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Home Recipe Roundups

54 Easy And Delicious Crockpot Recipes 

EF Egg-Free GF Gluten-free NF Nut-free DF Dairy-Free
2 Comments
Stacie Hassing
By: Stacie Hassing Posted: 9/26/25

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

I believe that if there’s one kitchen appliance that should be in every kitchen, it’s a crock pot. I use my crockpot almost every single week to make healthy crock pot recipes to add inviting flavors, comfort, nutrition, and simplicity to my meals. Not only are these easy crockpot recipes lifesavers for delicious meals, but the aromas and slow-cooked flavor they conjure bring everyone in my family to the table.

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Overhead view of vegetables and a seasoned covered roast in a black crockpot garnished with a bundle of fresh herbs.
Overhead view of a plate of slow cooker Mississippi Pot Roast over mashed potatoes.

Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast

This slow cooker Mississippi pot roast recipe features a fork-tender chuck roast seasoned with a homemade blend of spices and peperoncini peppers. Flavorful and juicy, it’s a fun variation on pot roast, and a hearty, fuss-free recipe perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free

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Close up view of a slow cooker filled with cheesy lasagna topped with fresh basil.

Crockpot Lasagna

Believe it or not, really good lasagna can come right out of the slow cooker. I didn’t believe it myself until Jess convinced me to try it, and now I’m hooked on this method. Instead of layering noodles, ricotta, sauce, and cooked meat, I combine everything in the slow cooker and let the flavors meld over time. This slow cooker recipe is great for busy weeknights and potlucks, too. 

Egg Free | Nut Free

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Close up view of a plate filled with slow cooker pot roast with carrots and potatoes.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

When I just want a very good and simple pot roast recipe, this is the one I make. This savory crockpot pot roast combines tender beef chuck roast and veggies. I finish it with a homemade gravy that I make right from the flavorful crockpot liquid. It’s a hearty, fuss-free meal that hits the spot for me on chilly evenings. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free

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Overhead view of a bowl of crockpot beef ramen topped with edamame.

Crockpot Beef Ramen

Like many college students, Jess used to live on ramen packets. She has a nostalgic place in her heart for the salty savory noodles, so she wanted to create a more nutritious version. This crockpot beef ramen recipe has all the umami flavors of those microwaveable ramen packets she remembers, but in an easy, nourishing, high-protein, veggie-packed slow cooker meal.

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Nut Free

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Overhead view of a plate filled with birria tacos garnished with lime wedges.

Crockpot Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)

This simplified version of birria tacos is made in the crockpot and calls for easy-to-find spices, plus jarred salsa, and dried chiles. Jessie developed this recipe so that the cooking liquid turns into a delicious dipping sauce for the iconic crispy, cheesy tacos that she sees on so many restaurant and food truck menus. 

Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free

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Making pork & sauerkraut in the slow cooker is my new favorite method, since it results in the most tender and delicious shredded pork that gets infused with all those delicious briny flavors of the kraut. 

Pork And Sauerkraut

Being of German heritage, Jessie serves this pork and sauerkraut recipe every new year as a way to bring good luck. Cooking it in the crockpot results in the most tender and juicy pork that gets infused with tangy, briny, balanced flavors from the kraut, onion, and apple. A must-make for all sauerkraut lovers. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Overhead view of a slow cooker filled with Marry Me Chicken.

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

This fuss-free Marry Me chicken recipe is a simple take on the classic Italian-American dish, combining tender chicken and a creamy, sun-dried tomato-infused sauce to all cooks together in the crockpot. Jess serves it over angel hair pasta or cooked and shredded spaghetti squash with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top. 

Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free

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Close up view of a bowl of slow cooker chicken pot pie soup with a biscuit on the side.

Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Ana makes this hands-off soup version of a classic comfort food dish when her kids ask for frozen pot pies. This homemade pot pie soup is rich, creamy, and loaded with chicken and veggies. She serves bowls with a topping of homemade biscuits for a cozy weeknight dinner that everyone looks forward to. 

Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free

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Overhead view of a platter filled with corned beef and cabbage with carrots.

Crockpot Corned Beef And Cabbage

Using this simple recipe, Jess says you can make a traditional and best corned beef and cabbage using a no-fail method that turns out delicious slices of briny savory beef brisket to serve alongside tender slow-cooked potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. She serves it for her family every St. Patrick’s Day and for her fall birthday, too. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Overhead view of a crockpot pulled pork bowl topped with crisp dill pickles.

Crockpot Pulled Pork Bowls

Think of this crockpot recipe as a picnic in a bowl that can be enjoyed any time of the year. Tender pulled pork sits atop cooked rice and is served with a tangy, bright slaw, pickles, and BBQ sauce for a delicious and satisfying crockpot meal enjoyed all out of one bowl.

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free

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Close up view of a Banh Mi Rice bowl topped with a spicy mayo sauce.

Banh Mi Rice Bowls 

This bowl-style take on a Vietnamese street food favorite turns the flavors of a traditional Banh Mi sandwich into a new recipe that still features all of those delicious savory-sweet, crispy-tender flavors and textures. Cooking the pork in the slow cooker makes this recipe so easy and results in fall-apart tender pork pieces that taste so good when paired with rice, quick pickled veggies, and spicy mayo sauce.

Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free

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Overhead view white bowl filled with slow cooker pumpkin chili topped with diced avocado and sliced green onions.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili

When Ana wants a healthy crockpot chili recipe, she looks no further than this hearty beanless chili recipe in its crowd-pleasing glory to feed her four hungry boys. The pumpkin adds a touch of sweetness, fiber, and vitamin A and it’s a great way to sneak more veggies into her meal plan. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Overhead view of an apple cider pork bowl topped with apple slaw and mashed sweet potatoes.

Crockpot Apple Cider Pork Bowls

This satisfying, colorful, and cozy crockpot dinner perfectly captures flavors of harvest season. While the pork is cooking in the crockpot, Ana prepares the mashed sweet potatoes and apple slaw. She loves this recipe because it provides plenty of leftovers that she packages into separate airtight containers for her hungry eaters. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free

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Overhead view of a plate with two tacos al pastor topped with fresh pineapple.

Crockpot Tacos Al Pastor

This simple crockpot recipe features al pastor pork, which is shredded meat that’s super flavorful, providing sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy notes in every bite. Jess serves the meat to make tacos al pastor and she also uses the meat to layer over rice bowls, salads, burritos, or as a filling for stuffed peppers. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Paleo

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Overhead view three buffalo chicken stuffed sweet potatoes in parchment covered round tray.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken

My recipe for crockpot buffalo chicken is an easy recipe that can be used in so many ways. I love it for laid-back weekends and also as a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. I serve it over baked sweet potatoes or Russet potatoes for a hearty meal, or keep it light as a topping for salads or tucked into tortilla wraps or lettuce wraps.

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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overhead image of a bowl of white chicken chili topped with avocado and jalapeño slices

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Jess wards off a chill in the air and makes quick work of feeding her whole family with this hearty, white chicken chili she can make in the crockpot. She designed it to be Dairy Free and Whole30 friendly, using coconut milk. And the amazing thing is, no one even tastes the coconut. This chili has become one of her favorite recipes of all time. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Overhead view of a bowl of hamburger soup topped with fresh herbs and black pepper.

Crockpot Hamburger Soup Recipe

Packed to the max with veggies and full of flavor, this healthy hamburger and vegetable soup recipe is a hearty, clean, and healthy crockpot recipe that Jessie adds to her menus often. She loves it because it’s a perfectly easy meal her whole family enjoys and it makes for a tasty cook once, eat twice (or multiple times) kind of a meal.

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Close up view of slow cooker chicken corn chowder being scooped with a soup ladle.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder

Molly can’t get enough of this simple crockpot corn chowder. Made with tender chicken, creamy corn, carrots, celery, onion, red potatoes, and warming herbs, it’s the perfect one-pot, no-fuss fall meal when she’s looking for a bowl of soup she can really tuck into. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free

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Overhead view of Swiss chard Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken wraps served in white bowl.

