Close
Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas
Cooking is easy with a slow cooker, but it just got easier with these recipes! Whether you want a satisfying entrée, a delicious side or a full meal, these mouthwatering dishes have you covered in just three steps or less. Plus, these flavorful dishes are made withsodium-conscious ingredients and low counts of saturated fatsto seamlessly fit into a diabetes-appropriate eating pattern. With nutritious recipes like our Black-Vinegar-Braised Beef and Slow Cooker Chicken, Bacon & Potato Soup, dinner is made simple, yet very tasty.
01of 23Black-Vinegar-Braised BeefLeigh BeischThe fragrant aroma of star anise will welcome you home after this braise cooks throughout the day. Serve with rice or rice noodles.View Recipe
01of 23
Black-Vinegar-Braised Beef
Leigh Beisch
The fragrant aroma of star anise will welcome you home after this braise cooks throughout the day. Serve with rice or rice noodles.
View Recipe
02of 23
Slow Cooker Chicken, Bacon & Potato Soup
Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas
03of 23Slow-Cooker Chicken & Brown Rice with Roasted Corn & Black BeansPhotographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee Prop Stylist: Christine KeelyWith plenty of spice from ground cumin, cayenne and paprika and the bit of char that frozen roasted sweet corn brings to the dish, you won’t miss the browning step in this easy load-and-go recipe. If frozen roasted corn isn’t available, substitute regular.View Recipe
03of 23
Slow-Cooker Chicken & Brown Rice with Roasted Corn & Black Beans
Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee Prop Stylist: Christine Keely
With plenty of spice from ground cumin, cayenne and paprika and the bit of char that frozen roasted sweet corn brings to the dish, you won’t miss the browning step in this easy load-and-go recipe. If frozen roasted corn isn’t available, substitute regular.
04of 23Salsa Verde Slow-Cooker ChickenAli RemdondChicken breasts are transformed when they get slow cooked in salsa verde. Shredding the chicken and returning it to the sauce ensures the end result is juicy and delicious. Serve the shredded meat over brown rice or use as a filling for tacos or enchiladas.View Recipe
04of 23
Salsa Verde Slow-Cooker Chicken
Ali Remdond
Chicken breasts are transformed when they get slow cooked in salsa verde. Shredding the chicken and returning it to the sauce ensures the end result is juicy and delicious. Serve the shredded meat over brown rice or use as a filling for tacos or enchiladas.
05of 23Chile-Spiced Pork Tacos with Cucumber-Mango SalsaLeigh BeischFeel free to use just one type of chile powder in this dish, but we find that the combo of ancho and chipotle delivers the most nuanced flavor. The chipotle (dried, smoked jalapeño peppers) adds fire, while the anchos (dried poblanos) lend a fruity, more moderate heat.View Recipe
05of 23
Chile-Spiced Pork Tacos with Cucumber-Mango Salsa
Feel free to use just one type of chile powder in this dish, but we find that the combo of ancho and chipotle delivers the most nuanced flavor. The chipotle (dried, smoked jalapeño peppers) adds fire, while the anchos (dried poblanos) lend a fruity, more moderate heat.
06of 23Spicy Tomato-Braised Pot RoastJacob FoxThis tomato sauce gets its heat from Calabrian chiles. Find them whole or chopped packed in jars near the pickles in well-stocked grocery stores. If you don’t have any, just a bit of crushed red pepper will do the trick. Serve over polenta, mashed potatoes or pasta.View Recipe
06of 23
Spicy Tomato-Braised Pot Roast
Jacob Fox
This tomato sauce gets its heat from Calabrian chiles. Find them whole or chopped packed in jars near the pickles in well-stocked grocery stores. If you don’t have any, just a bit of crushed red pepper will do the trick. Serve over polenta, mashed potatoes or pasta.
07of 23Creamy White Bean Soup with Smoked Ham HocksIain Bagwell; Styling: Cindy BarrCreamy, starchy and filling, this hearty, rustic soup is the epitome of comfort. And convenient: Beans go in dry—no need to soak.View Recipe
07of 23
Creamy White Bean Soup with Smoked Ham Hocks
Iain Bagwell; Styling: Cindy Barr
Creamy, starchy and filling, this hearty, rustic soup is the epitome of comfort. And convenient: Beans go in dry—no need to soak.
08of 23Slow-Cooker Chicken ChiliAli RedmondThis simple slow-cooker chili features plenty of veggies and shredded chicken breast simmered in a smoky broth of chipotle chiles and tomato. The chili is finished with shredded cheese, avocados and cilantro, but feel free to add your own favorite toppings to jazz it up!View Recipe
08of 23
Slow-Cooker Chicken Chili
Ali Redmond
This simple slow-cooker chili features plenty of veggies and shredded chicken breast simmered in a smoky broth of chipotle chiles and tomato. The chili is finished with shredded cheese, avocados and cilantro, but feel free to add your own favorite toppings to jazz it up!
09of 23Slow-Cooker Kale & White Bean StewAli RedmondWarm up to a hearty bowl of soup made with winter vegetables and protein-rich white beans. Comforting spices like oregano and thyme build flavor, while Parmesan provides an irresistibly savory finish.View Recipe
09of 23
Slow-Cooker Kale & White Bean Stew
Warm up to a hearty bowl of soup made with winter vegetables and protein-rich white beans. Comforting spices like oregano and thyme build flavor, while Parmesan provides an irresistibly savory finish.
10of 23Slow-Cooker Corn CasseroleWith just five ingredients, you can make this healthy corn casserole with ease. The tang of the cream cheese and sour cream balances the sweetness of the corn. Frozen corn can vary in sweetness, so taste the brand you’re using to determine if the optional sugar is needed. This creamy corn casserole makes the perfect veggie side for any meal.View Recipe
10of 23
Slow-Cooker Corn Casserole
With just five ingredients, you can make this healthy corn casserole with ease. The tang of the cream cheese and sour cream balances the sweetness of the corn. Frozen corn can vary in sweetness, so taste the brand you’re using to determine if the optional sugar is needed. This creamy corn casserole makes the perfect veggie side for any meal.
11of 23Slow-Cooker Kale & Sausage StewAli RedmondTurkey sausage gets transformed in this rich stew made with hearty winter vegetables like carrots, kale and potatoes. Perfect for meal prep or family dinners, this stew comes together easily in the slow cooker.View Recipe
11of 23
Slow-Cooker Kale & Sausage Stew
Turkey sausage gets transformed in this rich stew made with hearty winter vegetables like carrots, kale and potatoes. Perfect for meal prep or family dinners, this stew comes together easily in the slow cooker.
12of 23Slow-Cooker WingsPhotographer: Brie Goldman Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly Prop Stylist: Holly RaibikisSlow-cooker wings are a fuss-free way to prepare wings for game day. The wings are tender, and they brown nicely under the broiler. After broiling, they’re tossed in the tangy, sweet sauce they’re cooked in, with the remaining sauce served on the side for dipping.View Recipe
12of 23
Slow-Cooker Wings
Photographer: Brie Goldman Food Stylist: Lauren McAnelly Prop Stylist: Holly Raibikis
Slow-cooker wings are a fuss-free way to prepare wings for game day. The wings are tender, and they brown nicely under the broiler. After broiling, they’re tossed in the tangy, sweet sauce they’re cooked in, with the remaining sauce served on the side for dipping.
13of 23Spanish-Inspired Slow-Cooker MeatballsPhotographer / Brie Passano, Food Stylist / Annie Probst, Prop Stylist / Holly RaibikisYou may want to serve these slightly smoky, fragrant, briny little meatballs over pasta or polenta. The sauce, which has depth from red wine, is low in sodium because of its no-salt-added tomato base, and the meatballs are lighter than the usual suspects due to the addition of shredded zucchini and chopped Spanish olives. Do drizzle on some best-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of shredded manchego cheese.View Recipe
13of 23
Spanish-Inspired Slow-Cooker Meatballs
Photographer / Brie Passano, Food Stylist / Annie Probst, Prop Stylist / Holly Raibikis
You may want to serve these slightly smoky, fragrant, briny little meatballs over pasta or polenta. The sauce, which has depth from red wine, is low in sodium because of its no-salt-added tomato base, and the meatballs are lighter than the usual suspects due to the addition of shredded zucchini and chopped Spanish olives. Do drizzle on some best-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of shredded manchego cheese.
14of 23Slow-Cooker Honey Whole-Wheat RollsVictor ProtasioThe slow cooker yields super-tender, pillowy whole-wheat rolls. If you prefer them crustier, arrange the finished rolls on a baking sheet, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired. Broil, watching carefully, until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes.View Recipe
14of 23
Slow-Cooker Honey Whole-Wheat Rolls
Victor Protasio
The slow cooker yields super-tender, pillowy whole-wheat rolls. If you prefer them crustier, arrange the finished rolls on a baking sheet, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired. Broil, watching carefully, until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes.
