73 Best Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes (2024)

Table of Contents

Our Best Slow Cooker Recipes Breakfast 1. Overnight Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole 2. Pumpkin Custard Oatmeal 3. Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole 4. Slow Cooker Spinach and Mozzarella Frittata 5. Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal 6. Slow Cooker Banana Pecan French Toast Lunch and Dinner 7. Skinny Slow Cooker Turkey Breast 8. Slow Cooker Lo Mein 9. Slow Cooker Southern Fried Chicken 10. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili 11. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Risotto 12. Spicy Barbecued Chicken 13. Slow Cooker Everything Chicken 14. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork 15. Skinny Slow Cooker Italian Beef 16. Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken 17. Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken 18. Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Chicken 19. 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken 20. Slow Cooker Jalapeno Chicken Flautas 21. Slow Cooker Turkey Sloppy Joes 22. Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken 23. Skinny Mississippi Pot Roast 24. Slow Cooker Healthy Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze 25. Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin 26. Slow Cooker Polynesian Chicken 27. Slow Cooker Cheesy Spinach Lasagna 28. Slow Cooker Pomegranate Chicken Breasts 29. Crockpot Eggplant Lasagna 30. Slow Cooker Sesame Ginger Ribs 31. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas 32. Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms 33. Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken 34. Honey Chicken and Vegetables 35. Slow Cooker Take-Out Beef and Broccoli 36. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks 37. Slow Cooker Buffalo Turkey Meatballs 38. Slow Cooker Protein Chicken Tacos 39. Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Sweet Potatoes 40. Slow Cooker Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs 41. Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja 42. Slow Cooker Sticky Garlic Chicken Sides 43. Best Slow Cooker Baked Beans 44. Slow Cooker Southern Style Green Beans 45. Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Casserole 46. Savory Sweet Potatoes Soups and Stews 47. Slow Cooker Hearty White Bean Stew 48. Slow Cooker Thick and Chunky Beef Stew 49. Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup 50. Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Soup 51. Easy Crock-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup 52. 5-Ingredient Bacon Cauliflower Slow Cooker Soup 53. Quick and Easy Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup 54. Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup 55. Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup 56. Easy Tomato and Basil Slow Cooker Stew 57. Slow Cooker Carrot Turmeric Soup 58. Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup 59. Crockpot Loaded Creamy Corn Chowder 60. Savory Superfood Soup 61. Cream of Chicken and Rice Soup 62. Slow Cooker French Onion Soup Dessert 63. Slow Cooker Fudge 64. Brown Rice Pudding 65. Banana Foster 66. Slow Cooker Cranberry Nut Stuffed Baked Apples 67. The Ultimate Brown Rice Pudding 68. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler 69. Slow Cooker Molten Lava Cake 70. Slow Cooker Bread Pudding Sauces and Spreads 71. Cranberry Sauce 72. Clean Eating Hot Fudge 73. Apple Butter FAQs References

The only kitchen appliance you NEED!

It’s getting nippy outside, and nothing tastes and smells better on a cold day than something that’s been simmering to perfection in the slow cooker. Unfortunately, not all slow cooker recipes are made with ingredients that are as good for the body as they are for the taste buds. We’ve saved you the time and effort of searching for nutritious slow cooker options that don’t sacrifice taste. You can take comfort in the following list of 73 delicious and healthy slow cooker recipes. They’re the perfect choice for warming up your insides on a cold day, and they’re as good for the body as they are for the soul!

Our Best Slow Cooker Recipes

Your Crock Pot is bound to become your go-to kitchen appliance once you try these delicious and nutritious slow cooker recipes.

