The slow cooker has been Mom’s little helper since the early 1970s (yes, I looked that up), and that was when the Crock-Pot® was marketed to working mothers with the tagline: “It cooks all day while the cook’s away.” Now slow cookers come in a variety of different brands and styles, and they’re every bit as helpful to stay-at-home moms as they are to working ones. An easy meal is just one awesome recipe away, so below are 10 that your kids will love!

1. Balsamic Shredded Beef

Just whip up an easy sauce of beef broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar and garlic, pour over a beef chuck roast, and cook in the slow cooker on low for six to eight hours. Shred the roast and serve atop mashed or baked potatoes for a hardy meal that will leave your family full! Image Via: Shurgary Sweets

2. Creamy Spinach and Tomato Tortellini

I’ve made this super simple cheesy recipe several times and it always goes fast around here! Tip: I’ve made it with sausage too, for added protein, and it’s even tastier. Use frozen or fresh tortellini. Both turn out great in the slow cooker! Image Via: Funny is Family

3. Chicken Philly Cheesesteaks

I LOVE chicken Philly cheesesteak sandwiches but have never made them in the slow cooker. This recipe is right up my alley, and it’s a perfect kid-pleaser (mine would remove the peppers, though)! Spoon mixture on hoagie rolls, top with cheese (my kids prefer American) and bake for a few minutes in the oven until the roll is crispy and the cheese is melty! Image Via: The Magical Slow Cooker

4. Uncle Jack’s Mac ‘N’ Cheese

This recipe is perfect for a sports night! On certain nights around here, the kids only have 15 minutes to eat after they’ve done homework and changed into their uniforms. Macaroni in the slow cooker might sound strange, but what comes out is sort of like a deep-dish macaroni pie. Serve with some hot dogs and raw vegetables for a go-go-go dinner! Image Via: My Recipes

5. Extra Meaty Beef and Red Bean Chili

Ground beef and pieces of chuck-eye steak make this chili extra hearty! If your kids aren’t into meat, just pick one or the other. Short on time? Substitute a pack or two of taco seasoning for all the spices listed. Image Via: My Recipes

6. Chicken Italiano

What kid doesn’t love spaghetti? This delicious recipe takes it one step further with tomatoes, marinara sauce and Italian dressing over chicken breasts. Top with parmesan cheese, serve over spaghetti and you’re ready to mangia!

7. Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

Layering thinly sliced potatoes with diced Land O’Frost Smoked Ham, onions and American cheese makes this dish a major kid-pleaser. Pour cream of mushroom soup on top (or cream of chicken, if your kids prefer) and cook on low for seven to eight hours.

8. Beef and Broccoli

I love this Asian-inspired recipe because it just calls for adding frozen broccoli close to the end of the cooking cycle; no need to fuss with cutting up produce! No browning of the meat is necessary beforehand, another bonus! Image Via: Funny is Family 

9. Simple Chicken Noodle Soup

Other slow cooker recipes I’ve found for chicken noodle soup have been too fussy or “fancy” for my kids because they add lots of herbs and spices. This recipe calls for chicken, butter, cream of chicken soup, chicken stock, salt and pepper. Just add the egg noodles at the end of the cooking cycle for a no-frills chicken noodle soup that’s perfect for kids. Image Via: Funny is Family

10. Dorito Chicken Casserole

This Dorito-licious recipe calls for chicken breast, enchilada sauce, sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese, black olives, and – of course – Doritos. Put Mom’s little helper to work overtime this winter with these 10 recipes, so that you don’t have to! After all, everybody knows: if Mom’s not happy, nobody is! Image Via: The Magical Slow Cooker