Easy and Healthy Crockpot Meals (that your kids will eat!)

Whether or not you work outside of the home, the after school hours are full of hustle and bustle in every mom’s home.  There’s homework to do, perhaps some chores, and usually an activity or two.  And somewhere in there, everyone has to eat which means it’s up to someone (usually mom) to plan and prepare a meal that is ideally healthy and will be eaten without threats.  This is why we love our crockpots.  It lets us move the chaos of preparing dinner to the morning hours when we are energetic and somewhat organized.

My Family’s Favorite Crockpot Recipes

Assuming all of us moms go through the same process, I expect you have a couple of crockpot cookbooks and have several Pinterest pins with crockpot recipes.  You’ve also probably scoured the internet and printed off a few prospective recipes that you may or many not have tried.  

Well, I’ve finally bookmarked and sorted and filed all of my family’s favorites so I have an easy go-to section of my recipe binder when I’m looking for a crockpot meal.  These have all been tested by my picky crew and if they satisfied 5 out of 6 of us, they made the cut.  The only exception is the shrimp and pepper bisque which 4 of the 6 of us LOVE, but can’t persuade our 2 who hate all things seafood to try.

1. French Dip Roast Beef – serve with french fries or sweet potato fries and coleslaw or pickle spears.
2. Cajun Chicken and Andouille Soup (aka Gumbo) – serve with white or brown rice.
3. Turkey Chili – serve with cornbread and veggie platter with dip.  Optional chili toppings: diced onions, shredded cheese, sour cream or plain greek yogurt.
4. Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin – serve with white or brown rice and steamed broccoli.
5. Whole Wheat Crockpot Lasagna – serve with salad and Italian bread.
6. Chicken Tacos (6 breasts + taco seasoning packet + 1 jar salsa, cook on low for 8 hours) – serve with your usual taco toppings:  diced tomatoes, lettuce, shredded cheese, sliced jalapenos, sliced black olives, cilantro, avocado or guacamole, salsa, sour cream or plain greek yogurt, taco shells or tortillas.
7. BBQ Pulled Pork
   1. 2 lb pork roast + 1 cup reduced sodium broth, cook on low 10-12 hours or on high 5-6 hours
   2. Drain liquid.  Shred pork with 2 forks.  Return to slow cooker.
   3. Add 1 large bottle BBQ sauce.  Cook on low for 2 hours or on high for 1 hour.
   4. Serve on whole wheat buns with baked beans and steamed green beans.
8. Korean Beef Short Ribs – serve with rice and steamed bok choy.
9. Sweet Potato Stew – goes well with BLT’s or can be served alone.
   
10. Shrimp and Pepper Bisque – serve with salad and bread.