Crockpot hawaiian Chicken

I think this Hawaiian shredded chicken is the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. It’s flavorful, light, and a simple healthy slow cooker recipe I make often. Sometimes I follow the recipe as is to serve the chicken in chard wraps, but it’s also great on a bed of greens, on top of a sweet potatoes, or over cauliflower rice. This recipe makes for great leftovers and can be served hot or cold. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Overhead view of a bowl of slow cooker turkey chili topped with fresh cilantro.

Chipotle Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

Jessie loves this hearty slow cooker turkey chili recipe, where sweet potatoes stand in for beans. They make for a nice compliment to the smoky chipotle pepper, and butternut squash also can be used in place of the sweet potatoes. This is one of her go-to healthy crockpot recipes that she loves to top with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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A plate of beef barbacoa tacos topped with cilantro.

Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa

A freezer-friendly crockpot shredded beef, this flavorful recipe is freezer friendly. That’s one of the reasons Jess makes it so often. In less than 15 minutes she can have everything loaded into her slow cooker (or a zip-top bag so it’s ready to dump into the slow cooker when she’s ready) and several hours later, she have a big batch of the most tender and tasty beef barbacoa for tortillas and lettuce wraps or piling atop a bed of cauliflower rice, lettuce, or rice. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Overhead view of slow cooker chicken chili verde stew topped with tortilla chips, avocado, jalapeño, and lime.

Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew

Before I had my third baby, I stockpiled my freezer with this thick and hearty one pot meal that is so flavorful and nourishing. The chicken provides plenty of protein and every bite is so satisfying and warm. I enjoy it with tortillas on the side for dipping, and it’s also good spooned over burritos and baked potatoes, garnished with avocado and cilantro. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Overhead view of a bowl of chicken wild rice soup topped with fresh herbs and black pepper.

Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Born and raised in Minnesota, I have a soft spot in my heart for this creamy chicken soup with wild rice. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for those chilly fall and winter days. As it’s simmering in my crockpot, I look forward to the tender chunks of chicken breast, hearty veggies, creamy half and half, and perfectly chewy wild rice. 

Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free

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Several corn shells filled with crockpot chicken tacos and taco toppings.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos

Jess never turns down tacos, which is why she created this recipe for simple shredded taco meat made with real-food spices, including cumin, oregano, garlic powder, chili powder to create bold, warm flavors her whole family loves. She serves the chicken taco meat in tortilla shells, lettuce wraps, over nachos, salads, and more. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Overhead view of slow cooker zuppa Toscana in a white bowl topped with shaved parmesan cheese.

Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana

A self-declared soup lover, Molly says this warming turkey potato soup has her name all over it. It features Italian turkey sausage, plenty of veggies, a creamy broth, and rich Italian and Greek flavors that make this soup taste just as good (if not better) as the original Olive Garden recipe. 

Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free

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Close up view of a piece of bread being dipped into slow cooker beef stew topped with fresh herbs and seasonings.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew With Root Vegetables

Jess believes parsnips are a nutritious and delicious veggie that deserves more air time. This nutrient-rich beef stew features parsnips plus carrots and veggies for a trio of root veggies that complement the chunks of tender beef so well. She serves it warm with a side of thick, crusty sourdough bread, and everyone at her table always goes back for seconds. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Close up view of a bowl of crockpot Indian butter chicken served over white rice and topped with cilantro and sesame seeds.

Indian Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Bright in color, the bold appearance of this dish lives up to its flavor. Inspired by the flavors of her favorite takeout cuisine (classic Indian butter chicken and tikka masala), Jessie created this healthy best crockpot recipe to be a creamy, dreamy easy dinner that’s packed full of protein. It’s made with tomato sauce, tender chunks of chicken, plenty of veggies, and a blend of flavorful spices. She suggests serving it over cooked rice, quinoa or cauliflower rice with a side of naan. 

Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free

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Close up view of slow cooker thai peanut chicken served in stone bowl topped with cilantro and chopped peanuts.

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Comfort food that’s healthy, too? Yes, please! That was Jess’ inspiration to create this easy crockpot version of Thai peanut chicken, which is one of her favorite Asian-inspired dishes. Complete with a quick homemade peanut sauce, all she has to do is combine the ingredients, set the crock pot on low, and come back to the best dinner recipe waiting for her.  

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo

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Overhead view of a bowl of slow cooker chunky beef chili topped with avocado and jalapeño.

Slow Cooker Chunky Beef Chili With Sweet Potatoes

Ana loves recipes like this one that can feed her whole family while providing plenty of protein and veggies in every serving. Made with nice big chunks of beef, this chili is her go-to meal for weeknight dinner ideas, potlucks, and family gatherings. Loaded with beef, veggies, and warm spices, it’s nutritious and full of comforting flavor. She serves it with sides of cornbread and a simple salad. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Instant pot baby back ribs with bbq sauce plated on white plate with sweet kale salad on side.

Baby Back Ribs

With this crockpot recipe for ribs, it’s possible to enjoy tender, juicy ribs all year long without the need to tend to the grill. Using a simple homemade spice rub and sweet, tangy barbecue sauce, Jess cracked the code on creating succulent ribs that taste like she spent the entire day grilling them. Finger-lickin’ good, they pair well with all your favorite sides for a homemade family dinner that will rival that of the best BBQ joint.

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Overhead view of beef tips with gravy served over mashed potatoes on white serving platter.

Crockpot Beef Tips With Gravy

Jessie thinks that nothing quite hits the spot like this fork-tender beef coated in a simple gravy sauce. That’s why she developed this crockpot recipe for rich and decadent beef trips combined with pearl onions and sliced mushrooms for a clean comfort food that’s full of flavor. She serves it over mashed potatoes, noodles, or mashed cauliflower with a side of green beans for a satisfying dinner that can’t be beat. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free

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Overhead view white bowl filled with taco soup, topped with sour cream, avocado pieces and blue corn chips.

Easy Taco Soup

I’ve always loved tortilla soup, and this recipe provides all the flavors I crave from restaurant versions of this popular Mexican-inspired soup. It’s veggie-loaded, wholesome, hearty, and full of flavor. I make it with either ground beef or ground turkey. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep, meaning I can make it once and enjoy it for days, weeks, and months to come. 

Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free

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Overhead view of hearty slow cooker vegan chili with lentils in a black bowl topped with avocados, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Hearty Slow Cooker Vegan Chili With Lentils

When she’s gearing up for a mountain bike ride, Jess turns to this rich and hearty lentil. Not only is it loaded with fiber and plant-based protein, but it’s also a freezer-friendly and great recipe to work into a meal prep session.

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegan | Vegetarian

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Overhead view of slow cooker carnitas served over rice topped with sauce and lime wedges.

Slow Cooker Carnitas

Molly uses this simple crockpot pork recipe to create restaurant-quality tacos and burrito bowls her whole family loves. Featuring bold, authentic flavors and the perfect amount of spice, this is her favorite set-it-and-forget-it recipe for weeknight dinners, tailgate parties, holidays, and everything in between. She serves it with a homemade cilantro lime sauce and uses it to make carnitas pork for out-of-this-world tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, and salads. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Overhead view of a crockpot full of beef and lentil stew being scooped with a wooden spoon.

Beef And Lentil Stew (Moroccan-Spiced)

Jess loves working nutritious high-protein lentils into recipes, which is how she came up with the idea for this hearty and so-delicious lentil soup featuring beef and warming Moroccan-style spices for the ultimate bowl of comfort that’s good for her, too. Each serving provides 7 grams of fiber and 30 grams of protein thanks to the easy-to-cook slow-cooked lentils. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free

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Overhead view of BBQ Beef and coleslaw on a white plate topped with red onions and fresh herbs and seasonings.

