Slow Cooker Recipes for Large Families (2024)

My crockpot is the most used appliance in my kitchen. As a mom of many the slow cooker is a lifesaver for me and allows me to get dinner cooking with no babysitting at all. As a busy mom easy slow cooker recipes, like slow cooker and crockpot recipes, are essential for my meal plan rotation.

Here is a list of over 30 crockpot recipes I regularly make. This list includes main dishes, side dishes, appetizers and even desserts.

Over 30 Crockpot Recipes

22 Slow Cooker Pork Chop Recipes– your master list for finding ways to use up pork chops!
Smothered Pork Chops in the Slow Cooker– these are a family favorite at our house. We make these year round.
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chicken– you won’t believe the secret ingredient in this recipe!
Slow Cooker Rotisserie Chicken– yes, you can 100% make your own rotisserie chicken at home!
Slow Cooker Potato Corn Chowder– super good and so easy to make! We love a good chowder.
Crockpot Green Bean Casserole– never make this in the oven again. Especially around the holidays, you want to free up oven space and this is the perfect way to do it.
Crockpot Beans and Rice– one of my favorite budget friendly meals!
Crockpot Crushed Tomato and Chicken Soup– huge gan of crushed tomatoes and chicken… why not combine them in a soup?
Spaghetti and Meat Sauce (in the crockpot)- yes, you can make this in your slow cooker!
Crockpot Chicken and Zucchini over Bowtie Pasta– oh, we love this one in the summer! The zucchini and pasta and chicken together are so good!
Crockpot Chicken and Noodles– this is one of our favorite go to meals and has been for years!
Crockpot Orange Chicken Stir Fry– never order out again!
Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes– another great way to avoid waiting for something to boil. The next time you make mashed potatoes, do it in the slow cooker! You won’t regret it.
– yes, you can totally make this in the slow cooker.
Crockpot Creamy Chicken Tacos- one of my favorite ways to make tacos. Toss it in and dinner is done when in 6 hours.
Crockpot Veggie Lasagna – you can use an oval slow cooker or one of the casserole style slow cookers. And no need to cook the noodles!
Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Stir Fry– this is a recipe that adjusts easily and is perfect for a busy school night!
Tex Mex Roast Wraps– a whole new way to eat a taco!!!
Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip – one of my favorite appetizers!
Honey Catalina Chicken in the Crockpot (two ingredients)- easy peasy is my favorite!!
Apple Butter Pork Chops (in the crockpot) – oh, these scream Fall!! Your kids will beg for more!
Italian Crockpot Chicken– serve this with egg noodles.
Crockpot Corn and Chicken Enchilada Casserole– such an easy way to make enchiladas!
Crockpot Spicy Apricot Chicken (guest post)- this is so good and the spice can be controlled if you have little kids.
Crockpot Chicken Stock (guest post)- such a great way to have chicken stock on hand!
Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore– I love one pot meals like this where the meat and veggies are all in one dish.
Crockpot Lemon Chicken – you can never go wrong with lemon and chicken.
Crockpot BBQ Chicken – BBQ chicken does not get easier than this!
Crockpot Ravioli – this is one of the most viewed recipes on my site to day. We love it!
Crockpot Spaghetti and Meatballs (frozen beef meatballs) so easy it’s almost unbelievable. Great for a quick dinner that needs to be thrown together fast!
Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles – my Grandmother made this all the time when I was a kid.
Crockpot Sloppy Joes– another old fashioned dinner.
Crockpot Blueberry Cobbler – who said you can’t make dessert in the slow cooker? Change out the fruit for a different taste!
Crockpot Lava Cake – we LOVE this dessert!
Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole – breakfast for dinner is always a delicious idea!
Crockpot Navy Beans and Ham– perfect for a holiday or any weeknight!
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore – an easy recipe requires just a few simple ingredients.
Crockpot Spaghetti – super easy and delicious spaghetti with melty cheese on top.
Crockpot Taco Casserole – easy delicious dinner perfect for busy Taco Tuesday!
Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing – Everyday can be Thanksgiving with this easy meal!
Crockpot Rice and Beans– with a few ingredients, you can enjoy the taste of Mexico.
Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo – Easy alfredo recipe made easy with egg noodles.
Crockpot Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas – easy, comfort food your family will love.

Slow Cooker Recipes for Large Families (2)

By the way, do you have questions about cooking in your crockpot? Check out my 10 slow cooker tips to ensure flawless results. A link to it is at the end of this post.

Slow Cooker Recipes for Large Families (3)

31 More Slow Cooker Recipes You Can Download

Want to be able to download recipes that are perfect for your lifestyle? That is what this cookbook is! It includes 31 slow cooker recipes that are perfect for busy moms.

My Favorite Slow Cooker

Here is my MOST FAVORITE slow cooker that gets the most use at my house. It is a 6 qt oval and is programmable.

Slow Cooker Recipes for Large Families (5)

How To Meal Plan

In 2006 I went from one child to four children what felt like overnight. I came to the marriage with a six year old son and my husband had a four year old son and then we had twins together.

This is what changed my life when it came to dinnertime. I remember sitting on the sofa nursing twin babies for hours and hours and hours with a six year old needing me still for everything.

