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Back-to-school season is always busy—between packing lunches, after-school activities, and homework, dinner can feel like the hardest part of the day. That’s why these easy crockpot back-to-school recipes are a lifesaver! With just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the work so you can come home to a hot, homemade meal the whole family will love.
In this roundup, you’ll find kid-friendly crockpot dinners, budget-friendly family meals, and stress-free weeknight favorites that are perfect for busy school nights. From hearty classics to quick and comforting recipes, these 10 crockpot meals for back-to-school will help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time around the table with your family.
Why These Make the Perfect Back-to-School Recipes
- Easy Prep, Big Flavor: Many are “dump and go”—just load, set, and forget.
- Kid Favorites Meet Practicality: Mac & cheese and tacos keep the kids happy, while sandwiches and soups bring variety.
- Batch- and Freezer-Friendly: Ribs and freezer meals help streamline weekend prep for busy weekdays.
- Balanced & Budget-Conscious: From hearty soups to comforting casseroles, there’s nutritional variety without breaking the wallet.
1. Crock pot Hamburger Helper
This recipe is a kids’ favorite! Super simple to throw together and the even the pasta cooks in the slow cooker.
2. Crockpot Chicken Tacos
3 ingredients is all you need to make the best tasting tacos!
3. Crock pot Chicken and Rice
Another one pot dinner, you will love this easy casserole where even the rice cooks in the slow cooker.
4. Crock pot Mac and Cheese
You’ll never make macaroni and cheese another way after you have made it in the slow cooker.
5. Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy
Start with frozen meatballs for ultimate ease—just dump, set, and savor a hearty, cozy meal
6. Slow Cooker Chicken Chow Mein
A fun and flavorful way to bring homemade “takeout” to the table using simple ingredients.
7. Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
These are the most tender and flavorful Philly cheesesteak sandwiches thanks for the crock pot. It is a family favorite that we enjoy on repeat.
8. Crock pot Sausage and Potatoes
Kids love this easy sausage and potatoes recipe. With hardly any prep you can throw this in the slow cooker in minutes.
9. Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
I’m currently obsessed with this chicken spaghetti recipe. Traditionally this is a casserole recipe, but making it in the slow cooker makes this recipe even easier.
10. Crockpot Creamy Ranch Chicken
Just dump everything into the slow cooker and come home to a hearty, ranch-flavored dinner loaded with chicken and vegetables. It’s comfort food made effortless.
Back-to-school season doesn’t have to mean stressful evenings in the kitchen. With these easy crockpot recipes, you can keep mealtime simple, delicious, and family-friendly—even on the busiest school nights.
If you’re looking for even more inspiration, be sure to check out our full collection of Crock Pot Recipes, or browse these Kid Friendly Slow Cooker Meals, or explore our quick stove top recipes for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast. With a little planning and the right recipes, weeknight dinners can be one less thing to worry about this school year!