15of 23Slow-Cooker Peanut-Achiote Chicken & VegetablesLeigh BeischThis satisfying dish has a depth of flavor that belies its short ingredient list. Sazón seasoning typically includes coriander, cumin and oregano—look for one that also has achiote (annatto). The ground seeds of the evergreen Bixa orellana shrub, achiote gives the dish a bright orange hue. These blends, along with jarred sofrito, can be found with other Latin ingredients at most grocery stores.View Recipe
15of 23
Slow-Cooker Peanut-Achiote Chicken & Vegetables
This satisfying dish has a depth of flavor that belies its short ingredient list. Sazón seasoning typically includes coriander, cumin and oregano—look for one that also has achiote (annatto). The ground seeds of the evergreen Bixa orellana shrub, achiote gives the dish a bright orange hue. These blends, along with jarred sofrito, can be found with other Latin ingredients at most grocery stores.
16of 23
Lemon Chicken-and-Egg Soup
17of 23Slow-Cooker Chicken, Spinach & White Bean StewAli RedmondWarm up to a comforting bowl of chicken stew scented with thyme, oregano and smoked paprika. Adding spinach and white beans provides a hearty dose of fiber that will keep you satisfied until the next meal.View Recipe
17of 23
Slow-Cooker Chicken, Spinach & White Bean Stew
Warm up to a comforting bowl of chicken stew scented with thyme, oregano and smoked paprika. Adding spinach and white beans provides a hearty dose of fiber that will keep you satisfied until the next meal.
18of 23
Cacio e Pepe White Beans & Escarole
Photographer: Brittany Conerly
19of 23Slow-Cooker Turkey ChiliWill DickeyGround turkey and canned kidney beans combine in this easy slow-cooker turkey chili. A tomato base, plus cumin and garlic powder, supplies plenty of flavor, while jalapeño and chili powder bring on the heat.View Recipe
19of 23
Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili
Will Dickey
Ground turkey and canned kidney beans combine in this easy slow-cooker turkey chili. A tomato base, plus cumin and garlic powder, supplies plenty of flavor, while jalapeño and chili powder bring on the heat.
20of 23
Sweet & Spicy Soy-Braised Short Ribs
Dera Burreson
21of 23Load-&-Go Slow-Cooker Soup with Mushrooms & KielbasaPhotographer / Brie Passano Styling / Annie Probst / Holly RaibikisThe aromatic trio of garlic, cumin and thyme harmonize in this hearty soup that comes together quickly before the slow cooker does most of the work for you. Kielbasa adds protein and a deeply savory note to this dinner in a bowl.View Recipe
21of 23
Load-&-Go Slow-Cooker Soup with Mushrooms & Kielbasa
Photographer / Brie Passano Styling / Annie Probst / Holly Raibikis
The aromatic trio of garlic, cumin and thyme harmonize in this hearty soup that comes together quickly before the slow cooker does most of the work for you. Kielbasa adds protein and a deeply savory note to this dinner in a bowl.
22of 23Barbecue Grape-Jelly MeatballsGreg DupreeThese barbecue grape-jelly meatballs are meatballs smothered in a sauce of sweet grape jelly, barbecue sauce, hot sauce and ketchup. They’re sweet, salty and incredibly tender after their long cook time in the slow cooker. You can serve them right from the slow cooker or stack them on toothpicks for easy finger food.View Recipe
22of 23
Barbecue Grape-Jelly Meatballs
Greg Dupree
These barbecue grape-jelly meatballs are meatballs smothered in a sauce of sweet grape jelly, barbecue sauce, hot sauce and ketchup. They’re sweet, salty and incredibly tender after their long cook time in the slow cooker. You can serve them right from the slow cooker or stack them on toothpicks for easy finger food.
23of 23Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken ChiliAli RedmondIf you like Buffalo wings, you’ll love the flavors in this warm, hearty chili that comes together easily in the slow cooker. Sour cream helps cut the heat, but you could also use plain strained yogurt.View Recipe
23of 23
Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
If you like Buffalo wings, you’ll love the flavors in this warm, hearty chili that comes together easily in the slow cooker. Sour cream helps cut the heat, but you could also use plain strained yogurt.
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
