6 Best Crockpot Family Dinner Ideas

Looking for easy and delicious dinner ideas the whole family will love? Look no further than your trusty crockpot! Crockpot meals are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without all the hassle. In this article, we will explore the 6 Best Crockpot Family Dinner Ideas that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Baby Potatoes

If you’re looking for a savory, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough for a family gathering, the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Baby Potatoes is an excellent choice. This dish combines the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan with tender chicken and creamy baby potatoes, resulting in a hearty, flavorful dinner that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1.5 pounds of baby potatoes, halved
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried thyme, oregano, and basil. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed on both sides of the chicken.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This step is optional but helps enhance the flavor and texture of the chicken.
3. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the bottom of your crockpot. Add the halved baby potatoes around the chicken.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chicken broth, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Pour this mixture over the chicken and potatoes in the crockpot.
5. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
6. Once cooked, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the chicken and potatoes. Allow it to melt slightly before serving.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

This Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Baby Potatoes is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, allowing you to spend more time with your family instead of being tied to the kitchen. Enjoy the comforting blend of flavors and the tender goodness of slow-cooked chicken and potatoes.

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli with Carrots

If you’re looking for a dish that combines tender beef with crisp vegetables, this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli with Carrots recipe is perfect for you. It’s a delightful and nutritious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite, offering a healthy balance of protein and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast, sliced thinly
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water
• Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large slow cooker, combine beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Add the sliced beef to the slow cooker, ensuring it is well-coated with the sauce mixture.
3. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until the beef is tender.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli florets and sliced carrots to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
5. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Once the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened, serve the beef and broccoli over cooked rice.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Tips for Success

• For a more intense flavor, marinate the beef in the sauce mixture for 1-2 hours before cooking.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables by adding bell peppers or snap peas for more variety.
• Be sure to slice the beef thinly for the best texture in the final dish.

This Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli with Carrots recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also offers a comforting and satisfying meal that will please even the pickiest eaters in your family. Enjoy the convenience of a slow cooker while still serving a delicious, homemade dinner!

Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 oz fettuccine pasta
– Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:
1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Season with garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. About 20 minutes before serving, cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions.
5. Remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the sauce.
6. Serve the chicken Alfredo sauce over the cooked pasta and garnish with fresh parsley.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 4 carrots, sliced
– 4 potatoes, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a skillet, brown the beef cubes on all sides over medium-high heat. Transfer to the crockpot.
2. Add carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the crockpot.
3. In a bowl, mix the beef broth with tomato paste, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour over the beef and vegetables.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
5. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread or over cooked rice for a hearty meal.

Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork

Ingredients:
– 3 pounds pork shoulder
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Hamburger buns, for serving
– Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions:
1. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the crockpot. Place the pork shoulder on top and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the pork.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Remove the pork from the crockpot and shred with two forks. Return to the sauce and stir to combine.
5. Serve the pulled pork on hamburger buns, topped with coleslaw if desired.

Crockpot Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients:
– 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 bell peppers, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot, mixing well.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
3. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices to taste.
4. Serve with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro, and enjoy with cornbread or tortilla chips.

These crockpot family dinners offer a rich variety of flavors and textures, perfect for any night of the week. With easy preparation and satisfying results, you’ll find yourself returning to these recipes time and time again. Happy cooking!