Breakfast

1. Overnight Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole

Get the recipe: Overnight Slow Cooker Breakfast Casserole

2. Pumpkin Custard Oatmeal

Satisfy the scale and your sweet tooth with this slightly indulgent morning treat created especially for Fall weather.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Pumpkin Custard Oatmeal

3. Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole

4. Slow Cooker Spinach and Mozzarella Frittata

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Spinach and Mozzarella Frittata

5. Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

This hearty oatmeal makes a great breakfast any day of the week.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

6. Slow Cooker Banana Pecan French Toast

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Banana Pecan French Toast

Lunch and Dinner

7. Skinny Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

You don’t need to wait until Thanksgiving Day to enjoy this moist and tasty turkey breast recipe.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

8. Slow Cooker Lo Mein

Add some international flair to your slow cooker with this recipe, which is full of authentic Asian flavors.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Lo Mein

9. Slow Cooker Southern Fried Chicken

The ultimate comfort food made in your slow cooker using healthy ingredients!

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Fried Chicken

10. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

This buffalo chicken chili is so tender and juicy that it’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

11. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Risotto

There’s no need to be intimidated by risotto with this savory no-fail recipe.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Risotto

12. Spicy Barbecued Chicken

Now you can enjoy barbecued chicken year round with this clean eating version.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Spicy Barbecue Drumsticks

13. Slow Cooker Everything Chicken

Another simple recipe that can be used in tacos or eaten by itself.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Everything Chicken

14. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

This barbecued, smoky pulled pork can be used with whole-wheat rolls to make amazing sandwiches.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork

15. Skinny Slow Cooker Italian Beef

This classically Italian dish packs so much flavor into every single bite.

Get the recipe: Skinny Slow Cooker Italian Beef

16. Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken

We love this slow cooker recipe because it is packed with flavor, and it is so easy to prepare.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken

17. Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

This rich and spicy meal is the perfect way to satisfy your takeout cravings in a healthier way.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker General Tso’s Chicken

18. Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Chicken

This recipe has been ultra popular due to many factors: it’s combination of flavors, satisfying textures, nourishing ingredients, and ease of preparation!

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Chicken

19. 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

Speaking of popular recipes, this slow cooker balsamic chicken is sure to become a new family favorite.

20. Slow Cooker Jalapeno Chicken Flautas

Add some spice to your life with this kickin’ slow cooker recipe.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Jalapeno Chicken Flautas

21. Slow Cooker Turkey Sloppy Joes

This lean and flavorful recipe will remind you of the meal that mom used to make.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Sloppy Joes

22. Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

Keep your chicken extra moist and flavorful with this slow cooker recipe.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken

23. Skinny Mississippi Pot Roast

This deliciously tender pot roast is the perfect Sunday meal to enjoy with the family.

Get the recipe: Skinny Mississippi Pot Roast

24. Slow Cooker Healthy Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze

Meatloaf in the crockpot? You bet! This delicious recipe is just as tasty as it is healthy and easy to make!

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Healthy Meatloaf with Tomato Glaze

25. Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin

This mouth-watering pork recipe tastes just like the roast that grandma used to make.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin

26. Slow Cooker Polynesian Chicken

Another juicy, tender chicken recipe – but this time with classic Polynesian flavors.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Polynesian Chicken Recipe

27. Slow Cooker Cheesy Spinach Lasagna

This vegetarian lasagna has tons of flavor.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Spinach Lasagna

28. Slow Cooker Pomegranate Chicken Breasts

Try serving up this tasty chicken dish with brown rice or whole-wheat pasta for a complete meal.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Pomegranate Chicken Breasts

29. Crockpot Eggplant Lasagna

This vegetarian-friendly dish is bursting with Italian flavor!

Get the recipe: Crockpot Eggplant Lasagna

30. Slow Cooker Sesame Ginger Ribs

Enjoy the zesty zing that these yummy sesame ginger ribs have to offer!

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Sesame Ginger Ribs

31. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

This recipe is one of our most popular, with over 24k shares! They’re good for you but are packed with flavor!

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

32. Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms

Tender chicken smothered in creamy mushroom sauce makes for one tasty dinner!

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms

33. Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

Check out this sweet and savory apricot chicken recipe. This is certainly one the whole family will enjoy.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

34. Honey Chicken and Vegetables

Yummy, filling, and an all around nutritious meal, this recipe is a keeper!

