These 30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes are the best way to get ready for the work week – just dump everything in the crockpot and you're set!
Healthy Crockpot Recipes
Whether you're dumping everything in the crockpot to cook while you're at work or you're just looking for ways to more efficiently plan ahead for the week, a slow cooker will make your weekly meal prep a breeze! I rounded up some of my favourite healthy crockpot recipes that will make your life so much easier.
Pretty much all you have to do for these dump dinners is add all the ingredients to the pot, turn on the slow cooker and wait for it to do its magic. You can even sometimes freeze all the prepped ingredients in a Ziploc bag, which is great for batch prepping.
Looking for crockpot meals you can make in the summer? Here are 20+ summer slow cooker recipes you're going to love!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, cooking in a slow cooker is very healthy – as long as the recipe you're making is healthy!
The crockpot is perfect for cooking raw meat as long as it's not frozen. Sometimes recipes will call for browning meat in a pan first before cooking as that adds extra flavour.
This depends on your model and what you're cooking, so you'll have to read your manual to know for sure. Most slow cookers are designed to be left on for 8 to 12 hours max.
Slow cookers are great for meal prep, because you can make a big batch of something in the crockpot then set it and forget it. You can get lots done and be hands-off while the meal cooks all day.
There are lots of great models out there, but I like using this 6 quart crockpot.
Crockpot Chicken and Turkey Recipes
These poultry slow cooker recipes are amazing! Make everything from a comforting chicken noodle soup to a healthy turkey chili.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup {So Easy!}
Easy & Healthy Slow Cooker Chili
Easiest 2-Ingredient Crockpot Salsa Chicken
Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe
5-Ingredient Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki
Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup
Asian Chicken Nachos via Life Made Sweeter
Slow Cooker Chicken Cauliflower Curry via A Sweet Pea Chef
Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken via Melanie Makes
Crock Pot Butter Chicken via Kitchen Sanctuary
Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Tostadas via Isabel Eats
Crockpot Taco Soup via Catz in the Kitchen
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Slow Cooker Beef and Pork Recipes
The slow cooker makes meat so tender – it's hard not to use it all the time! Try an easy crockpot lasagna or make a big batch of meatballs.
Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe
Creamy Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe {Stove, Instant Pot or Crockpot}
Lighter Crockpot Swedish Meatballs
Easy Crock Pot Baked Potatoes
Crockpot Breakfast Casserole
Crockpot Jambalaya via Kim's Cravings
The Best Easy Slow Cooker Chili via Hungry Blonde
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs via Let's Dish
Slow Cooker Pork Tacos In Green Goddess Dressing via Delightful Mom Food
Crockpot Vegetarian Recipes
If want to incorporate more vegetarian meals in your diet, look no further! You can make everything from a flavourful stew to a classic mac and cheese in the slow cooker.
Creamiest Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Slow Cooker Peanut Stew {Gluten-Free + Vegan}
Crock Pot Vegetarian Lentil Chili
Slow Cooker Lentil Curry
The Best Crockpot Vegetable Soup
One Pan Mexican Quinoa Casserole (Slow Cooker) via Food Faith Fitness
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Meal Prep Tools
- A crock pot (in case you still need one!).
- If you're making some freeze ahead recipes, get this Ziploc bag holder.
- Slow cooker liners are awesome for helping you avoid a huge mess.
- Tongs come in handy when you're removing meat to shred.
- Don't forget meal prep containers to store everything – these are microwave-friendly for reheating food.
- A rice cooker will help cut down on time if you're looking for grains to pair with whatever meat you've cooked in your slow cooker.
- Speaking of meat, I order my grass-fed beef and poultry from Butcher Box!
- **Get my full list of tools here**
30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper
- 2 (650mL) jars tomato sauce (I used Classico's sweet basil marinara sauce)
- 1 lb lasagna noodles (can use either oven ready or normal) uncooked
- 1 (475g) tub ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup water
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, brown the ground beef over med-high heat. When beef is almost cooked through, add onions, garlic, salt & pepper and 1 jar of tomato sauce, then stir to combine.
- Spray slow cooker with cooking spray, then layer in a bit of meat sauce. Add the uncooked lasagna noodles (you may need to break some into pieces to make them fit), then add some ricotta and mozzarella cheese, and more of the meat sauce. All layers should be about 1 inch thick. Repeat until the slow cooker is full – usually 3 layers total.
- Pour the other jar of tomato sauce overtop of lasagna, then add mozzarella cheese to the top. Pour water in on the sides. Cook on high for 3 hours, or on low for 6 hours.
- Garnish lasagna with basil and/or parsley, then serve and enjoy!
Comments & Reviews
Maria V Arnold says
Hi Taylor,
Any thoughts on how to do crockpot meals when I am away from my house for 9-10 hours? Nothing needs to cook for that long and I do not think mine has a timer function. Would love to use it especially as it’s getting colder here in Upstate NY 🙂
Taylor Stinson says
Hi Maria, I really wish I could help but I’m not sure what the best solution would be for food safety. I think you could probably keep it on warm for an extra hour (I would not push it to 10 hours) but I would encourage you to do your own research about whether it’s safe.