Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (2024)

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.

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (2)

Shredded Beef Tacos

Skip the skillet and create this classic taco using your slow cooker.

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (3)

Beef Stroganoff

Foxes Loves Lemons' beef stroganoff is the perfect thing to eat on a cold Fall night.

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (4)

Sesame Beef

Six Sisters Stuff gives this Chinese dish an easy-to-make twist.

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (5)

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!

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (6)

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

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (7)

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

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (8)

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

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (10)

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.

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (12)

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

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (13)

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

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (14)

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

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (15)

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!

Source: Mommy Hates Cooking

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (17)

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

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (18)

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

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (19)

Mongolian Beef

The meat in Six Sisters Stuff's recipes is so tender, it falls apart on your fork.

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (20)

Barbacoa

Perfect in a taco shell or atop some steamed rice, Gimme Some Oven's barbacoa is supertasty and supersimple!

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (21)

French Dip Sandwich

Though the recipe is simple, the Weary Chef's french dip sandwiches have a fancy taste.

Source: Weary Chef

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (22)

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

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (24)

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

Where's the Beef? 25 Kid-Friendly, Meaty Crockpot Recipes (26)

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.