serve immediately! You can even sprinkle a little more cheese on top for extra melty goodness.
2. Chicken and Rice
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Serve: 2
Chicken and rice is a go-to dish in many homes, and with the crock pot, you can create this delicious meal without any hassle. It’s a great option for kids because it’s full of flavors they love while still being super easy to prepare. The chicken becomes so tender, and the rice soaks up all the savory broth, making each bite simply irresistible.

Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add the rice, chicken broth, diced onion, frozen peas, salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the chicken.
- Stir everything together gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Make sure the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it into the rice. Stir everything together before serving.
3. Beef Stew
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serve: 2
Beef stew is a comforting meal that warms you up from the inside out. Full of tender beef, veggies, and savory broth, it’s a perfect meal for kids who love hearty dishes. This slow cooker beef stew is so easy to make, and the flavors develop beautifully over the cooking time.

Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
- Add the beef stew meat to the crock pot, followed by the carrots, potatoes, and onion.
- Pour in the beef broth, and sprinkle the thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf on top.
- Stir everything to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
4. BBQ Chicken Sliders
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Serve: 2
BBQ Chicken Sliders are a fun, bite-sized meal that kids love. The chicken is so tender and flavorful, thanks to the tangy barbecue sauce. Plus, these sliders are perfect for little hands, making them a great choice for family meals!

Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 6 slider buns
- 1/4 cup coleslaw (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts into the crock pot and pour BBQ sauce and honey over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the sauce in the crock pot.
- Serve the BBQ chicken on slider buns, and top with coleslaw if desired.
5. Spaghetti and Meatballs
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serve: 2
Spaghetti and meatballs is a kid-friendly classic, and with the crock pot, it’s easier than ever. The meatballs turn out perfectly tender, and the marinara sauce is full of flavor. Plus, serving it over pasta makes it a complete meal that your kids will adore!

Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups cooked spaghetti
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Place the meatballs into the crock pot and cover them with marinara sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti.
6. Chicken Tacos
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Serve: 2
Tacos are always a hit with kids, and with this crock pot chicken taco recipe, dinner is easy, flavorful, and fun to make. The chicken is cooked to perfection, and the best part is you can customize your toppings to suit your family’s taste. Serve the chicken with tortillas and your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, and salsa, and enjoy!

Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Soft taco shells
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts into the crock pot.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken, then pour the salsa and lime juice on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken using two forks and mix it with the salsa mixture in the crock pot.
- Serve the chicken in soft taco shells with your favorite toppings.
7. Sloppy Joes
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours | Serve: 2
Sloppy Joes are a delicious and messy treat that kids absolutely love. This crock pot recipe takes the stress out of preparing this comfort food, and the flavors develop so beautifully as it cooks. The ground beef is simmered in a tangy sauce, making it the perfect filling for a sandwich.

Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a pan and drain the fat. Then add the beef to the crock pot.
- Add ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and chopped onion to the crock pot.
- Stir everything together and cover the crock pot.
- Cook on low for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to combine and the mixture to thicken.
- Serve the sloppy joe mixture on hamburger buns.
8. Chili
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serve: 2
Chili is a hearty, warming dish that’s perfect for cooler weather, and it’s a meal that kids enjoy with all of its rich flavors. This crock pot chili is loaded with beans, ground beef, and a savory blend of spices. It’s a filling meal that can be enjoyed on its own or served with rice, cornbread, or crackers.

Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a pan and drain the fat. Then add it to the crock pot.
- Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the crock pot.
- Stir everything together and cover the crock pot.
- Cook on low for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to blend together.
- Serve the chili hot, and you can top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions if desired.
9. Chicken and Dumplings
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Serve: 2
Chicken and dumplings is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for kids. The tender chicken and fluffy dumplings come together in a rich, creamy broth that is guaranteed to be a hit. This recipe is simple to make and will leave your kids asking for seconds!

Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 package biscuit dough (for dumplings)
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts into the crock pot. Add the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cut the biscuit dough into small pieces and drop them into the broth, making sure they are covered with liquid.
- Cook for the remaining time, allowing the dumplings to become fluffy and tender.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and stir it into the broth.
10. Pigs in a Blanket
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Serve: 2
Pigs in a blanket are always a favorite with kids, and making them in the crock pot is a game-changer! The little sausages are wrapped in biscuit dough, then cooked until golden and delicious. These are perfect for a fun snack or meal that the whole family can enjoy.

Ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- 8 mini sausages (cocktail wieners)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat your crock pot by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Roll each mini sausage in a piece of biscuit dough, pinching the dough around the sausage to seal it.
- Place the wrapped sausages into the crock pot in a single layer.
- Brush the tops of the pigs in a blanket with melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder and dried parsley.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, or until the biscuit dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve the pigs in a blanket with ketchup or mustard for dipping.
Conclusion
Cooking for kids doesn’t have to be a stressful task. By using the crock pot, you can create delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make meals that everyone will enjoy. From classic mac and cheese to fun pigs in a blanket, these recipes will help make mealtime easier and more enjoyable for the whole family. You can even get your kids involved by letting them help with simple tasks, like stirring or adding toppings.
If you’ve been intimidated by the thought of using a crock pot, I promise it’s not as complicated as it seems. It’s actually quite the opposite! With a few simple ingredients and easy instructions, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family of picky eaters or just need a quick dinner, these crock pot recipes for kids are your perfect solution.
So go ahead and give these recipes a try! I’m sure your kids will love them, and you’ll love how easy they are to make. Enjoy!