Crockpot BBQ Beef

I make this saucy BBQ Beef for a variety of occasions, from entertaining to meal preps to weeknights dinners straight out of your crockpot. This delicious high-protein dinner tastes great when served over baked sweet potatoes, added to a baked potato bar, stuffed into veggies, or served in buns and wraps, too. Or, for a low carb option I also like it stuffed into crisp lettuce leaves.

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Instant pot salsa chicken served on top of cauliflower rice, mixed greens, jalapeno, and topped with cilantro lime crema

Salsa Chicken

Everyone I ever shared this recipe with ends up loving this easy salsa chicken dinner. I created it to provide a flavorful protein option with added black beans and corn that takes just minutes to prep and can be enjoyed in so many ways. Most often, I use it to make healthy bowl dinners topped with my cilantro-lime crema. It’s also great tucked into tortillas as wraps, tacos, or burritos. I also included Instant Pot directions for an even faster version. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free

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Overhead view white platter filled with slow cooker pork roast, baby potatoes, and roasted carrots.

My Easy Crock Pot Pork Roast

With this easy slow cooker recipe, I get a complete dinner in one, including juicy fall-apart tender pork roast, creamy yellow potatoes, roasted carrots, and a flavorful herb gravy. This is probably one of my all-time favorite slow cooker recipes because it always results in a cozy and nutritious meal that provides plenty of delicious leftovers. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free

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A speckled bowl filled with chunky slow cooker cheeseburger soup topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, and pickle slices.

Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup With Bacon

Jess loves a good cheeseburger, so she has the idea to create a cheeseburger soup as a crockpot ground beef recipe that is high in protein, perfectly cozy, and filled with veggies, too. That’s exactly what she gets in this easy slow cooker, budget-friendly recipe with familiar flavors. 

Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free

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Close up view of Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders served inside 2 slices of sweet potatoes garnished with fresh coleslaw.

Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders

Jess loves this Midwestern comfort food with a unique but oh-so-delicious twist. Served between two sweet potato rounds, this slow cooker sloppy joe chicken is one delicious and hearty meal. She also loves to serve it between buns, in wraps, and over a bed of greens as a high-protein salad. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Close up view of Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chicken Curry in a white bowl topped with cashews and fresh herbs.

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chicken Curry

Ana loves curry recipes, so this crockpot chicken curry with sweet potatoes, tender chunks of chicken, red pepper, and green beans is right up her alley. Simmered low and slow and infused with an Indian spice blend, this slow cooker chicken recipe is ultra flavorful. She sometimes stirs in a can of drained chickpeas for a boost of protein and fiber.

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Overhead view of slow cooker beef and bean chili in white bowl topped with cheese, sour cream, jalapenos and chopped red onions.

Slow Cooker Beef And Bean Chili

This hearty beef and bean chili is my favorite of all of the chili recipes on this site. Made with budget-friendly staples like canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, ground beef or ground turkey, and a trio of beans (pinto, kidney, and black beans), it’s so simple to throw together for game days and cozy weeknight meals. Thick, meaty, and hearty like a bolognese, this chili is also perfect served over baked potatoes, hot dogs, and pasta. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free

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Overhead view of Salsa Verde Chicken on a white plate on top of white rice topped with avocado, radishes, jalapenos and fresh cilantro.

Salsa Verde Chicken

When I only have 5 minutes, this is the simple slow cooker recipe I turn to. It takes just 5 minutes of prep time and just 5 ingredients to get everything into my slow cooker and simmering away for the day. I serve it over rice with toppings of sliced radishes and avocado for a flavorful meal that comes together so easily. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Overhead view of white plate filled with a fresh salad and baked sweet potato topped with pulled pork with honey mustard sauce and green onions.

Crockpot Pulled Pork With Honey-Mustard BBQ Sauce

In this simple crockpot recipe, tender shredded pork gets a generous drizzle of sweet-tangy honey mustard BBQ sauce for the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. Ana likes to serve it over a baked sweet potato or baked potato with this broccoli kale slaw, and she serves the leftovers as sandwiches between buns.