Get the recipe: Honey Chicken and Vegetables

35. Slow Cooker Take-Out Beef and Broccoli

This healthy alternative to takeout is packed with flavor and nutrients!

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Take-Out Beef and Broccoli

36. Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks

A homestyle favorite is made even more tender and savory in the slow cooker.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steaks

37. Slow Cooker Buffalo Turkey Meatballs

Healthier and tastier than buffalo wings.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Buffalo Turkey Meatballs

38. Slow Cooker Protein Chicken Tacos

No need to swing through the drive through with this clean-eating southwest recipe made easily in the slow cooker.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Protein Chicken Tacos

39. Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

This all-in-one crock pot meal is a great source of protein and mouth watering Italian flavor.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

40. Slow Cooker Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Moist, perfectly seasoned, lean ground turkey surrounds ooey gooey cheese that will just melt in your mouth.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

41. Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja

You can’t miss out on this savory and tender recipe!

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja

42. Slow Cooker Sticky Garlic Chicken

Our slow cooked sticky garlic chicken is not only overflowing with satisfying flavors but it also offers a mouth watering texture.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Sticky Garlic Chicken

Sides

43. Best Slow Cooker Baked Beans

Baked beans are a classic side dish during the spring and summer months.

Get the recipe: Best Slow Cooker Baked Beans

44. Slow Cooker Southern Style Green Beans

Sure you could just microwave a bag of frozen veggies but this healthy side is worth the extra effort!

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Style Green Beans

45. Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Try “baking” your potatoes in the slow cooker instead for a more moist texture. This loaded casserole is packed with savory flavors, too!

Get the recipe: Skinny Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

46. Savory Sweet Potatoes

This sweet and spicy side dish was once a secret family recipe. Now, we are happy to be sharing it with you. Enjoy!

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes

Soups and Stews

47. Slow Cooker Hearty White Bean Stew

With plenty of veggies and white beans, this turkey dish is a meal all in itself.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Hearty White Bean Stew

48. Slow Cooker Thick and Chunky Beef Stew

This hearty and flavorful beef stew is especially good when you’re in need of a little comfort.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Thick and Chunky Beef Stew

49. Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

This creamy comfort food dish is a great way to use up leftover holiday ham.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

50. Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Soup

Tired of traditional slow cooker recipes? Try this tasty Thai dish instead.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Soup

51. Easy Crock-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Yummy, satisfying, and so easy to make. It’s so much better than canned versions in both taste and nutrition.

Get the recipe: Easy Crock-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

52. 5-Ingredient Bacon Cauliflower Slow Cooker Soup

So creamy and savory, and made with just five ingredients!

Get the recipe: 5-Ingredient Bacon Cauliflower Slow Cooker Soup

53. Quick and Easy Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

Try this quick, easy, and protein-packed soup the next time you need a simple lunch or dinner!

Get the recipe: Quick and Easy Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

54. Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

This veggie-packed soup is made with healthy ingredients and your favorite Italian flavors.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

55. Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup

Just a pinch (1/8 teaspoon) of one surprising seasoning gives this soup an unbeatable taste.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup

56. Easy Tomato and Basil Slow Cooker Stew

So simple to make, you won’t reach for the canned version ever again.

Get the recipe: Easy Tomato and Basil Slow Cooker Stew

57. Slow Cooker Carrot Turmeric Soup

This is the triumvirate of good soups – it smells, tastes and looks fantastic.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Carrot Turmeric Soup

58. Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup

A warm, hearty soup that will soothe your body and soul on a cool evening or just after a long day.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup

59. Crockpot Loaded Creamy Corn Chowder

Creamy corn chowder is another beloved comfort food. Luckily ours offers that classic flavor and texture in a healthier way!

Get the recipe: Crockpot Loaded Creamy Corn Chowder

60. Savory Superfood Soup

This comforting soup is loaded with superfoods, spices, and all things good.

