It’s back-to-school time and back to a routine. It’s a busy time for everyone in the family, especially the parents. Between making school lunches, helping with homework, and after-school sports, there’s little time to even think about dinner. To make the transition a little easier, we’re sharing our top-rated slow cooker recipes that kids and parents really love. Most of these recipes take 15 minutes or less to prep, and then your slow cooker does the rest. When you all come home after a busy day, your home-cooked dinner will be ready and waiting.
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Melt-In-Your-Mouth Meat Loaf
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This slow cooker meatloaf recipe is simple and foolproof!” says Allrecipes member Rodney B Wiebe. “With a sweet, sticky glaze brushed on during the last 15 minutes, every bite of this comfort-food classic is moist, juicy, and full of flavor. Throw it together at lunch, pop it in the slow cooker, and by dinner, the aroma will get your family to the table.”
Slow Cooker French Onion Pork Chops
Allrecipes / Christina Bailey
This easy slow cooker dinner requires just four ingredients (plus salt and pepper), which means this may soon become a back-pocket dinner you always have ready for every week’s meal plan. Swap up the sides to keep things interesting.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“This recipe was great. It was easy and fast to prepare,” says reviewer KITTIE. “My son asked if I could make this every night so I call it a winner.”
Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
Allrecipes / Christina Bailey
“My nieces (ages 10 and 14) can be VERY picky so I was careful to choose something to make that I thought might please their palates,” says reviewer Jersey Tomato. “Well—winner, winner, chicken dinner! This was a huge hit with everybody!”
Slow Cooker Vegan Leek and Potato Soup
Allrecipes / Candice Walker
Rich, creamy, and filling on a cool night, this slow cooker potato soup is made without animal products for anyone at your table who may have given up meat or dairy. But it’s so decadent even meat eaters will want to lick the bowl.
Slow Cooker Sausage with Sauce
“This recipe went over well with the entire family,” says reviewer Girlyone123. “This recipe is definitely going to be on the rotation with our family. It’s very rare that I am actually able to find a recipe that everyone enjoys.”
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili
Allrecipes / France Cevallos
Shake up your basic meat-rich chili with this plant-based one. Consider this slow cooker chili a starting point; add any ingredients you think will work and please your family.
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“My family loves this dish — even my very picky 15-year-old considers it one of his favorites,” says reviewer goneabroad71. “We make it about twice a month.”
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This chicken tortilla soup tastes better than anything you can get at a restaurant. It’s healthy, too!” says Allrecipes member Elena. “Don’t let the long list of ingredients fool you. All you do is dump everything into the slow cooker and walk away. Garnish with grated Cheddar, avocados, and a splash of fresh lime juice.”
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Allrecipes / Christina Bailey
“This crockpot mac and cheese is creamy, comforting, and takes just moments to assemble in a slow cooker,” says Allrecipes member Cathy P. “Great for large family gatherings and to take to potluck dinners. It’s always a big hit!”
Laura’s Quick Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This is wonderful! Just the right amount of ‘heat’ to it and very filling,” says reviewer lala3237. “Even my four year old daughter loved it.”
Charley’s Slow Cooker Mexican Style Meat
Allrecipes / Christine Ma
Burritos, tacos, quesadillas—there’s no wrong way to use this tender, flavorful meat. If you’re sensitive to heat, scale back on the hot sauce and let each person add a few drops of their own.
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
Allrecipes / Renee Pajestka
“I have used this recipe for a long time and I love it,” says Allrecipes member smorehead. “Delicious over angel hair mixed with olive oil and fresh ground salt and pepper. My kids who are 3 and 5 love this chicken too!”
Slow Cooker Lasagna
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This was so delicious. My daughter, who is a very picky eater, loved it and is going to make it for her family,” says reviewer Donna719. “Will definitely make this again!!!”
Slow Cooker Mojo Pork
Allrecipes / Diana Chistruga
If you prep dinners and lunch on Sundays before the week turns hectic, put this pork butt roast into the marinade, and then Monday morning, crank up the slow cooker to let it cook while you’re away. Broiling the pork just before serving creates crispy bits reminiscent of classic mojo pork.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“Even the PICKIEST kids will eat this!” says reviewer Holly Shattuck. “My kids love this dish! It’s super easy and very tasty!”
