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easy slow cooker meals
your kids will love
As a stay-at-home mom, finding the perfect balance between preparing healthy meals and managing a busy household can be challenging. That’s where the slow cooker comes in! It’s the ultimate kitchen lifesaver, allowing you to serve up nutritious and delicious meals with minimal effort. Below, you’ll find easy slow cooker meals your kids will love. Check out these recipes and make dinnertime with your kids a breeze!
Why Slow Cooker Meals are Perfect for Busy Moms
Hands-Free Cooking: Simply toss the ingredients in, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the work.
Less Cleanup: Most recipes require just one pot, making post-dinner cleanup easy.
Nutritious & Delicious: Slow cooking helps retain nutrients while enhancing flavors.
Budget-Friendly: You can use affordable ingredients and still create hearty meals.
Kid-Friendly Slow Cooker Meals
1. Slow Cooker Chicken & Rice
This creamy, comforting meal is packed with protein and carbs to keep your little ones full and happy.
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup white or brown rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Add rice, broth, soup, and seasonings.
Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Shred the chicken, stir in frozen veggies, and cook for another 15-20 minutes.
Serve warm and enjoy!
2. Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese
A creamy and cheesy favorite that’s way better than the boxed version!
Ingredients:
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp mustard powder (optional)
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir well.
Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Serve hot and watch your kids devour it!
3. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
A kid-approved meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce
½ cup chicken broth
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Hamburger buns
Instructions:
Place chicken in the slow cooker.
Add BBQ sauce, broth, brown sugar, and seasonings.
Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Shred the chicken and mix with the sauce.
Serve on buns with a side of veggies or fries.
4. Slow Cooker Beef & Veggie Stew
A hearty and nutritious meal packed with protein and vitamins.
Ingredients:
1 lb beef stew meat
3 cups beef broth
3 carrots, sliced
2 potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Serve warm with a side of bread or crackers.
Tips for Making Slow Cooker Meals Even Easier
Prep Ahead: Chop veggies and measure ingredients the night before.
Use Slow Cooker Liners: Slow Cooker Liners make cleanup a breeze!
Double the Recipe: Freeze leftovers for easy future meals. See my post on Easy Meal Prep For Busy Moms: A Simple Guide To Stress Free Dinners for how to plan ahead.
Get the Kids Involved: Let them help with measuring and mixing ingredients.
choosing the right slow cooker for your family
Picking the perfect slow cooker depends on your family’s needs. If you have a larger family, opt for a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker to accommodate bigger meals. For smaller households or side dishes, a 3- to 4-quart size may be ideal. Look for programmable timers and keep-warm settings to make mealtime even more convenient. Removable stoneware inserts are great for easy cleaning, and models with locking lids are perfect for transporting meals to gatherings or potlucks.
Check out: Time Saving Kitchen Gadgets Every Busy Mom Needs for more on the best gadgets to make meal planning a breeze.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE POPULAR SLOW COOKERS AVAILABLE
Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Digital Programmable Slow Cooker
making it happen
Slow cooker meals are a game-changer for stay-at-home moms looking for easy, delicious, and kid-friendly meals. By planning ahead and utilizing simple ingredients, you can save time in the kitchen while keeping your family well-fed and happy. Try these recipes today and enjoy stress-free dinners with your little ones!
What’s your go-to slow cooker meal? Share in the comments!
