From creamy mac and cheese to flavorful enchilada casseroles and cozy soups, these kid-friendly slow-cooker meals make dinner an easy, stress-free experience.
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Mexican Bubble Pizza
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty pizza offers a new way to experience Mexican cuisine. Serve it at your next party and watch it disappear before your eyes. —Jackie Hannahs, Cedar Springs, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without toppings): 643 calories, 35g fat (15g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 1870mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
2/37
Chili Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
What could be tastier on a cold winter day than chili or mac and cheese? Put them together and you have a terrific dish that warms you up, and fills you up as well! —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 447 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 35g protein.
3/37
Sweet Orange Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
This orange chicken recipe with orange marmalade is a family favorite. It's sure to be a hit at your next get-together! —Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without rice or noodles): 379 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 962mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
4/37
Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making this satisfying dish—it’s easy and elegant, and the slow cooker minimizes my time in the kitchen. I make this during football season too. For game days, I skip the pasta and serve the chicken on submarine rolls with a bit of the sauce and some chopped lettuce. The chicken is also good cut in half and served on smaller buns as sliders. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 480 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 171mg cholesterol, 1684mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 50g protein.
5/37
Slow-Cooker Tater Tot Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
What's not to love about classic Tater Tot casserole—especially when it's made in the slow cooker? You'll want to add this family-pleasing potluck favorite to your regular rotation. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 383 calories, 22g fat (7g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 941mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
6/37
Slow-Cooker Pork Medallions
From the Recipe Creator:
I find simple dinners are the best comfort foods that my family of seven really desires. Everyday, good ingredients are the key to my success in the kitchen. Three ingredients poured over the pork and—voila!—you'll have the most mouthwatering pork you have ever tasted! —Grace Neltner, Lakeside Park, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked pork: 259 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 707mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 fat.
7/37
Root Beer Brats
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's an easy recipe that's versatile too. Serve the saucy brats over rice for one meal and have them on buns for the next. For extra punch, add a splash of root beer concentrate to the sauce. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 563 calories, 30g fat (10g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1575mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
8/37
Slow-Cooked Beef Enchiladas
From the Recipe Creator:
Enchiladas get a beefy boost of goodness from a slow-cooked roast. When the meat is done, assemble it with tortillas and bake. Top the enchiladas with lettuce and tomatoes if desired. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 enchilada: 551 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 1388mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.
9/37
Hearty Slow-Cooker Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
When it’s time to build my zesty chili, I combine everything the night before. In the morning, I load the slow cooker and let it do the work. —Molly Butt, Granville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice and toppings): 278 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 863mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
10/37
Deluxe Walking Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
This slow-cooked potluck chili makes an awesome filling for a little bag of walk-around nachos. Cut the bag lengthwise to make loading your fork easier. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 282 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 12g protein.
11/37
Tangy Tropical Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
In this colorful dish, exotic fruits such as mango and pineapple beautifully complement the chicken and lend a pleasant hint of sweetness that’s balanced by a bit of soy sauce. —Christina Aho, Naples, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 299 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 760mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
12/37
Slow-Cooker Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband likes some heat in our meals, but our children, not so much. This is the best of both worlds. Serve each slice with additional chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired. —Dana Beery, Ione, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 541 calories, 27g fat (15g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 1202mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 39g protein.
13/37
Slow-Cooker Spanish Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's an economical dish with authentic Tex-Mex flavor. Even the little ones will go for this Spanish rice. —Sharon Tipton, Casselberry, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 378 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 632mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
14/37
Slow-Cooker Meat Loaf
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple, easy-to-make meat loaf is one of my personal favorites. I'm often asked for the recipe. —Laura Burgess, Mount Vernon, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 284 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
15/37
Carrie’s Cincinnati Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
Every time we have a gathering or company, folks request this. My husband convinced me to enter it in a local chili contest, and I won third place! It's quick and easy. If I don't have fresh garlic, I use minced garlic from a jar. —Carrie Birdsall, Dallas, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 315 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
16/37
Slow-Cooker Stuffed Shells
From the Recipe Creator:
There's no need to precook the shells in this simple pasta dish. It's almost like magic when you open the lid and find the deliciousness waiting in the slow cooker. Add garlic bread and you're golden! —Sherry Day, Pinckney, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
4 stuffed shells: 303 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 377mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
17/37
Cheesy Tater Tots & Canadian Bacon
From the Recipe Creator:
This slow-cooker meal was created to pay homage to my favorite style of pizza: Hawaiian with bacon and pineapple. The Tater Tots in this recipe make it family-friendly. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 439 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 1216mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.
