7 Crock Pot Recipes Kids Will Love

The holiday season is a time for family, joy, and of course, delicious food. As parents, keeping meal preparation simple yet appetizing for the entire family can be quite the challenge. That's where the Crock Pot comes to the rescue! Here are seven delicious, kid-friendly recipes that will make your festive cooking easy and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup

Start with a comforting classic that’s sure to bring a smile to any child’s face:

• 2 pounds of boneless chicken breasts
• 8 cups of chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, broth, onion, carrots, celery, thyme, salt, and pepper into the Crock Pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
3. Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot along with egg noodles. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until noodles are tender.

Mac and Cheese Magic

Transform the typical mac and cheese into a creamy delight:

• 1 pound macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients except cheese in the Crock Pot. Stir well.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Add cheese in stages, stirring until melted and creamy.

Slow Cooker Spaghetti

A one-pot pasta dish that minimizes your kitchen time:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 8 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef with the onion and drain excess fat.
2. Transfer to Crock Pot and mix with sauce, tomatoes, water, and seasoning.
3. Add spaghetti, ensuring it’s submerged. Cook on low for 4-5 hours.

BBQ Pulled Pork

Kids love the tender, BBQ-flavored pork:

• 2 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ¹⁄₂ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the Crock Pot.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
3. Shred the pork with forks, mix back into the sauce, and serve with buns or as a topping for fries.

Vegetarian Chili

A hearty and warm dish that’s perfect for meatless meals:

• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 can kidney beans, rinsed
• 1 can corn
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in the Crock Pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Serve with sour cream, cheese, or corn chips.

Meatloaf in a Pot

Meatloaf made effortlessly in your Crock Pot:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients except ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Shape into a loaf and place in the Crock Pot.
3. Mix ketchup and Worcestershire sauce and spread over the meatloaf. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.

Cheesy Potatoes

These are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone:

• 2 pounds potatoes, sliced
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup sour cream
• ¹⁄₄ cup milk

Instructions:

1. Layer potatoes in the Crock Pot.
2. Mix soup, cheese, sour cream, and milk; pour over potatoes.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.

🎄 Note: Crock Pots can vary in cooking times, so keep an eye on your dish, especially the first time you prepare it.

With these seven Crock Pot recipes, your holiday meal planning will be seamless and delightful. These dishes not only cater to children's tastes but also simplify your cooking process, leaving you more time to enjoy the festive season with your family. Whether it's the comforting warmth of Chicken Noodle Soup or the indulgence of Mac and Cheese Magic, each recipe offers a taste of home-cooked goodness with minimal effort.

Can I use frozen meat in Crock Pot recipes?

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Yes, but ensure to adjust cooking time. USDA recommends adding at least one hour of cooking time for frozen meats to reach safe internal temperatures.

How can I prevent dishes from burning at the edges in a Crock Pot?

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Add a little extra liquid and make sure not to overfill. Also, avoid lifting the lid frequently as it lets out heat and extends cooking time.

Are Crock Pot recipes suitable for a family with dietary restrictions?

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Absolutely! Most Crock Pot recipes can be adapted. You can use alternatives like dairy-free cheese or plant-based meat substitutes to cater to different dietary needs.

What’s the best way to store leftovers from these recipes?

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Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. Soups and sauces can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

How do I ensure my Crock Pot meals have the best flavor?

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Use fresh herbs, adjust seasoning towards the end of cooking, and consider using a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.