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free

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Close up overhead view of slow cooker green chile stew with white beans and potatoes in a white bowl and topped with jalapenos, avocados, and lime wedges.

Slow Cooker Green Chile Stew With Beans

Never one to turn down a good green chile, Jessie makes this slow cooker green chile stew with fresh Colorado roasted green chiles (but a can of diced green chilies works, too). Packed with cholesterol-lowering fiber and plant-based protein, this vegan chili recipe is satisfying and delicious. And if she does want more protein, it’s easy to stir in some shredded rotisserie chicken or oven-baked meatballs at the end. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegan | Vegetarian

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A white bowl filled with jasmine rice and lamb curry being held and topped with fresh cilantro.

Lamb Curry Recipe

I’ve always loved lamb curry and this crockpot recipe is an easy twist on traditional Indian mutton curry. It’s a flavorful, protein-rich, veggie-filled comfort food meal that that I turn to every winter when I’m craving something ultra cozy. I serve it over jasmine rice, basmati rice, or cauliflower rice for a dinner that’s delicious the first time and also makes wonderful leftovers. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Close up view of a bowl of slow cooker sweet potato chili, topped with avocado and cilantro.

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili

Made with nice big chunks of beef, this cozy recipe is exactly what Jess wants when she thinks of a bowl of chili. Loaded with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this nourishing chili is made even better with the addition of diced sweet potato. It’s also a beanless chili with no added sugars. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Overhead view of a white bowl of healthy turkey chili topped with sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.

My Favorite Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

When the weather turns cold, I think that warming up with a bowl of this veggie-loaded turkey chili is about as good as it gets. This turkey chili recipe is one of my favorite fall dinners, and I love serving it with a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their bowl. 

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free

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Overhead view of buffalo chicken dip in a white baking dish topped with green onions and ranch.

Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

This creamy and delicious buffalo chicken dip is one that Molly makes often as an appetizer for football watching and weekend family gatherings at her farm. This low-carb Dairy Free dip is one that her whole family enjoys. She serves it with sliced veggies and tortilla chips for dipping.  

Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Paleo | Whole30

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Overhead view of a bowl of homemade refried beans topped with jalapenos.

Homemade Refried Beans

Jessie loves to make these Mexican restaurant-style refried beans at home with this simple method and everyday ingredients. These ultra creamy, smooth, flavorful, and nutritious beans make a delicious dip for chips and a perfect addition to her taco nights.

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegan | Vegetarian

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Overhead view of slow cooker cowboy beans in a white bowl with a spoon.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans (Reduced Sugar)

Part main entree and part side dish, these cowboy beans made in the crock pot are simple and satisfying. Jess says they’re must-make recipe for her backyard barbecues. These slow cooker baked beans are made with three types of beans, ground beef, and with a reduced-sugar sauce making them a great addition to so many meals.

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free

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Overhead view of a bowl filled with slow cooker loaded mashed potatoes topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and fresh herbs and seasonings.

Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes With Ranch

Every Thanksgiving, I turn to my crockpot to help free up space on my stovetop and oven. And this favorite side dish of mashed potatoes cooks and stays warm and fluffy right out of my slow cooker. They are the ultimate mashed potatoes, loaded with bacon, cheddar, chives, and creamy ranch dressing, and pretty much a comfort food dream come true.

Dairy Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo

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Overhead view of a white bowl filled with baked beans with bacon and topped with fresh herbs.

Crockpot Baked Beans With Bacon

Instead of the stovetop, Jessie uses her slow cooker to make these most delicious sweet and saucy, best crockpot baked beans ever. It’s a flavorful side dish that is loved by so many. These beans also are very convenient when made in the crockpot, easy to transport and serve, and a favorite addition to BBQs, potlucks, and holidays year-round.

Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free

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Overhead view of a plate of French toast casserole topped with pecans and maple syrup.

Crockpot French Toast Casserole

Molly makes this recipe for Christmas morning, as a delicious warm and tender French toast she can serve right out of her crockpot. It’s perfect for weekends, entertaining, and brunches, too. She tops servings with maple syrup, berry sauce, and whipped topping.  

