Meal planning for a family with various special dietary needs can be incredibly difficult.

We are an incredibly busy family of six with one vehicle.

Weeknights are filled with sports practices, theater rehearsals and so much more.

All of our kids are teens with big appetites.

Crockpots or slow cookers are how we make it through our hectic weeks.

Here are 10+ Slow Cooker Meat and Poultry Recipes for Busy Families we love!

We've tried countless crockpot recipes which my husband and I love.

Unfortunately some of our teens don't feel the same way.

They don't like food that is mixed, or food that is cooked in sauce.

Over the past few months we have tested and tried many meat and poultry crock pot meals that can meet the sensory needs of our teens.

Any sugar called for in recipes can easily be replaced with honey or maple syrup.

Here are our favorites!

10+ Slow Cooker Meat and Poultry Recipes for Busy Families

Crockpot Ham

My kids love ham. When I don't have time to cook a ham in the oven, using our slow cooker is a great solution. The meat is juicy and so flavorful.

I love that ham can be used in multiple ways for breakfast lunch and dinner. Once it's cooked and ready to serve, the options are endless.

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

My teens love Mexican food. Once prepared, this recipe works perfect in burritos, tacos, nachos and more.

I make sure onion slices are big enough for the kids to pick out, if they don't want to eat them.

Crock Pot Pulled Pork Recipe

Since moving to the south, our family has come to love pulled pork. Some of the kids like it without BBQ sauce. Others love it with sauce.

This crockpot recipe makes both options possible.

My kids love pulled pork sandwiches. They enjoy it with French fries. Some even enjoy it "hog pen" style.

Slow Cooker Kalua Pork

Kalua pork is my kids FAVORITE slow cooker meat recipe. They can't seem to get enough of it.

We've made it with or without the liquid smoke. No matter how we serve it, the pork is a huge hit with our teens and all of their friends.

Crock Pot Turkey Breast

When I learned I could cook a turkey in a crock pot, I was so excited!

Freshly cooked turkey can be used in so many meals on the go and on relaxing nights at home.

The meat is so moist and juicy. My kids love it.

I especially love this crock pot meal as it's one I can enjoy too. Poultry is safe for those with hemochromatosis.

Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma

I must thank Iron Man on Marvel's Avengers for introducing shawarma to my kids. Ever since the cut scene in that movie, my kids were big fans of trying shawarma.

The great thing about chicken shawarma is that it can be served in so many different ways. My kids prefer it in a pita. I liked it served with a side of veggies.

Again, as someone with hemochromatosis, I love this crock pot meal option!

Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken

Our family loves Mexican food, this slow cooker Mexican chicken is no exception. It's great to use for burritos, tacos, quesadillas, bowls, and more.

This recipe does contain diced tomatoes which was a little bit of a stretch when it comes to my teen's sensory needs. Thankfully, during the slow cooking process they pretty much dissolve.

Crock Pot Chicken Breast Recipe

This is a very versatile chicken recipe. What spices you add completely depends on your mood at the time.

The chicken tastes delicious and is moist and juicy.

It can be used in sandwiches, salads, casseroles, as a main dish and more!

Juicy Beef Brisket

Originally, this was our go to Hanukkah meal.

Our kids loved it so much we started preparing it more often.

We love how well it turns out after cooking in the crock pot all day long. The meat was so tender and juicy.

The meat can be served in so many different ways a part of so many different meals.

When we lived in New York there was the most delicious Mexican restaurant on the corner. The restaurant was set up similar to Chipotles, but tasted so much better and offered more options. Their beef barbacoa was divine.

This recipe takes my teens and husband back to those days in New York. The meat tastes SO good.

My family uses it in so many different Mexican dishes.

Crock Pot Roast

Pot Roast was one of my favorite beef dishes before I found out I had hemochromatosis. My teens and husband enjoy it as well.

To meet sensory needs, I don't usually cook it in the crock pot with potatoes and carrots. Instead I cook it alone.

I do prepare gravy for those who will use it. Some of my kids just enjoy it plain or with one of their favorite sauces.

How Often Do You Prepare Meat in a Slow Cooker or Crock Pot?

In our home, I prepare meat or poultry in a slow cooker once a week.

I usually double the recipe to meet the needs of our family of six, with the exception of a turkey or ham.

When I meal plan and grocery shop, I make sure to pick up sides, toppings, rice, breads, and/or tortillas my family may need or want to enjoy whatever meat or poultry is on the menu for the next 3 to 4 days.

How to Afford Meat and Poultry for Slow Cooker or Crock Pot Meals?

Meat and poultry can be quite expensive these days.

Sometimes I wish my kids were more herbivore than carnivore.

Since they do love meat and poultry so much, I've developed a pretty good system that has helped cut down costs.

Each week I shop local grocery store sales, particularly meat sales.

I keep a list of the specific meats and poultry I'm looking for on my phone.

When one of them goes on sale, I stock up.

Our local grocery store also has really great Manager's Special sales. When meat and poultry on the shelves are close to the "sell by" date, they are marked down about 40% or 50%.

I purchase these meats and poultry, and then immediately put them in the freezer at home to use at a later date.

Just this week I was able to purchase brisket and a frozen turkey using these two approaches.

Over time, you may want to invest in a second freezer to build up meat and poultry storage.

I hope you enjoy these meat and poultry recipes as much as my family has!

If you enjoyed this post, you may enjoy the resources below.