The Busy Parent’s Crockpot Guide to Dinner Without the Rush

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy + disclosures for details.

Got a busy family with kids running from one activity to the next? You’ll need dinner to keep up with the chaos. That’s where these Crockpot Chicken Stew, Crockpot Mac and Cheese, and Crockpot Beef and Noodles come in—throw them in the slow cooker and forget about it. By the time the kids roll in after soccer practice or band, you’ll have a warm, satisfying meal ready to go. Whether it’s the comforting Crockpot Crack Chicken, the saucy Crockpot BBQ Pork Sandwiches, or the crowd-pleasing Slow Cooker Sriracha Meatballs, these recipes are perfect for feeding the family at staggered hours. Dinner, done right.

Crockpot Chicken Stew Recipe

A bowl of hearty stew filled with baby potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and chunks of meat. Fresh parsley is sprinkled on top. A spoon rests inside the bowl, and a striped cloth napkin is beside it on a wooden table.
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

Crockpot Chicken Stew is the kind of dish that practically makes itself—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. When you come home, you’ll be greeted by a hearty, flavorful stew that’s warm, satisfying, and perfect for those chilly days. Healthy, filling, and full of rustic charm, this is one dinner you’ll want to make again and again!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Stew Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Sandwich (Crockpot Recipe)

Close-up of a chicken sandwich with shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and cheese slices on a sesame seed bun. Another sandwich is in the background.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Chicken Alfredo Sandwich is the quick, creamy comfort you didn’t know you needed. This easy crockpot recipe brings all the creamy, cheesy goodness of chicken alfredo, but in sandwich form—perfect for a no-fuss family meal that everyone will devour. Simple, delicious, and totally satisfying!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Sandwich (Crockpot Recipe)

Crockpot Turkey Chili

A bowl of chili topped with sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. The chili contains red beans, ground meat, and diced red peppers, creating a colorful and hearty dish.
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

Crockpot Turkey Chili is the cozy, hearty dish you’ll want to cozy up to on a chilly day. With its healthy, satisfying flavors, this big batch will leave you with plenty of tasty leftovers for the week. Just toss it in the Crockpot on Sunday morning, and let it work its magic while you kick back!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Turkey Chili

Slow Cooker Sriracha Meatballs

A bowl of glazed meatballs topped with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. A wooden spoon rests in the bowl, partially submerged in the sauce. The dish is served on a white plate.
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

Crockpot Meatballs are the spicy little bites your appetizer spread has been missing. Oven-baked for that perfect start, they’re slow-cooked in a bold Sriracha sauce that packs just the right amount of heat. Easy, flavorful, and impossible to resist!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sriracha Meatballs

Crockpot BBQ Pork Sandwich (Slow Cooker BBQ Pork)

A pulled pork sandwich on a wooden board, topped with creamy coleslaw. Fresh parsley leaves are scattered around. The sandwich is placed on white parchment paper.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Crockpot BBQ Pork Sandwiches are a game-changer for busy families and party spreads alike. This slow-cooked BBQ pork is perfect for sliders, quesadillas, or even served over rice—basically, it’s your go-to for endless delicious possibilities. Easy, versatile, and guaranteed to please!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot BBQ Pork Sandwich (Slow Cooker BBQ Pork)

Crockpot Sloppy Joes

A close-up of a sloppy joe sandwich on a white plate. The bun is topped with sesame seeds, and the meat mixture inside appears saucy with bits of red pepper. In the background, there's a side of potato chips and green lettuce.
Photo credit: Chelsea Messy Apron

Crockpot Sloppy Joes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser with their ultra-tender, slow-cooked meat filling packed with bold flavor. Perfect for game day, family dinners, or any gathering where you need something hearty and delicious. Easy to make, hard to resist!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Sloppy Joes

Little Smokies Recipe (Beanie Weenies)

Cocktail sausages simmering in a rich, dark sauce, with a wooden spoon partially visible among the sausages.
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

Crockpot Little Smokies (aka beanie weenies) are the MVP of game day and party spreads. Slow-cooked to perfection, these bite-sized delights are packed with flavor and sure to be a fan favorite. Warning: they disappear fast!
Get the Recipe: Little Smokies Recipe (Beanie Weenies)

Crockpot Beef and Noodles

A bowl of beef stroganoff with egg noodles, topped with parsley. A fork is resting on the side of the bowl.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Crockpot Beef and Noodles is the ultimate hands-off comfort food, perfect for busy days when you still want a hearty dinner. Toss everything in the slow cooker, and by evening, you’ve got a rich, satisfying meal ready to savor. Lazy day dinners don’t get better than this!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Beef and Noodles

Crockpot Crack Chicken

A chicken salad sandwich on a white plate, featuring a glossy bun filled with creamy chicken salad mixed with celery and seasonings. Crinkle-cut potato chips are visible in the background.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Crockpot Crack Chicken is the answer to your creamy, cheesy, bacon-filled cravings. Let your slow cooker handle the heavy lifting while you prepare to indulge in this irresistibly juicy and flavorful dish. Comfort food just got a little more addictive!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Crack Chicken

Crockpot Whole Chicken

A wooden bowl filled with sliced, seasoned roasted chicken breast, surrounded by cooked carrots and roasted onion. The food is garnished with herbs, creating a warm and inviting presentation.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Crockpot Whole Chicken is your go-to for juicy, tender perfection with minimal effort. This foolproof recipe combines fresh herbs, veggies, and simple steps to deliver an impressive entree every time. Who knew slow cooking could make you look like a pro?
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Whole Chicken

Crockpot Mac and Cheese

macaroni and cheese in a crockpot.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Crockpot Mac and Cheese is the ultimate creamy comfort food made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Whether as a side dish or a main event, this super simple recipe delivers cheesy perfection every time. Dinner just got a whole lot easier—and tastier!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Jack Daniel’s Pot Roast

A plate of creamy beef pot roast with potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms garnished with herbs. A bottle of Jack Daniel's, a pepper shaker, fresh parsley, and a white casserole dish are in the background on a wooden table.
Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

Jack Daniel’s Pot Roast takes your average beef roast and transforms it into an unforgettable meal with the magic of whiskey and your trusty Crockpot. Forget the beer—this whiskey infusion adds a rich, bold flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Slow cooked to perfection, this roast is a game changer!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Jack Daniel’s Pot Roast

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *