Say goodbye to the dinner rush! Mom may be in a mad dash from work to workout or soccer practice to a PTA meeting, but she still finds time to sit down for dinner. Though a hearty, homemade meal for the whole family sounds like a time-consuming task, it can be simplified with the use of a crockpot or rice cooker. Slow-cooked, low-maintenance entrées not only free up a mama's hands but also give her some time to sit down and enjoy her time with her tots. Check out 68 of our favorite crockpot options that are bound to become household favorites!
Mac and Cheese
When a pasta bake is Mama's best bet, fill the rice cooker with a handful of ingredients to create a creamy, crusty, and quick mac and cheese [1]. Weelicious's Catherine McCord suggests adding tossed greens served alongside to complete the kid-friendly meal!
Barbecue Ribs in the Crockpot
Talk about easy: these crockpot ribs [2] require just five ingredients!
Source: Flickr user tkd540 [3]
Crockpot Breakfast
Need to feed a crowd? This crockpot breakfast [4] is an easy and cost-effective way to fill a whole bunch of bellies!
Chicken and Pasta Soup
Nothing beats the simplicity and comfort of chicken and pasta [6] soup. Full of veggies and soothing broth, it's just the thing for warding off those pesky sniffles.
Taco Skillet
If your family's a fan of Mexican food, consider prepping the ground beef (or turkey) for this yummy taco skillet [8] in your slow cooker for extra flavor.
Source: Desiree Hartkopf [9]
Crockpot Vegetable Ziti
Whether you're trying to sneak in the veggies or you've got a table full of known veggie lovers, this crockpot vegetable ziti [10] really packs in the nutrients.
Braised Chicken With Tomatoes
Serve some fresh Summer tomatoes on your table with this easy tomato chicken recipe [11].
Photo: Susannah Chen
Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Sandwich
If your kids like a little kick in their dinner, whip up Food Fanatic's jalapeño popper chicken sandwich [12].
Pulled Pork Tacos
Dinner is in the palm of your child's hand! Fold some slow-cooked pork shoulder into tortillas for Weelicious's pulled pork tacos [14], which are a pleasant alternative to the chicken and steak varieties that are popular with tykes.
Steel-Cut Crockpot Oatmeal
Make a big batch of this crockpot oatmeal [15] at the beginning of the school week to ensure a hot and hearty breakfast for your family from Monday through Friday.
Chicken Enchilada Soup
If your children love Mexican food, this crockpot enchilada soup [17] is the perfect dinner to serve.
Asian Pork With Veggies and Soba Noodles
Buckwheat-based soba noodles are a healthy alternative to white-flour pasta, and this Asian pork [18] is sure to please a crowd.
Source: Real Simple [19]
Pumpkin Pie Steel-Cut Oats
Nothing says Fall like pumpkin. This slow-cooker pumpkin pie steel-cut oats recipe [20] is an incredibly satisfying way to start off a chilly Autumn day.
Chicken Minestrone
Soup is a yummy way for your kids to enjoy their veggies, and minestrone is a classic! Try this chicken version [22] for a surefire hit.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan
Here's a slow-cooker chicken parmesan recipe [23] from Full Bellies, Happy Kids that will have you coming back for more. This recipe sticks with tradition using breadcrumb-coated chicken and lots of parmesan cheese for a wonderfully tasty slow-cooker dinner.
Apple Butterscotch Crisp
If you can peel apples, you can whip up a batch of this apple butterscotch crisp [25] — it tastes like it took hours to make but actually requires a very minimal amount of prep. Gotta love that!
White-Bean Chicken Chili
The best part about chili is that it gets tastier the longer it sits. Thanks to its long cook time, this overnight white-bean chicken concoction [27] is bursting with delicious flavors that are sure to make this dish a staple on your family dinner table!
Chicken and Pasta Soup
Whether you're feeling sniffly or completely well, chicken noodle soup is a delicious treat. This slow-cooker recipe for the classic soup [28] will be an instant favorite with your kids.
Chicken Parmigiana Sandwiches
This Italian crockpot recipe yields more than six chicken parmesan sandwiches [29], which is perfect for a large family or kids who love leftovers.
Crockpot Monkey Bread
There's something that's oh so satisfying about sticky, sweet monkey bread [30] that appeals to grown-ups and kids alike.
Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
Your kids might not be salad-lovers, but they'll certainly appreciate this slow-cooked chicken caesar dish [32].
Corn and Potato Chowder
There's nothing more comforting than a thick bowl of potato soup, and this recipe for corn and potato chowder [33] from Mama Loves Food is guaranteed to really hit the spot. Add cooked, shredded chicken for extra protein, or serve with a big salad for a family-friendly Fall dinner.
