10 Easy and Healthy Crockpot Recipes

Slow cookers are often associated with heavy stews or creamy casseroles, but you might be surprised by how many healthy crockpot meals you can also make. The healthfulness of slow cooker recipes depends on the ingredients you use. Lean proteins, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and flavorful spices can come together beautifully in a crockpot, creating the best healthy crockpot meals.

These popular and inexpensive kitchen appliances cook food slowly at low temperatures, which helps lock in moisture and flavor. This cooking method cuts down on the need for adding lots of salt or sodium-filled ingredients to enjoy a tasty meal. It also limits the added oil and fat often needed when using other types of cooking methods, such as frying, sautéing, or even baking. So whether you're aiming for low-sodium, low-fat, low-calorie, or high-fiber meals, the slow cooker can help you reach your nutrition goals without sacrificing taste.

Here are some suggestions from our team of dietitians for cooking healthy crock pot meals:

• Start with lean proteins. Skinless chicken breast, turkey, tofu, or legumes make great foundations for healthy crockpot recipes. Lean cuts of beef also work well because they become very tender when they’re cooked low and slow.
• Load up on vegetables. Add hearty veggies like carrots, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, or zucchini to boost vitamins and fiber.
• Choose whole grains. Brown rice, quinoa, or farro add fiber and help make the meal more filling. You can cook your grains right along with your protein to make delicious one pot meals.
• Watch the sodium. If you need to add liquid, use low-sodium broth or make your own. Skip packaged soup mixes or canned sauces that are high in salt.
• Skip the cream. For creamy recipes, try plain Greek yogurt, low-fat milk, or pureed cauliflower instead of heavy cream.
• Use herbs and spices. Dried oregano, thyme, cumin, garlic, paprika, and fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add flavor without added calories or salt.

These simple tips can turn classic comfort foods into some of the best healthy crock pot meals that make your heart, waistline, and taste buds happy.

Whether you're following a heart-healthy diet, are trying to lose weight, want to eat healthy on a budget, or are determined to cut back on the amount of takeout you order because you’re short on time, our easy healthy crockpot recipes make it easier to stick with your goals. They’re budget-friendly, perfect for batch cooking, and require little effort once you get the ingredients into the pot.

Crockpot meals are super versatile so you can constantly change up the food you’re eating without having to expend much effort. You can make everything from soups and stews to pasta dishes, chili, or even oatmeal in a slow cooker. In fact, you can often transform many of your favorite recipes into those you can make in a crock pot with ease. It just takes some experimenting to see which dishes hold up well using this slow cooking method. But with so many options, it’s easy to find healthy crockpot meals that your whole family will love.

Looking for more healthy meals that are delicious and easy? Check out these blogs:

• Easy One Pot Recipes
• Easy Freezer Meals to Save Time and Money
• 5 Easy Heart-Healthy Sheet Pan Meals
• Easy Casserole Recipes for Busy Nights