I love easy crockpot recipes. But what I have found it that “easy” is not always easy enough for me. Ideally, I want to just dump ingredients into the crockpot and put the lid on. Ok yes, I can dice up a few things, but I am looking to make prepping dinner as easy as possible. I am also looking for it to be healthy and in my book that means: minimally processed ingredients, added veggies and substantial protein. The recipes below are tried and true, legitimately easy and nutritious crockpot meals. I make one of these recipes, if not more during the week.
My kiddos are in a picky eater stage (when does it end?). I usually serve them a scoop of these recipes alongside other items that I know they will like. Another method for encouraging my kids to try new recipes is to deconstruct them on their plate. Basically, I’ll separate the chicken, the veggie and the beans so that they can see each piece independently. Then they can try a little of each that they recognize instead of turning up their nose to the entire thing.
I am no expert at getting kids to try new foods. Growing up my parents asked us to “just try one bite” of the new food or the food we claimed with didn’t like. No pressure, but hey maybe we’d like peppers the 26th time we tried them. I think that was the hope. So that’s what my husband and I ask of our kids too. Please just try one bite. Does it always work? No. Do they sometimes not want to take a bite? Yes. Do we get frustrated sometimes? Also yes.
Chicken Enchilada Crockpot Recipe
This recipes is from createkidsclub.com and so so good. My husband is slightly gluten-free (yes, I know that makes no sense, but we opt for gluten-free when we can). So, being able to have enchiladas and not having to bake them in the oven was a serious win! After you dump your chicken, tomatoes, enchilada sauce and taco seasoning into the crockpot to cook, you shred your chicken (I shred it in the crockpot for less dishes) and then stir in beans, corn and cheese then top with corn tortillas. Wait for your cheese to melt then boom – dinner is done. Leftovers are also just as delicious.
The Best Crockpot Chili by Nana
This is my Mom’s famous chili recipe (now known as Nana to our kiddos). Growing up I remember my mom making this chili recipe the day after Christmas every year. Turns out this crockpot chili is super easy to make, packed with protein and veggies and a set and forget type of meal. My mom knew what she was doing. This crockpot chili is great to double for potlucks, a delicious cozy weeknight meal and easy to freeze leftovers.
Crockpot Stuffed Peppers
This Crockpot Stuffed Peppers recipe is from bakingbeauty.net and what I love about it is that there is no browning of the beef or boiling rice required! Cut off the tops of your peppers, mix your filling of beef and rice, stuff your peppers, pour over a simple sauce and then wait for your house to smell amazing. I have made these stuffed peppers when friends came over for dinner and leftovers are great to take for lunch the next day.
Super Easy Skinny Veggie Crockpot Lasagna
This crockpot lasagna from pinchofyum.com is actually meat-free, but still has loads of protein from the cottage cheese and spinach. You simply layer your sauce, uncooked noodles, leafy veg of choice, cheese and pesto then close the lid. I have made this recipes with both kale and spinach, I have used cottage cheese and ricotta cheese, I have even swapped out the lasagna noodles for gluten-free penne in a pinch.
My Go-To Easy Crockpot Recipes
These 4 easy crockpot recipes are delicious, I have made them each many times and I will continue to in the future. When my friends ask for dinner ideas, these are the ones I share! I hope you can add one of these crockpot recipes to your meal rotation and they help make your dinner time a breeze.
What are your favorite crockpot recipes?
