Close
These dinners feature proteins like beef, chicken and turkey so you get at least 15 grams of protein per serving all in 400 calories or less—and all from your slow cooker. Recipes like Slow-Cooker Beef Curry and Slow-Cooker Carne Picada Tacos with Avocado Salsa are healthy and delicious.
01of 24Slow-Cooker Braised Beef with Carrots & TurnipsView RecipeThe spice blend in this healthy beef stew recipe—cinnamon, allspice and cloves—may conjure images of apple pie, but the combo is a great fit in savory applications too. Serve over creamy polenta or buttered whole-wheat egg noodles.
01of 24
Slow-Cooker Braised Beef with Carrots & Turnips
View Recipe
The spice blend in this healthy beef stew recipe—cinnamon, allspice and cloves—may conjure images of apple pie, but the combo is a great fit in savory applications too. Serve over creamy polenta or buttered whole-wheat egg noodles.
02of 24Slow-Cooked Ranch Chicken and VegetablesView RecipeThis creamy, veggie-packed chicken dinner comes together easily in your slow cooker and makes enough for another night’s casserole!
02of 24
Slow-Cooked Ranch Chicken and Vegetables
This creamy, veggie-packed chicken dinner comes together easily in your slow cooker and makes enough for another night’s casserole!
03of 24Slow-Cooker Carne Picada Tacos with Avocado SalsaView RecipeLoosely translated as “minced meat,” the traditional texture of carne picada ranges from finely chopped to ground. Here we start with brisket, which becomes nice and tender in the slow cooker, then shred and chop the meat before serving. The seasoning is flavorful but not too spicy. Blistered jalapeños added at the end will satisfy the heat lovers in the family. Pile the brisket into warmed corn tortillas, with lettuce, the jalapeños, cheese and avocado salsa for a healthy dinner that’ll wake up your taco night routine.
03of 24
Slow-Cooker Carne Picada Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Loosely translated as “minced meat,” the traditional texture of carne picada ranges from finely chopped to ground. Here we start with brisket, which becomes nice and tender in the slow cooker, then shred and chop the meat before serving. The seasoning is flavorful but not too spicy. Blistered jalapeños added at the end will satisfy the heat lovers in the family. Pile the brisket into warmed corn tortillas, with lettuce, the jalapeños, cheese and avocado salsa for a healthy dinner that’ll wake up your taco night routine.
04of 24Slow-Cooker Beef CurryView RecipeVictor ProtasioLong, slow cooking periods mellow flavors while bold spices, in bold amounts, will hold their own over time. That’s just what happens here with big flavors from Thai curry paste and fish sauce finished with fresh touches of cilantro and lime juice that together, draw inspiration from Thai curry. Serve over a bed of brown rice or brown rice noodles to catch all the sauce.
04of 24
Slow-Cooker Beef Curry
Victor Protasio
Long, slow cooking periods mellow flavors while bold spices, in bold amounts, will hold their own over time. That’s just what happens here with big flavors from Thai curry paste and fish sauce finished with fresh touches of cilantro and lime juice that together, draw inspiration from Thai curry. Serve over a bed of brown rice or brown rice noodles to catch all the sauce.
05of 24Slow-Cooker Chicken & Orzo with Tomatoes & OlivesView RecipePerk up basic chicken breast and whole-wheat orzo with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, like lemon and olives. This load-and-go recipe makes a complete and satisfying meal—just add a green salad.
05of 24
Slow-Cooker Chicken & Orzo with Tomatoes & Olives
Perk up basic chicken breast and whole-wheat orzo with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, like lemon and olives. This load-and-go recipe makes a complete and satisfying meal—just add a green salad.
06of 24Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili with Butternut SquashView RecipeThis slow-cooker turkey and butternut squash chili is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. The sweetness of the butternut squash tames the kick from cayenne, making this easy chili just right for kids and adults alike. For those who prefer a spicier chili, just pass the hot sauce at the table.
06of 24
Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili with Butternut Squash
This slow-cooker turkey and butternut squash chili is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. The sweetness of the butternut squash tames the kick from cayenne, making this easy chili just right for kids and adults alike. For those who prefer a spicier chili, just pass the hot sauce at the table.
07of 24Pasta Puttanesca with BeefView RecipeThis easy slow-cooker ground beef and pasta recipe makes a great meal any night of the week.
07of 24
Pasta Puttanesca with Beef
This easy slow-cooker ground beef and pasta recipe makes a great meal any night of the week.
08of 24Slow-Cooker JambalayaView RecipeThis hearty jambalaya is bursting with chicken, smoked turkey sausage and shrimp. It takes just 25 minutes to prep in the morning and then your slow cooker will work its magic and deliver a tasty meal at the end of the day.
