Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Recipes for a Simpler Holiday Meal

By Candace Braun Zafirellis
Published 11/1/2025
In This Article
Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Recipes for a Simpler Holiday Meal

When it comes to Thanksgiving, preparing the big holiday meal can feel like a reality show challenge. Whether you’re mashing and mixing, slicing and dicing, or watching the turkey timer like your life depends on it, you almost expect a cash prize to be waiting for you at the end of the meal–instead of a pile of dirty pans. This year, take the stress out of holiday cooking by making slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes part of your family tradition.

These Thanksgiving crockpot recipes can be prepped ahead so you actually have a moment or two to put your feet up and watch the Macy’s parade with the kids. With just a little prep, these dishes turn into warm, flavorful sides or mains so you can spend the day focusing on family and friends instead of cooking and cleaning.

Slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes are the perfect solution to holiday stress because of their simplicity. Just add the ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the work. No last-minute rushing or constant stirring—just a smooth holiday flow.

Another reason to love Thanksgiving crockpot recipes? They’re healthier than you think. Because the food gently simmers for hours, flavors deepen without needing lots of salt for flavor. That means you can serve dishes that feel hearty and homey but still support a heart healthy diet.

Best of all, the flavor is unbeatable. From comforting side dishes to hearty main meals, these healthy slow cooker recipes taste rich and comforting, making the Thanksgiving meal a true holiday win.

The Best Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Recipes for Stress-Free Meals

Holiday cooking doesn’t have to mean hours of basting, roasting and juggling oven space. With these Thanksgiving crockpot recipes, you can serve cozy, flavorful dishes that are lighter, healthier, and far less stressful to make. From creamy mac and cheese and spicy buffalo dip to hearty turkey chili and stew, these crockpot favorites deliver comfort and holiday flavor—without keeping you tied to the kitchen. 

  • Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese (Gluten Free)

    Heart Healthy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    120 mins

    This lighter version of a classic holiday side dish uses gluten-free pasta, low-fat cheese, skim milk, and light sour cream. The result is creamy, crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s easy on the stomach and the perfect side to enjoy with your Thanksgiving meal.

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  • Slow Cooker Turkey Stew

    Healthy Turkey Stew
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    270 mins

    This veggie-packed stew is a practical, wholesome option that skips the need for roasting altogether. Slow cooked with tender turkey, hearty vegetables, and herbs, it’s fiber-rich, easy to prepare, and lighter than a traditional turkey dinner. 

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  • Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

    Healthy Chicken and Dumplings
    Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
    120 mins

    This crockpot recipe delivers all the cozy comfort of a holiday meal without the hours of roasting a bird. With lean chicken, fresh veggies, and whole wheat dumplings, it’s lighter, heart-friendlier, and much simpler to make. And if your guests still prefer the other white meat (turkey), it’s an easy protein swap for a warm, satisfying dish with less prep work.

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  • Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

    Heart Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
    Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
    200 mins

    Bring bold holiday flavor to the table without all the fuss with this turkey chili recipe. Ground turkey, beans, and spices simmer together into a hearty, one-pot meal that’s both filling and lower in fat than the typical Thanksgiving dinner. This chili also goes great with homemade cornbread.

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  • Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
    Photo Credit: Jessica Kielman, Baldwin Publishing
    45 mins

    While the turkey is roasting, pass around some veggies with this healthy buffalo dip that’s spicy, creamy and a definite crowd pleaser. Made with Greek yogurt, whipped cream cheese and lean chicken, it’s high in protein and low in fat.

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Why Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Recipes Make Holiday Cooking Easier

Putting easy and healthy crockpot recipes on the Thanksgiving menu saves time and stress while serving up flavor everyone loves. Each dish pairs well with your turkey—or stands strong on its own as the main course:

  • Mac and cheese delivers creamy comfort without the heaviness.
  • Turkey stew transforms leftovers into something hearty and fresh.
  • Chicken and dumplings bring cozy, homestyle comfort with less effort.
  • Turkey chili serves up protein-packed warmth in every bowl.
  • Buffalo chicken dip adds spicy flavor in a lighter package.

Together, these Thanksgiving crockpot recipes make it easy to serve food that’s comforting, heart-smart, and stress-free—so you can enjoy the holiday as much as your guests!

Simple Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes with Big Flavor

This Thanksgiving, let your slow cooker take the lead and enjoy a holiday meal that’s just as delicious as it is stress-free. With these slow cooker Thanksgiving recipes, you get the best of all worlds—simple prep, nutritious ingredients, and real comfort food flavor. 

Here are more healthy and delicious slow cooker recipes to make:

13 Heart Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

The Best Game Day Recipes Made Easy with Your Crockpot

Health eCooks Cookbook on Amazon

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