Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for healthy eating? Look no further! With these 20 delicious and nutritious slow cooker recipes, you can achieve weight loss success without sacrificing taste. From hearty soups to flavorful stews, we’ve got you covered with a variety of options that are perfect for busy days when cooking seems like an impossible task.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of slow cooker recipes, where convenience meets deliciousness. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy or savory, these recipes offer endless possibilities for meal planning and prep. So why wait? Dive into our collection of 20 healthy slow cooker recipes and discover a new way to cook that’s both easy and impressive!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetable Soup
A comforting and flavorful soup perfect for a chilly day, made with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the chicken, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper to a slow cooker.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes.
3. Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the top.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred with two forks. Return to the soup and stir well.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Transform bell peppers into a flavorful and nutritious main dish with this simple recipe featuring turkey, quinoa, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook the turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add the chopped onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in the cooked quinoa and olive oil.
6. Stuff each pepper with the turkey mixture and cover with foil.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Lentil and Spinach Curry
This flavorful and nutritious curry is a great way to incorporate plant-based protein and nutrients into your diet. With the combination of tender lentils, wilted spinach, and aromatic spices, this dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– Optional: lemon wedges, naan bread, or basmati rice for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
2. Add the lentils, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in the water or broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
4. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves until wilted.
5. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Balsamic Garlic Chicken with Vegetables
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the richness of balsamic glaze, the pungency of garlic, and the tender juiciness of chicken. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large zucchini, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, balsamic glaze, and olive oil.
3. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the garlic-balsamic mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
5. Roast in the oven for 20-22 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Toss bell peppers and zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a separate baking sheet. Roast for 15-17 minutes or until tender.
7. Serve chicken with roasted vegetables and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Quickly cook up a flavorful and nutritious beef and broccoli stir-fry that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend brunch. This recipe requires only 20 minutes of active cooking time, making it an ideal solution for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the broccoli and garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Return the beef to the pan and stir in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Cook for an additional minute to combine flavors.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Quinoa and Black Bean Chili
This hearty and nutritious chili recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the creamy texture of black beans, making for a perfect comforting meal. This plant-based dish is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cups cooked black beans
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups of water or broth.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, and cooked black beans. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add cooked quinoa, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the pot. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Salmon
This recipe yields a flavorful and moist salmon dish infused with the brightness of lemon and pungency of garlic, all thanks to the tender care of your slow cooker. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion!
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Place salmon fillets on top of the sauce, making sure they’re not overlapping.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-5 hours
Vegetable and Chickpea Stew
This comforting stew is a perfect blend of vegetables and protein-rich chickpeas, simmered in a flavorful broth that’s sure to warm your belly and soul. With its simplicity and versatility, it’s an ideal option for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
– 1 medium potato, peeled and chopped
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add carrot, potato, chickpeas, broth, diced tomatoes, and oregano.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-45 minutes
Skinny Slow Cooker Beef Stew
A hearty and comforting stew that’s perfect for a chilly day, this recipe is made with lean beef, flavorful vegetables, and minimal added salt. This slow cooker stew is a great way to cook up a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lean beef (95% lean or higher), cut into 2-inch cubes
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt-free seasoning blend (such as Mrs. Dash)
Instructions:
1. Add the beef, onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, beef broth, and red wine (if using) to a slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle with thyme and salt-free seasoning blend.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low), 4-6 hours (high)
Moroccan Spiced Chicken with Sweet Potatoes
Discover the bold flavors of North Africa with this hearty and aromatic dish, where tender chicken and sweet potatoes are infused with warm spices. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and turmeric.
3. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat with spices.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 5-6 minutes, then transfer to a baking dish.
5. Roast sweet potatoes in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
6. Pour chicken broth over the chicken and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Serve with roasted sweet potatoes and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives and Artichokes
Experience the bold flavors of Greece with this effortless slow cooker recipe. Tender chicken, salty olives, and sweet artichoke hearts combine to create a deliciously savory dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp lemon zest
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together artichoke hearts, olives, garlic, oregano, and lemon zest.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Spicy Black Bean and Corn Soup
Spicy Black Bean and Corn Soup Recipe
Warm up with this flavorful and spicy soup that combines the comfort of black beans and corn with a kick of heat from jalapeños. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little water until softened.
2. Add the chopped jalapeño, cumin, black beans, corn kernels, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Herbed Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Elevate your pasta night with these flavorful turkey meatballs infused with fresh herbs and served in a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup homemade or store-bought tomato sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into 20-25 meatballs.
4. Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
6. While meatballs are baking, warm tomato sauce in a large skillet over medium heat.
7. Add baked meatballs to the tomato sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes to coat.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
This hearty soup is a twist on traditional cabbage rolls, with tender chunks of cabbage and ground beef in a rich broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch, this slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and simmered to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 head of cabbage, shredded
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat; drain excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened.
3. Add shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
4. Stir in the cooked ground beef mixture.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Pumpkin and Red Lentil Curry
This recipe combines the warmth of red lentils with the sweetness of roasted pumpkin, all wrapped up in a flavorful and aromatic curry. Perfect for a cozy fall or winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss pumpkin cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
2. In a large pot, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cumin, curry powder, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add red lentils, vegetable broth, and roasted pumpkin to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Garlic Herb Chicken with Green Beans
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and nutritious recipe that combines the richness of garlic herb chicken with the crunch of green beans. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle with the garlic-herb mixture.
4. Place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Toss green beans with butter and season with salt and pepper. Spread them on a separate baking sheet and roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until tender.
6. Serve garlic herb chicken with roasted green beans.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Slow Cooker Ratatouille
This slow cooker ratatouille is a delicious and easy-to-make vegetable stew that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its rich flavors and tender vegetables, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 large zucchinis, sliced
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1 cup of vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese or chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced bell peppers, and zucchinis to the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and dried thyme. Pour the mixture over the vegetables in the slow cooker.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with feta cheese or parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Asian-Inspired Ginger Soy Chicken
Experience the bold flavors of Asia with this simple and aromatic chicken dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp cornstarch
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add grated ginger and minced garlic; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add to the pan and stir to combine.
5. Return chicken to the pan and simmer until coated with the sauce, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Mushroom and Barley Soup
Warm up with this comforting slow cooker soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms, onions, and barley with aromatic spices to create a deliciously easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, minced garlic, pearl barley, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme to a slow cooker.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on Low for 8-10 hours or High for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Zucchini and Turkey Meatball Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of flavors, with tender turkey meatballs, zucchini, and aromatic spices. A great way to warm up on a chilly day!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium zucchini, diced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, combine turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic. Mix well.
2. Form into meatballs (about 20-25) and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes.
3. In a large pot, sauté the zucchini in a little oil until tender. Add broth, diced tomatoes, and turkey meatballs. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the soup has reached desired thickness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Summary
Get ready to lose weight with these delicious and healthy slow cooker recipes! This collection of 20 mouth-watering dishes includes everything from soups and stews to chili and curry. With options like Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetable Soup, Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers, and Lentil and Spinach Curry, you’ll never get bored with the same old diet food again. Plus, these recipes are designed to help you reach your weight loss goals without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Try one out today and start seeing results!
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