08of 24
Slow-Cooker Jambalaya
This hearty jambalaya is bursting with chicken, smoked turkey sausage and shrimp. It takes just 25 minutes to prep in the morning and then your slow cooker will work its magic and deliver a tasty meal at the end of the day.
09of 24Slow-Cooker Sweet & Sour ScallopsView RecipeThis recipe for slow-cooker scallops is sure to become a tried-and-true favorite for any seafood lover. Tender scallops quickly poach in a sweet and spicy sauce that has been cooking for hours. Brown rice completes the meal.
09of 24
Slow-Cooker Sweet & Sour Scallops
This recipe for slow-cooker scallops is sure to become a tried-and-true favorite for any seafood lover. Tender scallops quickly poach in a sweet and spicy sauce that has been cooking for hours. Brown rice completes the meal.
10of 24Slow-Cooker Pork TenderloinView RecipeBrie GoldmanThis tender slow-cooker pork tenderloin picks up tangy and sweet flavors from a tomato-based sauce that features the flavors of classic barbecue. Serve with crusty bread to sop up the sauce. Serve the leftover sauce with steamed hearty greens, creamy grits or shredded pork.
10of 24
Slow-Cooker Pork Tenderloin
Brie Goldman
This tender slow-cooker pork tenderloin picks up tangy and sweet flavors from a tomato-based sauce that features the flavors of classic barbecue. Serve with crusty bread to sop up the sauce. Serve the leftover sauce with steamed hearty greens, creamy grits or shredded pork.
11of 24Corn Bread-Topped Chicken Enchilada CasseroleView RecipeFor a twist on the classic chicken enchilada casserole, this slow-cooker recipe is topped with homemade cornbread.
11of 24
Corn Bread-Topped Chicken Enchilada Casserole
For a twist on the classic chicken enchilada casserole, this slow-cooker recipe is topped with homemade cornbread.
12of 24Slow-Cooked Beef with Carrots & CabbageView RecipeIn this main-dish recipe, the pot roast is slow-cooked with carrots and low-sodium beef broth. Toward the end of the cooking time, shredded cabbage is added in to round out the meal. Each of the two servings has just 215 calories.
12of 24
Slow-Cooked Beef with Carrots & Cabbage
In this main-dish recipe, the pot roast is slow-cooked with carrots and low-sodium beef broth. Toward the end of the cooking time, shredded cabbage is added in to round out the meal. Each of the two servings has just 215 calories.
13of 24Lamb Curry with Winter SquashView RecipeLeigh BeischServe this lamb curry with a steamed grain like brown rice, millet or whole-wheat couscous for soaking up the sauce. Or try a pile of al dente braised curly kale—its frilly leaves catch and hold the sauce nicely. If you prefer things spicier, use a hot Madras-style curry powder and add an extra Scotch bonnet pepper or two.
13of 24
Lamb Curry with Winter Squash
Leigh Beisch
Serve this lamb curry with a steamed grain like brown rice, millet or whole-wheat couscous for soaking up the sauce. Or try a pile of al dente braised curly kale—its frilly leaves catch and hold the sauce nicely. If you prefer things spicier, use a hot Madras-style curry powder and add an extra Scotch bonnet pepper or two.
14of 24Slow-Cooker Shrimp Noodle BowlsView RecipeThe aromatic vegetables in the broth create a light yet distinct flavor of classic noodle bowls. Adding the lime juice, fish sauce and shrimp at the end keeps them from overcooking and their flavors from becoming diluted. If you have it, drizzle toasted sesame oil on top of this slow-cooker shrimp dish for nutty flair. For the prettiest appearance, use whole basil and cilantro leaves instead of chopping them. Look for packaged lemongrass stalks near the plastic clamshells of herbs in the produce section of your supermarket.
14of 24
Slow-Cooker Shrimp Noodle Bowls
The aromatic vegetables in the broth create a light yet distinct flavor of classic noodle bowls. Adding the lime juice, fish sauce and shrimp at the end keeps them from overcooking and their flavors from becoming diluted. If you have it, drizzle toasted sesame oil on top of this slow-cooker shrimp dish for nutty flair. For the prettiest appearance, use whole basil and cilantro leaves instead of chopping them. Look for packaged lemongrass stalks near the plastic clamshells of herbs in the produce section of your supermarket.
15of 24Spicy Chicken LasagnaView RecipeInstead of spending hours at the stove making an Italian tomato sauce for your lasagna, let your slow cooker do the work. Your family will love the chicken and mushrooms in this makeover recipe for traditional lasagna.
