Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes
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.
Shredded Beef Tacos
Skip the skillet and create this classic taco using your slow cooker.
Beef Stroganoff
Foxes Loves Lemons' beef stroganoff is the perfect thing to eat on a cold Fall night.
Sesame Beef
Six Sisters Stuff gives this Chinese dish an easy-to-make twist.
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!
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
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
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.
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
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
Steak Fajitas
Slice up the steak and veggies, throw them in a pot, and let your slow cooker do the rest.
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
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
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
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
Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
Thanks to Mommy Hates Cooking, this example of classic Philly street food can be made right in the slow cooker!
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
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
Mongolian Beef
The meat in Six Sisters Stuff's recipes is so tender, it falls apart on your fork.
Barbacoa
Perfect in a taco shell or atop some steamed rice, Gimme Some Oven's barbacoa is supertasty and supersimple!
French Dip Sandwich
Though the recipe is simple, the Weary Chef's french dip sandwiches have a fancy taste.
Beef Stew in the Crockpot
On a cold and windy night, Weelicious's beef stew will warm kids from head to toe!
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
Barbecue Ribs in the Crockpot
Talk about easy: these crockpot ribs require just five ingredients! Source: Flickr user tkd540
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
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.