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7 Slow Cooker Dinners That Support Joint Health

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February 4, 2025

The chilly, damp months of winter are notoriously hard on our joints. (The “I can feel it in my joints” weather prediction is legit — studies have found a correlation between seasonal fluctuations in arthritis symptoms.) Even if you don’t have arthritis, you might find yourself extra creaky and stiff as winter’s chill settles into your connective tissues.

One way to get ahead of joint pain in the colder months? Focus on nourishing, anti-inflammatory meals. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the best diet plan for joint pain includes inflammation-lowering foods like nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. And during winter, there’s no better friend to warm, cozy meal-making than the slow cooker.

Below, we’ve combined the goodness of Mediterranean diet-style meals with the convenience of slow cooking. Check out these 7 slow cooker dinners for joint health.

1. Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas

Fajitas are jam-packed with bell peppers, which are nightshade vegetables. Though some people claim that a compound called solanine in nightshades could worsen arthritis symptoms, there’s no scientific evidence to support this belief. In fact, bell peppers are extremely nutritious, brimming with vitamins and antioxidants linked to reduced inflammation. (However, every person with arthritis is different. If you know any food exacerbates your joint pain, skip it.)

Serve this slow-cooked, south-of-the-border mixture on whole wheat tortillas to add whole grains to the equation.

Try this recipe from Haute & Healthy Living.

2. Golden Soup

Turmeric is a buzzy (yet evidence-based) supplement for people with joint pain. A 2021 review of 10 studies found that this golden spice had beneficial effects on osteoarthritic knee pain. While getting high amounts of turmeric in capsules or powders can be a good choice, so is including it in your diet.

This hearty vegetarian soup is laced with a full tablespoon of turmeric, plus a whole head of cauliflower. Research shows that cruciferous veggies like cauliflower are correlated with lower levels of inflammatory markers, especially in women.

Try this recipe from Pinch of Yum.

3. Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with Sweet Potatoes

With lean protein, veggies, beans, and quinoa, this chili is a one-dish wonder of a slow cooker dinner for joint health. (And did we mention it’ll make your kitchen smell amazing?) Even the olive oil you’ll sauté the veggies in is a smart choice for your joints. Its monounsaturated fats are associated with reduced inflammation. Keep the monounsaturated fat content high in this recipe by garnishing the chili with diced avocado. 

Try this recipe from Well Plated by Erin.

4. Crock Pot Vegan Minestrone Soup 

Bumping up your fiber intake might be one key to reducing joint inflammation. According to the Arthritis Foundation, increased fiber might lower inflammatory markers, as well as support weight loss that can ease pressure on joints.

This vegan minestrone is just the ticket for upping your fiber levels. Its two types of beans and a hefty dose of veggies give it 11 grams of fiber per serving. Another bonus: this recipe is truly a fix-and-forget dinner. Dump all the ingredients in the slow cooker, turn on the heat, and let the machine do the work.

Try this recipe from Dietitian Debbie Dishes.

5. Vegan Slow Cooker Tofu Tikka Masala 

If you’ve never tried tofu in the slow cooker, this easy tikka masala might be your gateway recipe. Don’t be intimidated by its long list of ingredients — besides assembling them, there’s very little work to do to get this dinner cooking. And since it’s loaded with inflammation-quashing foods like turmeric, carrots, tomatoes, and cauliflower, you’ll be doing your joints a favor when you ladle up the finished product. Make it a full meal by serving it over brown rice or quinoa. 

Try this recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.

6. Crock Pot Cashew Chicken 

Don’t discount the power of nuts in an anti-inflammatory diet. Studies show that a higher intake of nuts is linked with lower biomarkers of inflammation. To reap their benefits in the slow cooker, check out this Crock Pot cashew chicken.

Here, you’ll fill up not only on crunchy, creamy cashews, but broccoli, bell peppers, and lean chicken. If you’re concerned about sugar causing inflammation, go a little easy on the honey in the sauce.

Try this recipe from Well Plated by Erin.

7. Vegetarian Slow Cooker Lentil Sloppy Joes Over Spaghetti Squash 

Who says sloppy Joes need meat? When you make them with lentils instead of ground beef, as in this vegetarian version, you’ll increase your fiber intake by a mile. Plus, since plant-based diets show promise for reducing inflammation, it can’t hurt to go vegetarian occasionally (or all the time) for joint health.

Meanwhile, instead of serving sloppy Joe filling on the usual white bread bun, this recipe spoons it up atop spaghetti squash, further upping fiber and nutrients like potassium and vitamin A.

Try this recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.

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