15 Crock Pot Recipes for Picky Eaters

I’ll never forget the struggle of cooking for my little one, who had an ever-changing list of “approved” foods. One day, pasta was acceptable; the next, it was declared “too squishy.” That’s when I discovered the magic of Crock Pot recipes for picky eaters—simple, flavorful, and packed with familiar ingredients that kids (and hesitant adults) actually enjoy.

The slow cooker became my best friend, transforming basic ingredients into meals my family would actually eat. Whether it’s creamy mac and cheese, tender BBQ chicken, or a comforting bowl of chicken and rice, these recipes take the guesswork out of dinner. Plus, they’re effortless—just toss everything in, set it, and forget it. If you’re struggling with picky eaters, these slow cooker meals will become your go-to favorites!

1. Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time (High): 3-4 hours | Cook Time (Low): 5-6 hours | Serve: 4-6 people

This Crockpot Chicken and Rice recipe is the perfect comfort food that picky eaters will love. The chicken is tender and juicy, while the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors of the broth. It’s simple to make and will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 2 cups of long-grain white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Add the rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir everything together so the chicken is coated with the mixture.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it into the rice before serving.

2. Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time (High): 2-3 hours | Cook Time (Low): 4 hours | Serve: 6-8 people

Mac and cheese is a classic favorite among picky eaters, and making it in the crockpot makes it even more irresistible! This recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can (10.5 oz) evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain.
2. Add the cooked macaroni to the crockpot.
3. Add the cheese, milk, evaporated milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir everything together until the cheese starts to melt.
5. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4 hours, stirring halfway through.
6. Serve hot, and enjoy the creamy goodness!

3. Crockpot Sloppy Joes

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time (High): 3 hours | Cook Time (Low): 5 hours | Serve: 4-6 people

Sloppy Joes are another great dish for picky eaters! With this recipe, you get a tangy, savory mixture of ground beef and a sweet sauce all served on soft buns. It’s a meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat, draining any excess fat.
2. Add the beef and onion mixture to the crockpot.
3. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours.
5. Spoon the mixture onto hamburger buns and serve hot.

4. Crockpot Meatballs

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time (High): 3 hours | Cook Time (Low): 5 hours | Serve: 6-8 people

Crockpot meatballs are a fantastic, easy meal for picky eaters. They’re juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. You can serve them as an appetizer or main course, and they go great with pasta, rice, or bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
2. Roll the mixture into small meatballs.
3. Place the meatballs in the crockpot and pour the marinara sauce over them.
4. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours.
5. Serve with pasta or on sub rolls for meatball sandwiches.

5. Crockpot Chicken Tenders

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time (High): 2-3 hours | Cook Time (Low): 4-5 hours | Serve: 4-6 people

Chicken tenders are a classic dish for picky eaters, and this crockpot recipe makes them incredibly easy and delicious. The chicken is juicy and tender, perfect for dipping in sauces or serving alongside your favorite sides.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken tenders in the crockpot.
2. Add the chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine, making sure the chicken is well coated.
4. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours.
5. Serve with dipping sauces or alongside veggies and potatoes.

6. Crockpot BBQ Pulled Pork

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time (High): 6 hours | Cook Time (Low): 8 hours | Serve: 6-8 people

Pulled pork is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make in the crockpot. The pork is slow-cooked in BBQ sauce, making it juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Serve it on buns or with coleslaw for a classic BBQ meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 lb pork shoulder
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bottle (18 oz) BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the pork shoulder and onion in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the pork.
3. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours, until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
4. Shred the pork with two forks and mix it with the sauce in the crockpot.
5. Serve on buns with your favorite sides.

7. Crockpot Taco Soup

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time (High): 3-4 hours | Cook Time (Low): 5-6 hours | Serve: 6-8 people

Taco soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Packed with beans, corn, and ground beef, this soup has all the flavors of tacos in a comforting bowl. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
• Shredded cheese (optional)
• Tortilla chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then drain the fat.
2. Add the cooked beef to the crockpot, along with the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and beef broth.
3. Stir everything together, cover, and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
4. Once cooked, serve the soup hot, topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips for extra crunch.

8. Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time (High): 4 hours | Cook Time (Low): 6 hours | Serve: 6-8 people

Who doesn’t love cheesy potatoes? This crockpot recipe makes creamy, cheesy potatoes that will quickly become a family favorite. The cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth texture is perfect for picky eaters who may shy away from traditional potato dishes.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the diced potatoes and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl, and stir to coat everything evenly.
3. Pour the potato mixture into the crockpot and cover.
4. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours, stirring halfway through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, creamy goodness!