Slow-Cooker Southwestern Quinoa
While we generally associate slow-cooker meals with heartier fare, this Southwestern quinoa [35] is light and bright and makes a yummy side dish alongside barbecued chicken, burgers, or ribs.
Source: Betty Crocker [36]
Caramel Banana Pecan Bread Casserole
While it may be a bit indulgent to have every day, decadent bread casserole [37] makes for a weekend brunch component that's sure to wow!
Slow-Cooker Turkey Meatballs With Spaghetti
These tender turkey meatballs [39] simmer all day for a tasty spaghetti dinner the whole family will love. And Mommy Hates Cooking shows you how easy it is with simple, step-by-step directions.
Tangy Sloppy Joes
With only a few ingredients, these sloppy joes from Budget Gourmet Mom [41] are on the table and ready for noshing after a day of cooking slow and low, thanks to your crockpot. And leftovers do double duty as lunch the next day.
Beef Stew in the Crockpot
On a cold and windy night, Weelicious's beef stew [43] will warm kids from head to toe!
Breakfast Potatoes
Throw these easy breakfast potatoes [44] into the slow cooker in the evening, and have a hearty, decadent morning side dish ready to go when you wake up.
Salsa Chicken
This slow-cooker salsa chicken [46] recipe can be adjusted to meet your kids' spice tolerance, so don't let the name scare you!
Triple Chocolate Brownies
Whip up a batch of ooey, gooey triple chocolate brownies [47] the Martha Stewart [48] way — in your crockpot!
Slow-Cooker Pizza Pasta
Who said you can't make pizza in a slow cooker? Simple Organized Living shares this recipe for slow-cooker pizza pasta [50] that takes all of your little one's favorites and simmers them together into one amazing dish.
Crockpot Baked Beans
After 10-plus hours of them simmering in the slow cooker, we can pretty much guarantee that these baked beans [52] will have the best depth of flavor of any you've ever made.
Source: How Sweet It Is [53]
Slow-Cooker Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
Kids and parents alike will delight in this light and lovely lemon poppy seed cake [54] from Real Simple — no oven required!
Source: Anson Smart for Real Simple [55]
Slow-Cooker Curried Chicken Salad
Adapted from Williams-Sonoma's The New Slow Cooker, this
curried chicken salad [56] is easy to make and serve.
Source: Flickr user Einahpets32 [57]
Crockpot Avocado Soup
Mexican meals can be satisfying without being too heavy. Case in point, this chicken avocado soup [58], which is brightened up with the addition of fresh lime juice, creamy avocado, and refreshing cilantro.
Source: The Intentional Mom [59]
Chicken Teriyaki
This simple dish will remind you of Chinese takeout, but with a healthy twist. Your kids will love their servings of sweet teriyaki chicken [60]!
Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
This all-in-one savory breakfast casserole [61] combines eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon, and cheese — yum!
Honey Sesame Chicken
Your slow cooker will make this honey sesame chicken [63] tender and delicious to the very last bite. Don't be surprised when the kiddos come asking for seconds!
Slow-Cooker Squash Lasagna
Skip the ground meat and instead use squash or zucchini (whatever's fresh where you live) to whip up this slow-cooker squash lasagna [64]. It's a great meal to freeze, and you're guaranteed to have leftovers for days!
Source: Romulo Yanes for Real Simple [65]
Hot Cocoa Cake
Who says it has to be Winter to enjoy a decadent mug of hot cocoa? Put your slow cooker to work with this supersweet recipe for hot cocoa cake [66].
Slow-Cooker Chicken Chili
Stew's on! Give your youngster a heaping helping of protein and nutrients with a piping-hot bowl of Weelicious's chicken chili [67]. A corn muffin or bagel chip is an ideal edible instrument for dipping!
Slow-Cooker Lasagna
Love lasagna, but not all the prep work? Make it simple by letting your slow cooker do all the work. Simply layer your ingredients and let them simmer all day for an easy lasagna dinner [68]. And you can easily tailor the recipe by adding your family's favorite lasagna ingredients.
Slow-Cooker Chili
Warm up any night of the week with a big bowl of slow-cooker chili [70]. And you can tailor this recipe to fit your family by adding different types of beans, using ground turkey instead of the beef, or going vegetarian for a really healthy dinner!
Photo: Katie Sweeney
Whole "Roast" Chicken
Kids love choosing a leg, breast, or thigh from a whole chicken, and now it's an attainable meal! Try roasting a whole chicken [71] in the slow cooker for a delicious dinner.
Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese
We know kids love creamy macaroni and cheese, which makes this seriously easy recipe from Culinary Cory [72] perfect for busy Fall days. Serve with roasted chicken and fresh steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches
In a fraction of the time that it would take to make on the grill, this slow-cooker pulled pork [74] is delicious on a bun with a green salad or coleslaw.
Source: Flour on My Face [75]
Crockpot French Toast
If your kids' taste buds lean more toward the sweet than the savory, a yummy crockpot french toast [76] will be right up their alley!
Simple Italian Chicken
Sometimes, the simple things are the absolute best. This slow-cooked Italian chicken recipe [78] only calls for eight everyday ingredients, but the results will wow both you and your family.
White Bean Soup With Andouille and Collards
Take your family's taste buds on a ragin' Cajun adventure with this flavorful and delicious white bean soup with andouille and collards [79].
Slow-Cooker Ribs
Baby loves them baby back ribs! Your kiddos will be licking their fingers after filling their bellies with Weelicious's juicy slow-cooker ribs [81].
Chile Colorado Burritos
Feeling like Mexican? Here's a recipe for slow-cooker burritos [82] from Food Pusher that will definitely spice up any night of the week. Full of flavor and melty cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Slow-Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork
In a fraction of the active prep time that it would take to make on the grill, this apple cider pulled pork [84] is delicious on a bun with a green salad or coleslaw.
Source: Gimme Some Oven [85]
Shredded BBQ Chicken Sammies
Skip the processed freezer nuggets and serve up Weelicious's BBQ chicken sammies [86] for your wee ones. The shredded meat topped with the tangy sauce is best served between a bun.
Cream Cheese Chicken
With this recipe, you'll get plenty of cream cheese chicken [87] for your buck! While it yields enough to serve eight adults, feel free to halve the ingredients for fewer servings.
White Chocolate Raspberry and Cream Cake
Betty Crocker's white chocolate raspberry and cream cake [88] is elegant enough to serve with a holiday dinner but easy enough to make for your family on an average weeknight — all it takes is a little advance work.
Crockpot Baked Apples
The perfect Fall dessert, Skinny Chef's crockpot baked apples [90] simmer away for hours — leaving your house smelling incredible. Serve them with vanilla ice cream for a real treat!
Fudgy S'mores Cake
If your kids love s'mores [92], elevate the campfire favorite to new heights with Betty Crocker's three-ingredient fudgy s'mores cake [93].
Mexican Pulled Pork Shoulder
The secret behind this Mexican pulled pork shoulder [95] recipe is that it can be made weeks in advance. Just freeze all of the ingredients together in a ziplock bag, pull it out when you are ready to cook, and voilà — dinner is served!
Cuban Chicken
Proving that chicken doesn't have to be boring, this Cuban chicken [96] recipe from the Williams-Sonoma Food Made Fast Slow Cooker Cookbook incorporates citrus and herbs for a crave-worthy, easy-to-make dinner.
Orange Chicken
This slow-cooked orange chicken [98] is a combination of sweet and savory that your kids will ask for over and over.
Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork
Don't be afraid; this pulled pork may look like it took tons of time and effort, but thanks to the Fearless Homemaker's easy directions [99] — and the help of your slow cooker — your family can enjoy a pulled pork dinner with hardly any fuss or muss.
Slow-Cooker Chipotle Beef Tacos With Cabbage and Radish Slaw
Mexican may not be the first genre that comes to mind when coming up with a cookout menu, but these chipotle beef tacos [101] would make a great main dish for an outdoor party.
Source: Jose Picayo for Real Simple [102]
Spiced Apple Butter
It may take almost 24 hours to come together, but this spiced apple butter [103] requires virtually no hands-on time. Perfect for Fall!
Honey Sesame Chicken
Yum! This honey sesame chicken [105] makes a bright addition to the dinner table.
Source: The Way to His Heart [106]
Slow-Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup
If chicken parm is a family favorite, try mixing things up a bit with Foxes Love Lemons' recipe for chicken parmesan soup [107]. It has all of the saucy, cheesy goodness of the Italian staple but can be thrown together in the morning and have your whole house smelling heavenly by dinner!
Slow-Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey, garlic, and soy sauce are the dynamic trio that make Just a Taste's honey garlic chicken [108] your new solution to boring old chicken cutlets.
The Easiest BBQ Ribs
It may not be the purist's approach to BBQ ribs [109], but cooking them in the crockpot offers up loads of flavor and fall-off-the-bone goodness while allowing you to do just a little bit of prep work before going about your day.
Barbacoa
Perfect in a taco shell or atop some steamed rice, Gimme Some Oven's barbacoa [110] is supertasty and supersimple!