Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes
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For some families, meat is a suppertime staple. Whether it's atop a sandwich bun, stuffed inside a taco shell, or stirred into a stew, kids and adults alike can't get enough of this protein. Unfortunately, cooking beef and pork takes a lot of time, which most families these days don't have. But a lack of time shouldn't stop you from serving a delicious, protein-packed dinner. With a little help from your slow cooker, you can come home to warm meat-filled meal every night.
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Shredded Beef Tacos
Skip the skillet and create this classic taco using your slow cooker.
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Beef Stroganoff
Foxes Loves Lemons' beef stroganoff is the perfect thing to eat on a cold Fall night.
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Mexican Pulled-Pork Shoulder
The secret behind this Mexican pulled-pork-shoulder recipe is that it can be made weeks in advance. Just freeze all of the ingredients together in a ziplock bag, pull it out when you are ready to cook, and voilà — dinner is served!
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Tangy Sloppy Joes
With only a few ingredients, these sloppy joes from Budget Gourmet Mom are on the table and ready for noshing after a day of cooking slow and low, thanks to your crockpot. And leftovers do double duty as lunch the next day. Source: Budget Gourmet Mom
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Crockpot Balsamic Pork Roast
This easy balsamic pork roast is worthy of a dinner party but easy enough to make for your family's weeknight supper. Source: Flickr user anotherpintplease
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Crispy Slow-Cooker Carnitas
To create this Mexican dish, you usually have to babysit the pork. But with Gimme Some Oven's recipe, you can simply set it, forget it, and enjoy it.
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Slow-Cooker Chili
Warm up any night of the week with a big bowl of slow-cooker chili. And you can tailor this recipe to fit your family by adding different types of beans, using ground turkey instead of the beef, or going vegetarian for a really healthy dinner! Photo: POPSUGAR Food
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Asian Pork With Veggies and Soba Noodles
Buckwheat-based soba noodles are a healthy alternative to white-flour pasta, and this Asian pork is sure to please a crowd. Source: José Picayo For Real Simple
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Steak Fajitas
Slice up the steak and veggies, throw them in a pot, and let your slow cooker do the rest.
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Taco Soup
Spice it up with a hearty batch of taco soup. It's meat free, but you could always throw in some ground turkey, beef, or shredded chicken for an added boost of protein. Photo: Anna Monette Roberts
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Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork
Don't be afraid; this pulled pork may look like it took tons of time and effort, but thanks to the Fearless Homemaker's easy directions — and the help of your slow cooker — your family can enjoy a pulled-pork dinner with hardly any fuss or muss. Source: Fearless Homemaker
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Taco Skillet
If your family's a fan of Mexican food, consider prepping the ground beef (or turkey) for this yummy taco skillet in your slow cooker for extra flavor. Source: Desiree Hartkopf
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White Bean Soup With Andouille and Collards
Take your family's taste buds on a ragin' Cajun adventure with this flavorful and delicious white bean soup with andouille and collards. Source: José Picayo For Real Simple
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Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
Thanks to Mommy Hates Cooking, this example of classic Philly street food can be made right in the slow cooker!
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Slow-Cooker Chipotle Beef Tacos With Cabbage and Radish Slaw
Mexican may not be the first genre that comes to mind when coming up with a crockpot meal, but these chipotle beef tacos would make a great main dish for a casual party. Source: Jose Picayo for Real Simple
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Kalua Pork With Cabbage
So maybe a family getaway to Hawaii isn't in the cards. Instead, bring a taste of the islands to your family's table with Defining Tabitha's Kalua pork. Source: Flickr user rfung8
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Mongolian Beef
The meat in Six Sisters Stuff's recipes is so tender, it falls apart on your fork.
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Barbacoa
Perfect in a taco shell or atop some steamed rice, Gimme Some Oven's barbacoa is supertasty and supersimple!
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French Dip Sandwich
Though the recipe is simple, the Weary Chef's french dip sandwiches have a fancy taste.
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Beef Stew in the Crockpot
On a cold and windy night, Weelicious's beef stew will warm kids from head to toe!
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Chile Colorado Burritos
Feeling like Mexican? Here's a recipe for slow-cooker burritos from Food Pusher that will definitely spice up any weeknight. Full of flavor and melty cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Source: Food Pusher
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Barbecue Ribs in the Crockpot
Talk about easy: these crockpot ribs require just five ingredients! Source: Flickr user tkd540
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Italian Beef Sandwiches
For a hearty dinner, try the Country Cook's italian beef subs. If your kids hate spice, simply omit the additional peppers. Source: The Country Cook
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Pulled-Pork Tacos
Dinner is in the palm of your child's hand! Fold some slow-cooked pork shoulder into tortillas for Weelicious's pulled-pork tacos, which are a pleasant alternative to the chicken and steak varieties that are popular with tykes.