10+ Crockpot Recipes Healthy and Easy for Busy Weeknights

Using a crockpot is honestly one of the easiest ways to eat well without losing your whole evening to cooking. You can throw in a bunch of simple, healthy ingredients and get a meal that’s both good for you and actually tastes like real food.

Crockpot recipes cook food slowly at low temperatures, which helps keep nutrients intact while making everything tender and flavorful.

You don’t need to be a chef to pull off these meals. With basic steps and ingredients you probably already have, you’ll come home to a dinner that’s ready to eat.

These are perfect for those nights when you’re tired or just want to avoid another takeout order.

1) Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

This honey garlic chicken is a no-fuss, healthy meal you can toss together in minutes. The chicken cooks low and slow, soaking up a sticky-sweet sauce with just the right amount of garlic.

Chicken thighs or breasts both work—just use what you like. Want veggies? Toss in some broccoli or whatever’s hanging out in your fridge.

It’s a great meal for busy weeknights or when you want some leftovers for lunch.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. Put the chicken in your slow cooker.
2. Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar in a bowl.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
5. Serve it up with whatever sides you’re into.

Here’s a detailed recipe if you want to check it out.

2) Crockpot Chicken Tinga Tacos

Chicken Tinga Tacos bring a smoky, spicy kick to your weeknight dinner with almost zero effort. The chicken simmers with tomatoes, chipotle peppers, and spices, and you barely have to do anything after tossing it in.

Just shred the chicken when it’s done and pile it into warm tortillas. Top with avocado, onion, or cilantro—honestly, whatever you like.

Boneless thighs or breasts both turn out juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• Boneless chicken thighs or breasts
• Onion
• Canned tomatoes or enchilada sauce
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Dried oregano
• Salt

Cooking Instructions:

1. Add chicken, onion, tomatoes or enchilada sauce, chipotle peppers, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and salt to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Shred the chicken.
4. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Here’s a chicken tinga taco recipe if you want the step-by-step.

3) Slow Cooker No Bean Chili

This no bean chili is hearty, super easy, and honestly just what you want on a chilly night. You use ground beef or turkey, skip the beans for a low-carb twist, and let chili powder and cumin do the heavy lifting.

Toss in some bell peppers and onions if you’re feeling it. The slow cooker does all the work, and you get a thick, bold chili at the end.

Some people like to mix beef and turkey, but it’s totally up to you.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Brown the meat in a skillet.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook for about 3 minutes.
3. Transfer everything to the slow cooker.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, tomatoes, and broth.
5. Stir, then season with salt and pepper.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours at around 200°F (93°C).
7. Give it a good stir before serving.

Try this no bean chili recipe if you want more tips.

4) Crockpot Carnitas Al Pastor With Pineapple Pico

Carnitas al pastor in the crockpot? Yes, please. You slow-cook pork shoulder with pineapple and spices until it’s falling apart.

The pineapple pico on top keeps things bright and sweet, balancing out the rich pork. You barely have to babysit this dish—just set it and forget it.

Shred the pork, spoon on the pico, and wrap it all up in a tortilla. That’s dinner sorted.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime

Cooking Instructions

1. Put the pork shoulder in the crockpot.
2. Mix pineapple juice with spices and pour over the pork.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. Shred the pork.
5. Mix pineapple, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice for the pico.
6. Serve pork with pineapple pico in tortillas.

5) Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl

Chicken burrito bowls might be the easiest way to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week. You just layer chicken, spices, beans, corn, and salsa in the slow cooker.

Add rice, and when it’s done, toss on some avocado and cilantro. Everything cooks together, and you only spend about 10 minutes getting it ready.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Juice of 1 lime

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa on top.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Cook rice separately.
5. Shred the chicken.
6. Serve over rice and add avocado, cilantro, and lime juice.

Here’s the recipe if you want the details.

6) Healthy Crockpot Chicken With Potatoes and Green Beans

This is one of those “dump and go” crockpot meals—chicken, potatoes, and green beans all in one pot. You get a balanced meal with barely any effort.

The lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings make it bright and fresh. The chicken stays juicy, and the veggies turn out just right.

Just throw it all in, set the timer, and walk away. Dinner will be ready when you are.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 2 cups green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, onion powder, lemon pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. Add potatoes and green beans to the crockpot.
3. Place chicken on top, then pour the lemon mixture over everything.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Make sure the chicken hits 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Check out this chicken and potatoes with green beans recipe for more info.

7) Slow Cooker Chicken Bolognese

Chicken Bolognese in the slow cooker is a lighter twist on the classic. You toss in lean ground chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and a bunch of tomatoes.

Let it simmer for hours, and you get a rich, comforting sauce. Bay leaves and herbs bring out all the flavors.

Serve it over whole grain pasta or zucchini noodles if you’re feeling ambitious.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1-2 stalks celery, diced
• ½ sweet onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Add ground chicken to the slow cooker.
2. Mix in carrots, celery, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste.
3. Toss in bay leaves, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
5. Fish out the bay leaves before serving.

Want the step-by-step? Here’s the recipe.

8) Vegetarian Slow Cooker Lentil Stew

I’m a big fan of this vegetarian slow cooker lentil stew. It’s super easy—just toss everything in, and you’re basically done.

Lentils and veggies bring a ton of fiber and protein, so you’ll feel full and satisfied. The stew is cozy, perfect for those days when you just want something warm and nourishing with almost zero fuss.

Dump all the ingredients into your crockpot, give it a quick stir, and let it do its thing. After about 4 or 5 hours on high, the lentils and veggies turn soft and hearty.

Honestly, it’s one of those meals that tastes even better the next day. You can play around with the veggies or spices, depending on what you have or what mood you’re in.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 7 to 8 hours.
4. Check lentils and veggies for softness before serving.
5. Adjust seasoning as needed and enjoy.

For a detailed recipe, see slow cooker lentil stew ideas at WellPlated.com.

9) Slow Cooker Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili

Here’s a slow cooker chili that’s both healthy and super tasty. Lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and black beans come together for a really filling meal.

The spices add warmth and depth, but not a ton of extra calories. Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness and a bunch of nutrients.

This one’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, so it works for a lot of folks. You can prep everything in about 20 minutes, which is great if you’re short on time.

Just brown the turkey, throw everything else in, and let the slow cooker work its magic. It’s so nice to come home to dinner already waiting.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, cook until softened.
3. Transfer turkey mixture to the slow cooker.
4. Add sweet potatoes, black beans, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, and broth.
5. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
7. Serve warm and enjoy.

For more details, see the Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Turkey Chili recipe.

10) Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

This slow cooker beef and broccoli is honestly so simple. You get tender beef that soaks up all the flavor from a soy, garlic, and ginger sauce.

I like to add the broccoli near the end so it stays crisp and bright. It’s perfect for those nights you want a balanced dinner but don’t want to fuss over the stove.

Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it go. You get that classic takeout vibe but way healthier and homemade.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds beef flank steak, thinly sliced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss the sliced beef into your slow cooker.

2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, water, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.

3. Pour that sauce right over the beef.

4. Cover it up and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours (about 135–150°C).

5. Whisk cornstarch with a splash of water.

6. Stir that into the slow cooker.

7. Add the broccoli, cover again, and crank it to HIGH for 15 to 20 minutes.

8. Serve hot, piled onto rice or noodles—whatever you’re craving.

For more details, check out Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli recipes.