And dinner… it was drive thru.

Dinner became sink or swim for me. And I finally nailed it.

I created a five step method and it worked for me.

Almost nine years ago I put it all into a downloadable guide to help moms everywhere. It has been downloaded over 20,000 times! It’s worth the read.

Slow Cooker Recipes for Large Families (6)

Slow Cooker Recipes for Large Families (2024)

FAQs

What size slow cooker for 10 people? ›

But sizes range from the smallest slow cooker, a 20-ounce mini crock pot, to the largest slow cooker on the market, a 10-quart extra large pot. A general guideline is to allow one quart per person then round up a bit—keep in mind slow cookers should be one-half to two-thirds full for optimal cooking.

How many people does a large slow cooker feed? ›

These slow cooker sizes feed up to eight people and have enough room to hold roasts up to 6 lbs and whole chickens with cut-up vegetables. Large slow cookers can cook large enough casseroles and other meals to feed the whole family, plus provide leftovers since they hold between 6 and 7 quarts of food.

Learn More ›

What is the largest slow cooker capacity? ›

Slow cookers range in capacity, from a compact 1.5 litres up to 7 litres. As a general guide, a 1.5 to 2.3-litre capacity is great for two people, a larger 4 to 4.5 litres will feed four, and 5.5 to 7 litres is ideal for four to six people.

Learn More ›

What is the best size slow cooker for a family of 2? ›

“When cooking for one or two people, opt for a 2 to 3-quart slow cooker,” says Grainger. “While cooking larger cuts of meat like a roast may not be recommended, it is the ideal size for small meals, soups, and dips.

Discover More ›

What's the difference between a slow cooker and a Crockpot? ›

However, Crockpots generally have ceramic or porcelain pots, while most slow cookers have a metal pot. As with a lot of cooking appliances, the biggest difference comes from the distribution of heat.

Tell Me More ›

Is a 7 quart Crockpot big enough? ›

With a 7-quart capacity, it cooks meals for 9+ people, perfect for feeding a crowd. The stoneware bowl is removable and oven-safe.

Tell Me More ›

What size slow cooker do most recipes call for? ›

Many slow cooker recipes are written for 6-quart models and can simply be halved for this size. If you'd like a little more room for leftovers or the ability to cook for a few guests now and then, a 3 1/2 to 4 1/2-quart pot is big enough for most medium-sized dishes.

Find Out More ›

Can you over crowd a slow cooker? ›

How full do I fill my Crockpot slow cooker? Try not to overcrowd you slow cooker ingredients. You'll get the best results by filling your slow cooker between one-half and two-thirds full.

Keep Reading ›

Can you put meat in the slow cooker raw? ›

Yes, you most certainly can cook raw meat in the slow cooker! You put it in “cold”, with whatever liquid your recipe calls for, turn it on either “low” or “high” depending on your recipe (I usually start it on “high” for a couple hours, then turn it to “low”), and in 6–7–8 hours, it's now COOKED meat!

Get More Info ›

Should the outside of a slow cooker get hot? ›

This is normal, especially after prolonged use. Therefore, do not touch the outside of the slow cooker, as this can cause burns.

Know More ›

Can you cook pasta in a slow cooker? ›

To keep pasta from becoming mushy in the crock pot, be sure to check for doneness periodically and serve once they are tender. It takes slow cooker pasta 3 to 4 hours on low or 1 to 2 hours on high. Check pasta doneness sooner than later, especially as some slow cookers are more powerful than others.

See Details ›

Can you put a pyrex bowl in a slow cooker? ›

Cooking times in Pyrex are about the same, even a little shorter in some cases but you need to lower baking temperature by 25F to avoid overcooking. Can you put a Pyrex dish in a slow cooker? Yes, of course. Pyrex was developed to withstand heat and to be shatter-resistant.

Discover More Details ›

Can I put a glass bowl in a crockpot? ›

One option you can use are heat-safe glass bowls inside your 6-8 quart slow cooker. You simply place about a cup of water in your crock and then place your bowl inside your crock. Then you can put your ingredients in the bowl and cook as you normally would.

Discover More Details ›

What to do if your crockpot is too big? ›

That's okay. All you need to do is simply insert an oven-safe dish into your cooker and then put your food into the dish. This will create a smaller cooking vessel which will insulate your food and keep it from getting over-cooked or lost in a huge machine.

Discover More ›

Is a 4.5-quart Crockpot big? ›

The 4.5-quart capacity feeds 5+ people, making it perfect for family meals, soups, chilis, stews, and more.

Tell Me More ›

Is a 6-quart slow cooker too big? ›

If your slow cooker plans are all about big-batch cooking or feeding a large potluck crew (maybe once we're all given the green light to gather again), you're going to want a 6-quart slow cooker or something even larger.

View Details ›

How many people does a 6.5 L slow cooker serve? ›

Large 6.5L capacity will serve 6+ people.

Discover More ›

How many people will a 3.5 slow cooker feed? ›

Whether you're cooking for two, or making a meal for the whole family, the slow cooker's generous 3.5 litre capacity can easily cook up to 4 portions at a time.