Get the recipe: Skinny Slow Cooker Superfood Soup

61. Cream of Chicken and Rice Soup

A classic made healthy and just for the slow cooker.

Get the recipe: Cream of Chicken and Rice Soup

62. Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

Our list wouldn’t be complete without a drool worthy French onion soup that you can make in your slow cooker!

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

Dessert

63. Slow Cooker Fudge

This fudge recipe proves that delicious food doesn’t have to be unhealthy.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Fudge

64. Brown Rice Pudding

This family favorite is deliciously creamy, subtly sweet, and contains only natural sugars.

Get the recipe: Brown Rice Pudding

65. Banana Foster

Originating in New Orleans around 1951, this classic dessert is just as tasty as the original, but this lighter version has only 110 calories per serving.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Bananas Foster

66. Slow Cooker Cranberry Nut Stuffed Baked Apples

Apples, cranberries, walnuts, brown sugar, and orange zest team up to create a simple yet mouthwatering treat!

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Nut Stuffed Baked Apples

67. The Ultimate Brown Rice Pudding

Homemade rice pudding is so much yummier than store bought options.

Get the recipe: The Ultimate Brown Rice Pudding

68. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

Our scrumptious pumpkin pecan cobbler is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth this fall!

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

69. Slow Cooker Molten Lava Cake

You read that right! Molten lava cake in your slow cooker! Not only does it taste amazing, but it will make your kitchen smell incredible, too.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Molten Lava Cake

70. Slow Cooker Bread Pudding

This bread pudding recipe will fill your belly with warm, comforting flavors that remind you of your childhood.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Bread Pudding

Sauces and Spreads

71. Cranberry Sauce

This classic recipe may become your new holiday staple.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

72. Clean Eating Hot Fudge

Why buy jarred hot fudge when you can prepare your own delectable fudge at home in your slow cooker! So yummy!

Get the recipe: Clean Eating Hot Fudge

73. Apple Butter

This apple butter recipe uses only a small amount of unrefined sugar and can be eliminated altogether if preferred.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Butter

Skinny Ms. has even more awesome slow cooker recipes that the entire family will love! Check out our healthy and slimming slow cooker recipes here!

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73 Best Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Which slow cooker is healthier? ›

The best non-toxic slow cookers have a stainless steel cooking pot. This kind of cookware is non-toxic, durable, and easy to recycle when the time comes. Sure, stainless steel isn't technically non-stick, but this doesn't really matter if you're cooking soups, stews, and other juicy meals.

Read The Full Story ›

Is cooking in a slow cooker healthy? ›

Information. Slow cookers or crock pots can safely cook food. The slow cooker, a countertop appliance, cooks foods slowly at a low temperature -- generally between 170 °F (76.7 °C) and 280 °F (137.8 °C). The low heat helps less expensive, leaner cuts of meat become tender and shrink less.

Discover More Details ›

What vegetables should not be added to a slow cooker? ›

Delicate Vegetables

The slow cooker is great for tenderizing tough cuts of meat, preparing a stew, or whipping up a rich, flavorful bowl of chili. It's not great, however, for cooking delicate vegetables such as spinach, asparagus, and peas.

What is the best meat for Crockpot meals? ›

Choose the right cut: Chuck roasts, short ribs, pork shoulders and lamb shanks (think fatty and tougher meats) become meltingly tender with the moist, low heat of a slow cooker. Leaner cuts like pork tenderloin tend to dry out. Likewise, dark meat chicken — thighs, drumsticks, etc.

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What is the healthiest meat to slow cook? ›

common lean roasts found in the grocery store

chuck tender roast. A lean roast that requires slow cooking to tenderize.
shoulder roast. An inexpensive chuck cut with good flavor and good for roasting or slow cooking.
rump roast. A boneless and lean cut ideal for slow cooking.
eye of round roast.

