Lighten Up With 12 Kid-Friendly Crockpot Recipes For Spring

Updated on 4/30/2017 at 5:00 PM

If you're a crockpot-loving mom bemoaning the end of slow-cooker season, don't put away your favorite appliance just yet! While they're most commonly associated with hearty stews and casseroles, crockpots can be just as useful in warmer weather. These 12 recipes take a lighter approach to slow cooking, all with a kid-friendly approach. Bon appétit! Source: Budget Gourmet Mom

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

In a fraction of the time that it would take to make on the grill, this slow-cooker pulled pork is delicious on a bun with a green salad or coleslaw. Source: Flour on My Face

Chicken and Pasta Soup

Nothing beats the simplicity and comfort of chicken and pasta soup. Full of veggies and soothing broth, it's just the thing for warding off those pesky sniffles.

Source: Romulo Yanes for Real Simple

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

Slow-Cooker Squash Lasagna

Skip the ground meat and instead use squash or zucchini (whatever's fresh where you live) to whip up this slow-cooker squash lasagna. It's a great meal to freeze, and you're guaranteed to have leftovers for days! Source: Romulo Yanes for Real Simple

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

Crockpot Avocado Soup

Mexican meals can be satisfying without being too heavy. Case in point, this chicken avocado soup, which is brightened up with the addition of fresh lime juice, creamy avocado, and refreshing cilantro. Source: The Intentional Mom

Orange Chicken

Skip the Chinese takeout. This orange chicken is supereasy and adds a bright and tangy option to your crockpot repertoire. Source: Chelsee Bendtsen

Tangy Sloppy Joes

With only a few ingredients, these flavorful sloppy joes 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

Honey Sesame Chicken

Yum! This honey sesame chicken makes a bright addition to the dinner table. Source: The Way to His Heart

Cheesy Jalapeño Chicken Sandwich

If your kids like a little kick in their dinner, whip up Food Fanatic's jalapeño popper chicken sandwich.

Source: Food Fanatic

2-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken

Seriously, there are two ingredients in this salsa chicken. Serve it on its own, or turn it into tacos. Yum! Source: Gimme Some Oven

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: Real Simple