13 Healthy Crock Pot Recipes You’ll Want to Make All Year

May 22, 2024

Courtesy of Well Plated

Crock-Pots offer delicious homemade meals with the convenience of (mostly) hands-off cooking. While this kitchen tool is usually the star of warm, cozy meals during colder months, it’s one of the easiest ways to prep dinner all year long. From classic chili to shredded chicken tacos, Crock-Pots’ set-it-and-forget-it convenience makes it possible to pull off a healthy meal on busy weeknights. Here are some of our favorite healthy Crock-Pot recipes to inspire your next slow cooker night.

First things first: Is there a difference between slow cookers and Crock-Pots?

The simple answer: no. Crock-Pots are the original brand of slow cookers and brought on the rise of the appliance. But not all slow cookers are Crock-Pots. There are several appliance brands that offer slow cookers, including KitchenAid, Cuisinart, and Hamilton Beach. Slow cookers use moist heat and typically offer two temperature settings: low and high.

What are typical cook times for Crock-Pot recipes?

On a low heat setting, a slow cooker’s temperature is around 200°F, and on high it’s about 300°F. The average cooking time varies based on what you’re cooking:

Short ribs: 8-9 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high
Pot roast: 9-10 hours on low or 7 hours on high
Chicken breasts: 2-3 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high
Lamb chops: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
Salmon: 1 hour on low or 30 minutes on high

You asked: Can you put raw meat in Crock-Pots?

Yes, you can cook raw protein in a Crock-Pot, and you can start with it fresh or frozen. Keep in mind that you’ll need to add extra cooking time if the meat is frozen. It depends on the size and cut of the protein, but generally, you increase cooking time by about 2 hours for frozen meats.

1. Vegetarian Chili

Kick off your evening with a protein-packed classic: a cozy bowl of delicious chili. No meat? No problem. This slow-cooked vegetarian chili features a hearty blend of vegetables, tomatoes, and beans along with a rich medley of spices that’ll keep you warm and satisfied.

Try this recipe from Cookie and Kate.

2. Crock-Pot Salsa Chicken

For a healthy Crock-Pot recipe that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy, try this dish. It’s simple and flavorful, and you can use it in countless meals, from tacos to salads, sandwiches, and rice bowls.

Try this recipe from Gimme Some Oven.

3. Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Discover the soothing flavors of a classic dish reimagined with this dairy-free chicken pot pie soup. This slow-cooker wonder transforms cauliflower and potatoes into a sumptuous creamy base for the soup’s tender chunks of chicken and vibrant mix of vegetables. It’s a gluten- and dairy-free take on comfort food that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Try this recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.

4. Detox Crock-Pot Lentil Soup

This “detoxifying” recipe comes together over about six hours in the Crock-Pot, melding a healthy and delicious base of onions, potatoes, squash, carrots, lentils, and herbs. For a creamy texture, pulse it in the blender. Serve with a slice of crusty bread and some Parmesan cheese.

Try this recipe from Pinch of Yum.

5. Chicken Cacciatore

Brown the chicken pieces to lock in deep flavor before adding it to the slow cooker with tomatoes, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Serve this Italian-inspired dish with pasta, rice, or polenta.

Try this recipe from Well Plated.

6. Chicken Tikka Masala

Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Take your taste buds on a trip with this delicious dish, which utilizes light coconut milk instead of heavy cream. The spicy and sweet flavors meld together over hours in the slow cooker for a bold, aromatic dish. Serve with naan, pita bread, or rice.

Try this recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.

7. Crock-Pot Pepper Steak

In this slow-cooked version of the Asian-inspired takeout classic, you sprinkle steak pieces with seasonings, brown to enhance flavor, then slow-cook with onions, bell peppers, and a sweet and tangy sauce that thickens into a luscious gravy. Top with scallions and serve with your favorite rice.

Try this recipe from Well Plated.

8. Southwest Quinoa Bowl

Spice up your weeknights with this southwest-inspired quinoa bowl. Perfect for vegetarians, it has beans, peppers, corn, and, of course, quinoa. As a great source of plant-based protein, you can enjoy it as is, serve it with tofu or eggs on top. Top it with avocado, cilantro, and chopped jalapeños (if you enjoy heat).

Try this recipe from Chelsea’s Messy Apron.

9. Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken & Orzo

With just 10 minutes of prep, this dish will become a favorite healthy Crock-Pot recipe. Start by generously seasoning chicken breasts and browning them in a pan. Add orzo, mushrooms, and chicken broth to the Crock-Pot along with the chicken and cook on low for 6 hours. The result is an impressive plate, but your family will never guess how simple it was to make.

Try this recipe from Creme De La Crumb.

10. Crock-Pot Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Who could forget the viral butternut squash mac and cheese? Next time you’re craving this cheesy bowl, try whipping up a healthier version in the Crock-Pot. Cooked butternut squash, red lentils, and broth go in the blender to create a lighter sauce that’s deceptively creamy and full of fiber. All that’s left to do is toss in cooked pasta, stir, and season with lots of cheese — it’s that easy.

Try this recipe from Haute and Healthy Living.

11. Slow Cooker Oatmeal

Crock-Pot oatmeal is the perfect meal-prep breakfast for the week. Steel-cut oats are heartier and chewier than regular rolled oats, and the slow cooker makes the longer cooking time less of hassle. Simply toss the oats with some water, brown sugar (or maple syrup), cinnamon, and salt into the Crock-Pot and cook on low for 6 hours. Fruits like apples and bananas work great as toppings.

Try this recipe from The Recipe Rebel.

12. Slow Cooker Peach Chicken

For a light and refreshing dinner, combine ripe peaches and tangy balsamic vinegar with boneless chicken breasts. In just 4 hours, you can serve up ultra-tender chicken with a sweet-tangy twist. Serve with cauliflower rice to really soak up all the flavors — and don’t forget lots of fresh basil.

Try this recipe from Real Food Whole Life.

13. Slow Cooker Greek Rice

Here’s a healthy, Mediterranean style Crock-Pot recipe full of zest and vibrant colors. Using rice as the base, dress up the dish with tangy feta, kalamata olives, and red and green bell peppers. Cook on high for just under 2 hours and serve with chicken or your favorite kind of fish. Finish with chopped scallions for freshness and a pop of green.

Try this recipe from Kalyn’s Kitchen.