Healthy And Kid-Friendly Crock Pot Recipes
When it comes to feeding a family, things can get a little hectic. Between work, school, sports and extracurricular activities, it can be hard to find the time to prepare healthy meals. That’s where the slow cooker or crock pot comes in. With a slow cooker, you can prepare meals in advance and have them ready to go when you need them. The best part is, you can find plenty of healthy, kid-friendly crock pot recipes that can make meal times a breeze.
When it comes to slow cooker meals, you can find recipes that are tailored to your family’s tastes. From hearty soups and stews, to delicious casseroles and pasta dishes, there’s something for everyone. Plus, slow cooker recipes are usually quite simple and require minimal effort. All you have to do is add the ingredients to the pot, turn it on and let it do its magic. So, if you’re looking for healthy, kid-friendly meals that are easy to prepare, try these crock pot recipes.
Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
This slow cooker chicken soup is packed full of flavor and nutrients. It's a great way to warm up on a cold winter's day, and the kids will love it. Plus, it’s packed with protein, vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy, nutritious meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots and celery to the pot.
- Pour in the chicken broth and season with thyme, bay leaves, salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours.
- When the soup is finished cooking, remove the bay leaves and shred the chicken with two forks.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!
Equipment:
- Slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Fork
Notes:
This soup is great served with crusty bread or a side salad. You can also add other ingredients, like potatoes and peas, if you like.
Nutrition: Per Serving
- Calories: 319
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
Recipe Tips:
To make this soup even healthier, try using low-sodium chicken broth. For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add more vegetables for added nutrition. For a creamier soup, try stirring in a cup of plain Greek yogurt to the finished soup.
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that kids love. This slow cooker version is a delicious way to make a healthy meal. It’s full of protein and calcium, and it’s super easy to prepare. Plus, you can add in some vegetables for added nutrition.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup low-fat milk
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1/4 tsp. ground mustard
- 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
Instructions:
- Add the macaroni to the slow cooker.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, Greek yogurt, peas and carrots, ground mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours.
- Stir the mac and cheese and serve.
Equipment:
- Slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon for stirring
Notes:
This dish is great served with a side salad or roasted vegetables. You can also try adding other ingredients, like cooked chicken or bacon, for added flavor and protein.
Nutrition: Per Serving
- Calories: 266
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
Recipe Tips:
For a vegan version, try using vegan cheese and plant-based milk. You can also add other vegetables, like broccoli or spinach, for added nutrition. To make the dish creamier, stir in a tablespoon of butter when the mac and cheese is finished cooking.
These slow cooker recipes are just a few of the many healthy and kid-friendly meals you can make with a crock pot. With a little bit of planning, you can make delicious and nutritious meals that the whole family will love. So, the next time you’re looking for an easy and healthy dinner, give these recipes a try!
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