15of 24
Spicy Chicken Lasagna
Instead of spending hours at the stove making an Italian tomato sauce for your lasagna, let your slow cooker do the work. Your family will love the chicken and mushrooms in this makeover recipe for traditional lasagna.
16of 24Slow-Cooker Cod with Tomato-Balsamic JamView RecipeMellow, slightly sweet and devoid of the overt fishy flavor that’s polarizing for so many, this slow-cooker cod is perfect for pairing with a showstopping sauce like this tomato-balsamic jam. Diced pancetta provides a salty counterpart to the sweet onion, tomatoes, vinegar and honey and gives the jam complexity. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired.
16of 24
Slow-Cooker Cod with Tomato-Balsamic Jam
Mellow, slightly sweet and devoid of the overt fishy flavor that’s polarizing for so many, this slow-cooker cod is perfect for pairing with a showstopping sauce like this tomato-balsamic jam. Diced pancetta provides a salty counterpart to the sweet onion, tomatoes, vinegar and honey and gives the jam complexity. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired.
17of 24Slow-Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Noodle SoupView RecipeThis slow-cooker chicken noodle soup fits nicely into the Mediterranean diet thanks to plenty of vegetables, lean chicken breast and whole-wheat pasta. Pair it with a salad and toasted whole-grain bread for an easy, healthy dinner.
17of 24
Slow-Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Noodle Soup
This slow-cooker chicken noodle soup fits nicely into the Mediterranean diet thanks to plenty of vegetables, lean chicken breast and whole-wheat pasta. Pair it with a salad and toasted whole-grain bread for an easy, healthy dinner.
18of 24Pork CarnitasView RecipeThis Mexican-inspired meal is an easy crowd-pleaser. Savory pulled pork is served atop crisp corn tortillas and topped with sour cream and salsa in this simple slow-cooker recipe.
18of 24
Pork Carnitas
This Mexican-inspired meal is an easy crowd-pleaser. Savory pulled pork is served atop crisp corn tortillas and topped with sour cream and salsa in this simple slow-cooker recipe.
19of 24
Layered Brisket Dinner with Tangy Mustard Sauce
20of 24Slow-Cooker Chicken & Wild Rice Soup with Asparagus & PeasView RecipeUse your crock pot all year with this healthy slow-cooker chicken soup recipe with fresh spring ingredients. Adding the asparagus and peas to the slow cooker for the last 20 minutes of cooking and leaving the lid off ensures that the vegetables stay bright green and are perfectly done without getting mushy.
20of 24
Slow-Cooker Chicken & Wild Rice Soup with Asparagus & Peas
Use your crock pot all year with this healthy slow-cooker chicken soup recipe with fresh spring ingredients. Adding the asparagus and peas to the slow cooker for the last 20 minutes of cooking and leaving the lid off ensures that the vegetables stay bright green and are perfectly done without getting mushy.
21of 24Lamb & RiceView RecipeThe sauce in this recipe is a heavenly mixture of tomatoes, spices, herbs and mustard. It provides amazing flavor to the lamb as they spend up to 12 hours together in the slow cooker.
21of 24
Lamb & Rice
The sauce in this recipe is a heavenly mixture of tomatoes, spices, herbs and mustard. It provides amazing flavor to the lamb as they spend up to 12 hours together in the slow cooker.
22of 24Slow-Cooker Beef-Barley Soup with Red Wine & PestoView RecipeHearty, thick, rich—this is just how a winter soup should be. The meat and carrots become tender yet retain their texture, and the kale offers freshness. Garnish each serving of this slow-cooker beef and barley soup with additional pesto and fresh basil and oregano sprigs, if desired.
22of 24
Slow-Cooker Beef-Barley Soup with Red Wine & Pesto
Hearty, thick, rich—this is just how a winter soup should be. The meat and carrots become tender yet retain their texture, and the kale offers freshness. Garnish each serving of this slow-cooker beef and barley soup with additional pesto and fresh basil and oregano sprigs, if desired.
23of 24Weeknight Honey-Orange Chicken with Butternut SquashView RecipeCombine orange juice, cornstarch, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, salt and crushed red pepper with chicken and butternut squash in this delicious slow-cooker recipe. Serve over high-protein quinoa, which contains all nine essential amino acids.
23of 24
Weeknight Honey-Orange Chicken with Butternut Squash
Combine orange juice, cornstarch, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, salt and crushed red pepper with chicken and butternut squash in this delicious slow-cooker recipe. Serve over high-protein quinoa, which contains all nine essential amino acids.
24of 24Slow-Cooker Chicken ChiliView RecipeAli 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!
24of 24
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!
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!