9. Crockpot Chicken Alfredo

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time (High): 3-4 hours | Cook Time (Low): 5-6 hours | Serve: 4-6 people

Crockpot Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, dreamy dish that’s packed with flavor. It’s easy to make, and the slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day. The result is tender chicken, creamy alfredo sauce, and pasta that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 jar (16 oz) alfredo sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix together the alfredo sauce, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
3. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked pasta to the crockpot, and stir well to coat.
5. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
6. Shred the chicken and stir everything together, then top with grated Parmesan cheese.

10. Crockpot Chili

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time (High): 4-5 hours | Cook Time (Low): 6-7 hours | Serve: 6-8 people

Chili is a great way to warm up on a cold day, and this crockpot recipe makes it incredibly easy! Packed with ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, it’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for picky eaters who enjoy savory, mild flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 packet chili seasoning mix
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, draining any excess fat.
2. Add the beef to the crockpot along with the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili seasoning mix, and beef broth.
3. Stir everything together, cover, and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
4. Once the chili is ready, season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

11. Crockpot Baked Ziti

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time (High): 4 hours | Cook Time (Low): 6 hours | Serve: 6-8 people

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that’s easy to make in the crockpot. With layers of pasta, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, it’s the perfect comfort food for picky eaters who love pasta and cheese!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb Italian sausage (optional)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
2. If using sausage, brown it in a skillet and drain any excess fat.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. In the crockpot, layer the cooked pasta, sausage (if using), and cheese mixture, repeating layers until all ingredients are used.
5. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

12. Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time (High): 4 hours | Cook Time (Low): 6 hours | Serve: 6-8 people

Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas are a fun and flavorful twist on a traditional Mexican dish. The chicken is tender, and the flavors are bold, making it a fantastic meal for picky eaters who might shy away from too much spice. These enchiladas are creamy, cheesy, and guaranteed to please.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 10-12 flour tortillas
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Pour the enchilada sauce and diced green chilies over the chicken.
3. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it back into the sauce.
6. Warm the flour tortillas and spoon the chicken mixture into each tortilla, rolling them up.
7. Place the rolled enchiladas in the crockpot, top with shredded cheese, and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes until the cheese is melted.

13. Crockpot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time (High): 4-5 hours | Cook Time (Low): 7-8 hours | Serve: 6-8 people

A classic comfort food, Crockpot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots is a simple, hearty meal that requires minimal prep. The roast is tender and juicy, while the vegetables absorb all the savory flavors of the beef. It’s a satisfying meal that picky eaters can’t resist!

Ingredients:

• 3 lb beef roast
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the beef roast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Place the roast in the crockpot, and surround it with the chopped potatoes, carrots, and onion.
3. Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over everything.
4. Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours, until the roast is tender and easily shreds.
5. Slice the roast and serve with the potatoes and carrots.

14. Crockpot Creamy Chicken and Spinach

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time (High): 3-4 hours | Cook Time (Low): 5-6 hours | Serve: 4-6 people

If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting dish, this Crockpot Creamy Chicken and Spinach is the perfect option. The chicken is tender, and the spinach adds a healthy twist while the creamy sauce keeps it rich and delicious. Even picky eaters who are hesitant about spinach won’t be able to resist this one!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
4. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Shred the chicken and mix it into the creamy sauce, then serve.

15. Crockpot Beef and Noodles

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time (High): 4 hours | Cook Time (Low): 6-7 hours | Serve: 6-8 people

Crockpot Beef and Noodles is a comforting, filling dish that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Tender beef in a savory gravy sauce served over noodles makes for a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. This recipe is simple, flavorful, and great for feeding a large crowd.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups egg noodles, uncooked

Instructions:

1. Place the beef stew meat in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the beef and stir to coat.
4. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-7 hours, until the beef is tender.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked egg noodles to the crockpot and stir.
6. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes until the noodles are tender and fully cooked.

Conclusion

Crockpot recipes are a fantastic way to make delicious, easy meals for picky eaters. They require minimal prep, and the slow cooking method ensures tender, flavorful dishes every time. Whether you’re making cheesy potatoes, chicken alfredo, or beef stew, these recipes provide comfort and satisfaction for everyone. With simple ingredients and customizable flavors, crockpot meals are perfect for busy families and make mealtime stress-free. Try these recipes today and enjoy the ease of cooking and the joy of a meal that everyone will love!