Gluten Free Option | Nut Free | Vegetarian

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My Favorite Slow Cookers

As a career registered dietitian and recipe developer, I’ve tested out quite a few slow cookers and small appliances over the years. These are my favorites that hold up well to a lot of use, clean and store well, and always turn out the best slow cooker recipes.

collage of slow cookers for amazon storefront with text overlay
Tip!

Make Prep And Clean-Up Easy

I’ve been cooking with my crockpot for several decades now, so I’ve got a few tips and tricks to share that make preparation and the clean-up super easy! 

  1. Prepare in Advance. When it comes to healthy crock pot recipes, I can usually prepare many of the ingredients ahead of time, such as chopping veggies, browning and seasoning meats, or even combining all of the sauce or liquid ingredients together. Then, all I have to do is add them to the crock pot when it’s time to start the recipe.
  2. Consider Using a Liner. If the recipe I’m making is extra sticky (think thick chilis and cheesy dips), then I often create easier clean-up for my crock pot by using crockpot liners, which are sold in most grocery stores. A crock pot liner prevents food from sticking to the ceramic pot, and is simply discarded after the food is removed.
  3. Adjust the Cooking Time. Every crock pot is different, meaning the cook time may need to be adjusted to accommodate. For instance, the larger the crock pot, the longer it usually takes to heat up. Meanwhile, others become more or less hot. After several tries, I get to know how my crock pot works and I check in on my meals a few times to make sure they are not over or undercooked and everything is combining nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to store these crockpot recipes?

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container after eating and within two hours of the finished cooking time. I provide specific storage instructions on the recipe card for each recipe. However, as a general rule, store leftovers of fully-cooked crock pot recipes in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months for optimal quality.

What’s the difference between a slow cooker and a crock pot? 

The terms mean pretty much the same thing and people use them interchangeably. However, there are some primary differences. For instance, crock pots have a ceramic or porcelain pot that sits inside a heating unit. Meanwhile, slow cookers are metal pots that sit on top of a heating unit. In addition, most crock pots have just two settings (low and high) while many slow cookers offer a wide variety of settings and temperatures to cook and warm the food.

Can you put raw meat in a crock pot?

Yes, you can absolutely put raw meat in a slow cooker. Just be sure to leave it in long enough to cook all the way through, and use a food thermometer to check for doneness.

What’s the best meat to slow cook in a crock pot?

Crock pots are great tools to transform thick, tough cuts of meat into juicy meals. Some of my favorite options are pork shoulder, chuck roast, beef brisket, lamb shanks, and chicken thighs.

10 Healthy Crockpot Recipes for Fall

More Crockpot Recipes I Love

Crockpot Pumpkin Applesauce

Crockpot Peanut Clusters (Easy Holiday Treat)

Slow Cooker Spiced Nuts

Slow Cooker Mulled Wine


For ultimate success, we highly recommend reading the tips in the full blog post above. All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use our photos without prior written permission. If you wish to republish a recipe, please rewrite the recipe in your own unique words. Link back to the source recipe here on The Real Food Dietitians. Thank you!

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Stacie Hassing

Stacie Hassing

Stacie is a Licensed and Registered Dietitian from rural southern Minnesota where she, her husband and three children reside with their dog. She’s a co-founder of The Real Food RDs and content creator of simple and wholesome recipes. She loves all kinds of fitness and has a passion to inspire as many as she can live a healthier and happier life both in and out of the kitchen - the driving force behind the co-development of the The Real Food RDs brand.

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  1. AvatarNicci says

    Posted on 8/15/25 at 5:28 am

    Which meal is in the crockpot at the beginning of this page with the protein, herbs , potatoes and carrots?

    Reply
    • Stacie HassingStacie Hassing says

      Posted on 8/15/25 at 6:00 am

      That is our Pork Roast recipe, here is the link!
      https://therealfooddietitians.com/crock-pot-pork-roast/

      Reply

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