18/37
Slow-Cooker Enchilada Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Tortilla chips and a side salad turn this savory casserole into a fun and festive meal with very little effort. —Denise Waller, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 568 calories, 35g fat (16g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 1610mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
19/37
Hungarian Goulash
From the Recipe Creator:
Talk about your heirloom recipes! My grandmother made this Hungarian goulash recipe for my mother when she was a child, and then Mom made it for us to enjoy. Paprika and caraway add wonderful flavor, and sour cream gives it a creamy richness. It’s simply scrumptious! —Marcia Doyle, Pompano, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup goulash with 1 cup noodles: 388 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 285mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
20/37
Tender Steak Fajitas
From the Recipe Creator:
The beef comes out tender, juicy and flavorful in the slow cooker when I make these tempting fajitas. I like to serve them with a side of Spanish rice. —Twila Burkholder, Middleburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 340 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 549mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
21/37
Thai Chicken Thighs
From the Recipe Creator:
These very tender and moist chicken thighs come with a tangy peanut butter sauce that is irresistible. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1/4 cup sauce (calculated without rice): 261 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
22/37
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pot Roast
From the Recipe Creator:
Slow-simmered and seasoned with rosemary, mustard and thyme, this tender and tasty Crockpot roast and potatoes recipe is so easy to make and always a hit. Substitute burgundy or brandy plus 1/2 cup of water for the broth. The aroma of this English roast recipe is wonderful! —Jeannie Klugh, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 352 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
23/37
Spanish Rice with Sausage
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I both work the midnight shift, so I'm always on the lookout for slow-cooker recipes. This one couldn't be easier. We often enjoy it as a main course because it's so hearty, but it's also good as a side dish. —Michelle McKay, Garden City, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 401 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 1495mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
24/37
Slow-Cooker Pizza Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
A comforting casserole with mass appeal is just what you need when cooking for a crowd. For added convenience, this recipe stays warm in a slow cooker. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 329 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 885mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
25/37
Chicken Stew with Gnocchi
From the Recipe Creator:
My chicken stew makes the house smell wonderful as it gently bubbles in the slow cooker. One whiff and my family heads to the kitchen to see if it's ready. —Marge Drake, Juniata, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 405 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 922mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein.
26/37
Slow-Cooker Pork Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone will enjoy these fork-tender, slow-cooker pork chops with a creamy, light gravy. Serve them with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw or a salad. These are the best slow-cooker pork chops. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 279 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
27/37
Tortellini and Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
I combined some favorite staples from our freezer and pantry to come up with this easy dish. It has few ingredients and little preparation. —Tracie Bergeron, Chauvin, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 408 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 1592mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein.
28/37
Turkey in Cream Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been relying on this recipe for tender turkey since I first moved out on my own years ago. I serve it whenever I invite new guests to the house, and I'm constantly writing out the recipe. —Kathy-Jo Winterbottom, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 205 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
29/37
Slow-Cooker Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
Convenient no-cook lasagna noodles take the work out of this traditional favorite adapted for the slow cooker. It's so easy to assemble for workdays or weekends. We like it accompanied by Parmesan bread or garlic cheese toast. —Lisa Micheletti, Collierville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 510 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 1464mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 38g protein.
30/37
Creamy Celery Beef Stroganoff
From the Recipe Creator:
Cream of celery soup adds richness to a recipe that has become a family favorite. It’s so simple to prepare and, oh, that flavor! —Kim Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 405 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 1340mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
31/37
Slow-Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve been cooking for 50 years, and this dish is still one that guests request frequently. It is my No. 1 standby recipe and also makes amazing meatball sandwiches. The sauce works for any type of pasta. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
About 3 meatballs with 3/4 cup sauce: 250 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1116mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
32/37
Peppery Chicken with Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
We like this recipe because we can prep it before we go to church on Sundays. Then, the chicken cooks and is ready for us when we get home. —Lori Draves, Highland, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
8 ounces cooked chicken with 3/4 cup potato mixture : 616 calories, 30g fat (8g saturated fat), 183mg cholesterol, 1346mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 61g protein.
33/37
Taco Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
Ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning give extra-special flavor to my hearty chili. Folks always come back for seconds. —Julie Neuhalfen, Glenwood, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 342 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1368mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 25g protein.
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Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This satisfying soup with a hint of cayenne is brimming with vegetables, chicken and noodles. The recipe originally came from my father-in-law, but I made some changes to give it my own spin. —Norma Reynolds, Overland Park, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 199 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
35/37
Slow-Cooker Potato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to put twists on my grandmother's recipes, which is what I did with this one. I look forward to passing my own delicious comfort food recipes to my kids. —Jamie Chase, Rising Sun, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 447 calories, 27g fat (14g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 1512mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein.
36/37
Taco Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a nice little twist on a classic dish. If you love cheese, feel free to add more, and green peppers provide a great taste if you want some vegetables. —Barb Kondolf, Hamlin, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 402 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 1063mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
37/37
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a homey dish that people just can't wait to dive in to! Yes, you can have slow-cooker chicken and dumplings. The homemade classic takes a bit of work but is certainly worth it. —Daniel Anderson, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 dumpling with 1 cup sauce: 370 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 1245mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
Kid-Friendly Slow-Cooker Meals FAQ
How do I make nutritious slow-cooker meals for kids?
To make nutritious slow-cooker meals for kids, combine lean proteins, whole grains and colorful vegetables for balanced, one-pot dishes. Meals like chicken noodle soup or a veggie-packed enchilada casserole are comforting and easy to customize with your child’s favorite ingredients. For a subtle way to add more nutrition to the meal, stir in pureed white beans or vegetables like butternut squash and spinach—this will add a creamy texture or bright color without chunky bits. Try whole grain pasta or brown rice in recipes with bold flavors and the slight difference in taste won’t be as noticeable.
What sides pair well with slow-cooker meals for kids?
To keep the kid-friendly vibes of your slow-cooker meal going, choose sides that pair well with the meal and have a successful track record in your house, like mashed potatoes, garlic bread and simply seasoned vegetables. Lightly sweetened glazed carrot recipes are a versatile choice that adults and kids enjoy. If you are really short on time, a plate of fruit skewers and raw veggies with a creamy dip will get the job done without needing to cook anything extra.
How do I prepare slow-cooker meals ahead of time?
To prepare slow-cooker meals ahead of time, you can either prep the recipe by chopping vegetables, measuring spices and storing ingredients in the fridge overnight or cook the meal and reheat it when needed. Many components such as meat, broth or aromatics can also be frozen in the required quantities so you can just grab, defrost and use them in whatever recipe you are preparing. If you have time to meal prep, make-ahead freezer meals offer a simple way to enjoy home-cooked comfort on busy nights.
