The kids are back to school, and if you’re like me, you’re trying to get back into a routine, and are worried about the responsibility of feeding a family when evenings are quick, and bedtimes are early. Well, you guys, I’m here to help.

I have spent a good portion of the past year testing and reviewing one slow cooker recipe a week with my mother-in-law and a few of my sisters-in-law. I report our findings in my Crock Pot Thursday series, and today, I’m sharing some of our all-time favorites.

I selected easy, quick, and family-friendly choices, so you can slap the meal together in the time it takes to make lunch. Often, the recipe can be assembled the night before, and turned on in the morning, freeing up time to pour yourself one more cup of coffee before the chaos begins.

Feast your eyes on these back to school Crock Pot recipes, and click on the picture or the name to go to the recipe page. Enjoy!

Back to School Crock Pot Recipes

Slow Cooked Whole Chicken
A few spices, an onion, and a chicken make up this recipe. This may be the easiest recipe in the entire Crock Pot Thursday lineup, and it’s healthy and delicious.

Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This one isn’t as healthy as the whole chicken, but you knew that by reading the title. The kids will love it, and it is another terribly easy recipe to assemble.

Pork Carnitas
The flavors in this recipe are complex enough for the adults to enjoy, and the kids love being able to put together their own tortilla fixings. Throw some barbeque sauce on the leftovers and make tasty BBQ pork sandwiches.

French Dip Subs
People went crazy over these subs, and for good reason. A friend’s pre-teen daughter even requested these for her special birthday dinner. They are that good. Make them. Make them soon!

Loaded Baked Potato Soup
The most time consuming part of preparing this incredible soup is frying the bacon and chopping the veggies. Do it the night before, and morning you will sing the praises of night you.

Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These are the perfect amount of spicy for adults and kids who like a kick, but as written, this recipe is too spicy for most small children. Modify the hot sauce and wing sauce to suit your family’s preferences, and enjoy!

These recipes are all tried, tested, and loved by multiple families. We’ve also made lasagna, spare ribs, beef stew, breakfast casserole, and much, much more. Check out the full list HERE, make yourself a shopping list, and log some miles on that slow cooker in your kitchen!

Like what you see? Follow the Crock Pot Thursday Pinterest board!