While we really enjoy the school summer holidays, I hate the way they just fly past. Especially when I only got a short holiday from work!
Now I need to focus on planning family meals and getting organised, and the slow cooker is perfect for this. Read on for my favourite Back to School slow cooker recipes which are brilliant for families.
I’ve collected together some great family slow cooker recipes from fellow UK food bloggers and from my website that should help to ease you back into your routine. All these recipes are ideal for families, without compromising on taste.
Whether you are vegetarian or confirmed meat eaters, there is something here for you.
My slow cooker sausage casserole, so popular on the blog, even through the summer this year! Easy to make and you can throw in any veg languishing in the fridge.
Slow cooker shepherd’s pie, a family favourite that works all year round.
Slow cooker cottage pie, another family favourite that always goes down a treat.
Easy cheesy pulled chicken wraps from Fab Food 4 All. I love this great recipe for chicken thighs, which is bound to go down well.
Slow cooker jacket/baked potatoes. A lifesaver on ultra busy days! Sling a batch of potatoes in the slow cooker and then all you need to prepare is a few of your favourite fillings or sides.
Slow cooker macaroni cheese. Perfect either as the main event or as a side to meat or meat alternatives and veg.
My slow cooker chicken saag curry. You can adjust the level of spice to suit your tastes and your family.
Slow cooker beef curry, full of veggies and just so easy.
Slow cooker vegetable stew from Tin and Thyme, full of veggie goodness, a wonderful comforting dish for those colder days that are on the way.
Slow cooker bean chilli. Vegetarian goodness to warm up the dullest autumn day.
Slow cooked beef with gnocchi from Foodie Quine. I don’t use gnocchi enough and forget how quick they are. This is the perfect winter warmer!
My slow cooker pork, leek and apple casserole. The apple gives a touch of sweetness my kids love.
Slow cooker beef casserole with chorizo. Paprika and chorizo lend a Spanish flavour to this delicious slow cooker beef stew.
Slow cooker chicken casserole. Using chicken thighs, this is a great autumn and winter dish with the addition of lentils and sweet potatoes.
Slow cooker rosemary garlic chicken with honey and lemon from Munchies and Munchkins, made with the tastiest pieces of chicken and looking at the dish I don’t think you’d know it was made in the slow cooker!
Slow cooker Chinese chicken curry. That takeaway favourite made at home in your slow cooker!
Slow cooker Mexican chicken. Ideal to serve in tacos or with tortillas, this recipe is easy and delicious.
This mild creamy slow cooker chicken curry suits all ages. So simple to prepare, and full of flavour.
I hope this collection of Back to School slow cooker recipes has inspired you to get the slow cooker out again and will help with getting back into routine. Meal planning is a lifesaver for a busy family and the slow cooker is the perfect complement!
If you are hungry for more slow cooker recipes, you can also check out all my slow cooker recipes here, with loads of slow cooker baking recipes too.
As a taster, my slow cooker apple crumble is great as a family dessert, and ideal for cold days.
What is your go-to slow cooker recipe?
Kavita Favelle says
We fall into a rut sometimes so great to read some more ideas on how to make best of our slow cooker!
Choclette says
I say this every time I see one of your slow cooker posts – “I really must get my slow cooker out”! The summer has really flown and I’ve pretty much had my head glued to the computer in between bouts of frenetic weeding.
Thanks for sharing one of my recipes.
Rosie (@greenrosielife) says
Perfect timing and bookmarked for future reference. I need meals ready as son as hungry teenagers get home from school or else they start snacking and these have given me some great inspiration!
bakingqueen74 says
Brilliant, glad this will be useful for you Rosie
munchiesandmunchkins says
Fab ideas here. Thanks for adding mine xx
bakingqueen74 says
You’re welcome Becky, hope you find them useful too
fabfood4all says
Loving these recipes and am reminded I still haven’t made a jacket potato in my slow cooker yet! Thanks for including my recipe:-)
bakingqueen74 says
You must try Camilla I think they are really tasty!
choclette says
I wish I had room for my slow cooker on my worktop, I’d use it an awful lot more if I did. I’m really quite excited at the realisation you can cook “baked” potatoes in the slow cooker – what a fab idea.
bakingqueen74 says
I stick mine on top of my electric hob so it doesn’t get in the way. Slow cooked jacket potatoes are ideal when you are busy all day!
Alecia says
Stick it in the shed or a cupboard I have my Xmas 3 pot one in the garage until I need it
Jac -Tinned Tomatoes (@tinnedtoms) says
I sometimes wish I hadn’t given my slow cooker away, especially now I am seeing so many creative recipes.
bakingqueen74 says
I seem to have more and more slow cookers each time I check!
Elizabeth says
Some great ideas here! I love my slow cooker, I do, but I don’t use it nearly as often as I should. Such a time saver!
bakingqueen74 says
It really is isn’t it Elizabeth, I wouldn’t know what to do without mine.