10+ Healthy Crockpot Recipes for Easy and Nutritious Meals

Using a crockpot keeps things simple. Just toss in healthy ingredients, set the timer, and let everything cook together until the flavors meld.

Healthy crockpot recipes give you a chance to enjoy nutritious, homemade food without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

You can whip up all kinds of meals in your slow cooker—from soups to hearty mains. Most of these recipes rely on fresh veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains.

It’s a pretty solid way to eat better, even when you’re short on time.

1) Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs are ridiculously easy and taste amazing. The chicken simmers in a sweet, garlicky sauce with honey, soy sauce, and a few simple extras.

You end up with juicy, flavorful meat and a sticky sauce that’s honestly hard to resist. You can toss in broccoli or other veggies if you want a complete meal.

It’s a crowd-pleaser and barely takes any effort—ideal for hectic weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup ketchup
• ⅓ cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. Mix soy sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic, and basil in a bowl.
3. Pour sauce over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
5. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Learn more about this recipe at slow cooker honey garlic chicken thighs.

2) Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

This chili is a healthy, filling option that takes almost no effort. Just toss sweet potatoes, black beans, and some spices into your crockpot.

As it cooks, the flavors come together nicely. It’s vegetarian and full of fiber.

Perfect for chilly days or when you want something warm and comforting. You can make a big batch and freeze the leftovers.

It’s easy to tweak with your favorite spices or extra veggies. Really, there’s not much prep at all.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to your crockpot.
2. Stir to combine evenly.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Stir before serving.
5. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Try this easy chili for your next cozy meal. You can find a full recipe with tips at Crock Pot Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili Recipe.

3) Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Chicken curry in the slow cooker is a lifesaver. Toss in chicken, coconut milk, veggies, and Indian spices, then let it bubble away.

The result is creamy, full-flavored, and honestly comforting. There’s barely any prep—no need to brown the chicken.

You can even stir in a little peanut butter or try yellow curry powder for a twist. Either way, dinner basically makes itself.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, or peas)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place chicken, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and vegetables in the slow cooker.
2. Add coconut milk, curry powder, ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Check seasoning and adjust salt or spices if needed before serving.

4) Crockpot Baked Ziti

Crockpot baked ziti is about as easy as it gets. Just layer pasta, sauce, cheese, and meat in the slow cooker.

The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so you don’t need to boil it first. Use lean ground turkey or beef and low-fat cheese if you want to keep things lighter.

Add enough water or sauce to keep everything from drying out. The result? Soft noodles and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground turkey or beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces diced tomatoes
• 16 ounces ziti pasta
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground meat with onion and garlic in a pan.
2. Mix meat with crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and water in the crockpot.
3. Add the ziti pasta and stir to combine.
4. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until pasta is tender.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top in the last 15 minutes to melt.

Try this easy meal for a healthy, hands-off dinner!

(You can find more on slow cooker baked ziti here and here.)

5) Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Root Veggies

Pot roast in the slow cooker is classic comfort food. The beef gets super tender while it cooks with carrots, potatoes, and onions.

Root veggies add flavor and plenty of nutrients. You only need a handful of ingredients, and the crockpot does the heavy lifting.

A little broth keeps everything moist. Toss in some rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2.5-3 lb beef chuck roast
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 8 baby red potatoes
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 4 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the roast with salt and pepper.
2. Place onions at the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Add potatoes, carrots, and celery on top.
4. Put the roast on the vegetables.
5. Pour beef broth over everything.
6. Sprinkle garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
7. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until meat is tender.
8. Remove roast and vegetables to serve.

6) Crockpot Beef and Broccoli

Beef and broccoli in the crockpot is a no-fuss, tasty meal. Just add beef, broccoli, and a quick sauce to your slow cooker.

The beef turns out tender, and the flavors meld together. Serve it over rice or noodles—whatever you’re in the mood for.

The sauce is usually a mix of soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Adjust seasonings as you like.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds beef steak, sliced thin
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• ½ cup beef broth
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Place beef in the crockpot.
2. Mix broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. Pour over beef.
3. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Add broccoli in the last 30 minutes.
5. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

For a detailed version, you can check this slow cooker beef and broccoli recipe.

7) Vegetarian Lentil Soup

Vegetarian lentil soup in the crockpot is hearty and super easy. Lentils, carrots, onions, and garlic make up the base.

You can toss in kale or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients. Let it simmer all day so the flavors come together.

It’s packed with plant-based protein and fiber. Great for lunch or dinner when you want something warm and satisfying.

Check out a classic version here.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups dried lentils
• 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1/2 bunch kale, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils well under cold water.
2. Add lentils, carrots, onion, garlic, bell pepper, celery, kale, broth, and tomatoes to the crockpot.
3. Stir in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
5. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

8) Healthy Turkey Chili

Turkey chili is a solid healthy choice for the crockpot. Lean ground turkey keeps it lighter than beef.

You can add beans, corn, and a bunch of spices for flavor and nutrition. Just dump everything in and let it cook all day.

Slow cooking makes the turkey tender and the flavors richer. Add bell peppers, onions, or chipotle if you want some kick.

It’s a go-to for cold nights or game day.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Spray your crockpot with cooking spray.
2. Toss in all the ingredients and give them a good stir.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or if you’re in a rush, high for 3-4 hours works too.
4. Taste and tweak the salt or spices if you want.
5. Serve it up hot.

Find more tips on making turkey chili in this healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili recipe.

9) Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

This slow cooker minestrone soup is a super easy way to get a warm, healthy meal on the table. You’ll get a nice mix of fresh veggies, beans, and pasta—all simmered for hours so the flavors really come together.

It’s packed with fiber and protein from the beans. The veggies bring plenty of vitamins, and you can swap in your favorites like spinach, zucchini, or carrots.

Just toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning. Set the heat and walk away. When you come back at dinner, there’s a hearty, comforting soup waiting for you.

Ingredients

• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup celery, sliced
• 1 ½ cups yellow onion, diced
• 28 oz can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup zucchini, diced
• 1 cup cooked white beans or kidney beans
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Add carrots, celery, onion, tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, and broth to the slow cooker.
2. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours, or crank it to high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time.
3. About 30 minutes before you want to eat, stir in the beans, spinach, zucchini, and pasta.
4. Wait until the pasta’s tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Dish it up and enjoy.

For more details, check this slow cooker minestrone soup recipe.

10) Paleo Pulled Pork with Green Beans

This paleo pulled pork with green beans is just about as easy as it gets. The pork slow-cooks until it’s falling apart, and the green beans bring a fresh snap to each bite.

You only need a handful of simple ingredients: pork shoulder, green beans, and a few spices. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, coaxing out those deep, rich flavors.

It’s a great fit for paleo diets, since there’s nothing processed here. Honestly, it’s one of those dinners that feels hearty and homey, but takes almost no effort.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss the pork shoulder into the crockpot.

2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes.

3. Add the onion and garlic.

4. Sprinkle in paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.

5. Set the crockpot to low for 8 hours, or crank it up to high for 4 hours if you’re impatient.

6. Throw in the green beans for the last 30 minutes.

7. Grab two forks and shred the pork before serving.