Which is better a Crockpot or slow cooker? ›

If you're planning to cook your meals mostly when you're not home or overnight, then sticking to a Crockpot might be a better choice, since the heat distribution is more even and there is no need to stir at all.

Explore More ›

What are the disadvantages of a slow cooker? ›

What are the disadvantages of a slow cooker? Slow cookers only apply heat to the bottom of the crock, which cuts down on their ability to reduce liquids and brown foods, and develop flavor the same way a Dutch oven or pressure cooker can.

Keep Reading ›

Can I put raw chicken in a slow cooker? ›

Yes, you can put raw chicken in a slow cooker! Slow cookers and Crock-Pots are designed to cook raw meats. The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking time and steam created from the tightly covered container destroys bacteria, making slow cooking safe. You can put frozen chicken in a slow cooker, too!

Explore More ›

Can I put frozen meat in a slow cooker? ›

Information. It is best to thaw meat or poultry before putting it into a slow cooker. Frozen pieces will take longer to reach a safe internal temperature and could possibly result in foodborne illness. Frozen or partially frozen foods can also cool everything else in the slow cooker.

What not to put in a crockpot? ›

10 Foods You Should Never Make In A Slow Cooker

Dairy. Adding milk, cream, cheese, sour cream, or yogurt to a slow cooker will curdle them. ...
Couscous. It'll only get mushy and completely unappetizing. ...
Rice. ...
Pasta. ...
Boneless Chicken Breast. ...
Raw Meat. ...
Extra Fat. ...
Delicate Vegetables.

More items...

Feb 2, 2017

Learn More Now ›

Do potatoes go on top or bottom of meat in a crockpot? ›

Slow cooker recipes have (obviously) long cook times, and it's the meat—not the carrots—that benefit from it. By placing the protein at the bottom (closest to the heating element), and vegetables at the top, you can keep your plant parts a little more toothsome, while ensuring your meat is fall-apart tender.

Get More Info Here ›

What is the secret to slow cooking meat? ›

Choosing the Right Cut for Slow Cooking

Tough cuts of beef, like chuck or brisket, are ideal for slow cooking as they become tender and flavorful over long periods of time. Marbling, which refers to the presence of fat within the meat, is important for adding moisture and flavor to your slow-cooked beef dishes.

Discover More ›

Which cuts of beef are best for slow cooking? ›

Here are the very best beef cuts to keep on hand to slow cook:

Chuck steak.
Round steak.
Blade steak.
Topside.
Silverside.
Skirt steak.
Shin (gravy) beef.
Sausages.

Find Out More ›

Should meat be covered in a slow cooker? ›

It doesn't matter if it is covered or not. The inside of the slow cooker will be warm enough to cook the meat. Braising (not submerged) and simmering (submerged) are two methods which both can lead to good results. The "very chewy" result sounds like choosing the wrong type of meat for slow cooking.

Discover More Details ›

What is the healthiest cooker? ›

Stainless steel cookers are a top choice for health-conscious individuals when selecting cookware. Renowned for their durability and efficiency, stainless steel cookers offer numerous health benefits that make them a staple in any kitchen.

See Details ›

Which is healthier, a slow cooker or a pressure cooker? ›

If you enjoy prepping your meal in the morning and letting it cook all day so that it's ready by dinner time, go with a slow cooker. Conversely, a pressure cooker might be the better option if you want an easy way to make healthy meals without much planning.

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What is the best alternative to a slow cooker? ›

If you have a Dutch oven and cast-iron skillet, you're well on your way to slow-cooking success. A roasting pan can be useful, too. Essentially, braising involves cooking food — meat, seafood or vegetables — in a sealed environment with some liquid. As it's heated, the braising liquid releases steam.

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Which is better rice cooker or slow cooker? ›

A slow cooker distributes slow and even heat— that's why you can leave a roast cooking for hours and get tender and not overcooked results. Rice cookers work fast to bring ingredients to a rapid boil, which delivers the intense steam needed to create fluffy rice or steamed vegetables.