15 Dinner Ideas for Family Crockpot

Hey there, busy families and food enthusiasts! We all know how hectic life can get, and finding the time to prepare a delicious, home-cooked meal can feel like an impossible task. But fear not!

Your trusty crockpot is here to save the day (and dinner). Whether you’re juggling work, school, or just need a break from the kitchen chaos, these family-friendly crockpot dinner ideas will become your new go-to.

They’re easy to prepare, require minimal effort, and most importantly, taste amazing. So, grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

Your family will thank you, and you’ll have more time to enjoy the things that matter most. Bon appétit!

1. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This family-favorite recipe is bursting with flavor. Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces are slow-cooked in a sweet and savory sauce made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The result is fall-off-the-bone chicken that’s perfect for serving over rice or noodles.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 3 teaspoons water

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, olive oil, and minced garlic.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
6. Mix cornstarch and water, then stir it into the sauce in the slow cooker to thicken.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.

Serve with: Steamed rice or quinoa and a side of steamed broccoli.

Drink with: A chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing iced tea.

2. Creamy Ranch Chicken

Creamy Ranch Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, with rich, tangy flavors that are sure to please. This dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy ranch sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner at home. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a favorite for busy weeknights.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ranch seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and cream cheese.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and bacon.

Serve with: Mashed potatoes or egg noodles and a green salad.

Drink with: A crisp Chardonnay or a light beer.

3. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

This recipe is perfect for a weekend dinner. A pork shoulder is slow-cooked in a smoky and tangy BBQ sauce until it’s tender and shreddable. Serve it on hamburger buns with coleslaw and your favorite BBQ toppings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cups BBQ sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Place the chopped onion at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Place the pork shoulder on top of the onions and pour the sauce mixture over it.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and mix it with the sauce in the slow cooker.

Serve with: Soft buns for sandwiches, coleslaw, and pickles.

Drink with: A cold beer, like an amber ale or a glass of iced lemonade.

4. Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos

Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos are a flavor explosion, packed with spicy, tangy, and savory notes. These tacos feature juicy chicken seasoned with classic Tex-Mex spices, making them a fun and delicious meal for any night of the week. Top them with your favorite taco fixings for a truly customizable feast.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• Flour or corn tortillas

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the chicken.
3. Add salsa, chicken broth, black beans, corn, and chopped bell peppers.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir everything together.

Serve with: Tortillas, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese.

Drink with: A margarita or a cold Mexican beer, like Corona or Modelo.

5. Italian Chicken and Sausage

This hearty dish is packed with Italian flavor. Chicken breasts, Italian sausage, and vegetables like bell peppers and onions are slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce with Italian seasoning. Serve it over pasta or rice for a complete meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 4 Italian sausages, sliced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brown the sausage slices in a skillet, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
2. Add the chicken thighs, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Serve with: Pasta or polenta and a green salad.

Drink with: A glass of Chianti or a light Italian lager.

6. Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

This classic Chinese-American takeout dish can easily be made in your crockpot. Beef strips are slow-cooked with broccoli florets in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced thin
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Place the sliced beef in the slow cooker.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic.
3. Pour the mixture over the beef.
4. Cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the beef is tender.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker.
6. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce.
7. Serve over cooked rice.

Serve with: Steamed rice and a side of egg rolls or dumplings.

Drink with: Green tea or a light beer, like a pilsner.

7. Creamy White Chicken Chili

This chili is a comforting and flavorful cold-weather meal. Chicken breasts, white beans, corn, and green chilies are slow-cooked in a creamy sauce made with cream cheese and milk. Top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado for an extra delicious meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced green chilies
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 8 oz cream cheese

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add white beans, corn, chicken broth, diced green chilies, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
5. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and well combined.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.

Serve with: Tortilla chips, avocado slices, and shredded cheese.

Drink with: A cold beer, like a pale ale, or a glass of sparkling water with lime.

8. Slow Cooker Pot Roast

This classic comfort food is perfect for a Sunday dinner. A beef chuck roast is slow-cooked with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions in a flavorful broth. The result is a tender and delicious pot roast that everyone will love.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 4 potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary

Instructions:

1. Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper, then brown it in a skillet.
2. Transfer the roast to the slow cooker.
3. Add chopped onion, carrots, potatoes, and minced garlic.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary.
5. Pour the mixture over the roast and vegetables.
6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
7. Shred the beef with two forks and stir everything together.

Serve with: Freshly baked bread or rolls and a green salad.

Drink with: A robust red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon, or a dark beer, like a stout.

9. Honey Sesame Chicken

This dish is a delicious and easy way to get your Asian food fix. Chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and ginger. Serve it over rice with broccoli florets for a complete meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, and minced garlic.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
6. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.
8. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Serve with: Steamed rice or noodles and a side of steamed vegetables.

Drink with: Jasmine tea or a light beer, like a pilsner.

10. Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

This creamy and cheesy dish is a crowd-pleaser. Elbow macaroni is slow-cooked in a cheesy sauce made with cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and milk. You can add cooked and crumbled bacon or shredded chicken for extra protein.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder

Instructions:

1. Place the uncooked macaroni in the slow cooker.
2. Add shredded cheddar cheese, milk, heavy cream, sour cream, melted butter, and mustard powder.
3. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and the cheese is melted and creamy.

Serve with: A simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Drink with: A glass of milk or a refreshing iced tea.

11. Chicken Tortilla Soup

This flavorful soup is perfect for a light and healthy meal. Chicken breasts, corn, black beans, and tomatoes are slow-cooked in a flavorful broth. Serve it with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and avocado for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Tortilla strips, for topping

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
5. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
6. Serve with tortilla strips on top.

Serve with: Avocado slices, sour cream, and shredded cheese.

Drink with: A cold beer, like a lager, or a glass of iced tea.

12. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili

This hearty chili is perfect for a meatless meal. Kidney beans, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and bell peppers are slow-cooked in a flavorful broth with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado for an extra delicious meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin

Instructions:

1. Place the black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes in the slow cooker.
2. Add chopped onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin.
3. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.

Serve with: Cornbread or tortilla chips and a green salad.

Drink with: A glass of red wine or a cold beer.

13. Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Pasta

This dish is a creamy and comforting take on classic tomato pasta. Pasta shells are slow-cooked in a creamy tomato sauce made with heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta, uncooked
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the uncooked pasta in the slow cooker.
2. Add marinara sauce, heavy cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
3. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and creamy.
5. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Serve with: Garlic bread and a green salad.

Drink with: A glass of red wine, like Chianti, or sparkling water with lemon.

14. Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

This dessert is a perfect way to end a family dinner. Apples, cinnamon, and sugar are slow-cooked in a crockpot until the apples are tender and bubbly. Top it with a crumble topping made with oats, flour, and brown sugar for a delicious and comforting dessert.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup oats
• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup butter, melted
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Instructions:

1. Place the sliced apples in the slow cooker.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
4. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples.
5. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crispy.
6. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Serve with: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Drink with: A cup of hot coffee or a glass of apple cider.

15. Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cakes

These decadent cakes are a fun and impressive way to end a meal. Molten chocolate cake batter is slow-cooked in ramekins until the cakes are set on the outside and gooey on the inside. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious and show-stopping dessert.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 6 tablespoons flour

Instructions:

1. Melt the dark chocolate and butter together in a mixing bowl.
2. Stir in the powdered sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs and egg yolks, and mix until combined.
4. Stir in the flour until just combined.
5. Grease the ramekins and divide the batter evenly among them.
6. Place the ramekins in the slow cooker.
7. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
8. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serve with: Vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Drink with: A glass of red wine, like Merlot, or a cup of espresso.

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