If there is one kitchen appliance that needs to live in every kitchen, it has to be the crock pot. We love to pull out our crock pots, armed with our arsenal of healthy crock pot recipes to add comfort, nutrition, and simplicity to our days. Not only are easy crockpot recipes lifesaver for delicious meals, but the aromas and slow-cooked flavor they conjure bring everyone to the table.
The Healthy Crockpot Recipes You’ll Return to again
Great Taste. Healthy. Quick Prep. Easy Cleanup. When you want it all from your meal (and who doesn’t?), turn to these healthy slow cooker recipes. From chili and stew to flavorful shredded meats to add to wraps, sandwiches, and potatoes, this collection of easy recipes will give you a lot of fresh dinner ideas you’ll find yourself adding to your meal plan on repeat.
With a little planning ahead you can skip takeout and enjoy a delicious crockpot meal at home. Below you’ll find a long list of beef, pork, and chicken recipes all made in a slow cooker. We know you’ll find some new recipes to add to your menu.
40 healthy crockpot recipes
Buffalo Chicken-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Our Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken is an easy recipe made in the crockpot. We love it for laid-back weekends and also as a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. Serve it over baked sweet potatoes or Russet potatoes for a hearty meal, or keep it light as a topping for a salad or tucked into lettuce wraps.
Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Egg Free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Ward off a chill in the air and make quick work of feeding your whole family with this hearty, white chicken chili you can make in the crockpot. We’ve made it dairy-free and Whole30-compatible using coconut milk, but don’t worry, you won’t even taste the coconut. Don’t need it to be dairy-free or Whole30? Swap out the coconut milk in this easy crockpot recipe for whole milk or half-and-half if you’d like and add a can of white beans for a boost of fiber and protein.
Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Healthy Hamburger Vegetable Soup
Packed to the max with veggies and full of flavor, this Slow Cooker Healthy Hamburger Soup recipe is a hearty, clean, and healthy crockpot recipe you’ll want to add to your menu! It’s perfect for meal prep and makes for a tasty cook once, eat twice (or multiple times) kind of a meal!
Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Chicken Corn Chowder
Run straight to the store and gather up the ingredients for this Slow Cooker Chicken 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 you’re looking for a bowl of soup you can really tuck into.
Gluten Free | Nut Free | Egg Free
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili
When you want a healthy crockpot recipe, look no further than this hearty bean-less chili recipe in its crowd-pleasing glory and it just happens to also be Whole30-friendly. The pumpkin adds a touch of sweetness, fiber, and vitamin A and it’s a great way to sneak more veggies into your diet.
Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Hawaiian Shredded Chicken
This Hawaiian Shredded Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. It’s flavorful, light, and a simple healthy slow cooker recipe. Follow the recipe as is to serve the chicken in chard wraps—or feel free to serve it however you wish: on a bed of greens, on top of a sweet potato, or over cauliflower rice. This recipe makes for great leftovers and can be served hot or cold.
Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Chipotle Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
Sweet potatoes stand in for beans in this hearty slow cooker turkey chili recipe and they make for a nice compliment to the smoky chipotle pepper. Butternut squash makes for a great substitute for the sweet potatoes. This is one of our go-to healthy crockpot recipes that we love to top with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Feel free to double the batch and freeze some for future meals because it’s super freezer-friendly.
Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa
Tacos, taco salads, burrito bowls, egg scrambles … the serving options are endless when it comes to this tender, perfectly spiced slow cooker beef barbacoa. In less than 15 minutes you can have everything loaded into the slow cooker (or a zip-top bag so it’s ready to dump into the slow cooker when you’re ready) and several hours later, you’ll have a big batch of the most tender and tasty filling for tortillas and lettuce wraps or piling atop a bed of cauliflower rice, lettuce, or rice.
Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30 option
Chicken Chile Verde Stew
This thick and hearty stew – with just a little spice – is perfect for meal prepping or for stockpiling in the freezer. We have yet to meet a bowl of chile verde that had us thinking, ‘Well, that’s pretty,’ because truth be told, chile verde isn’t much to look at. It’s pale green with somewhat indistinguishable ingredients thanks to that long, low simmer that turns a handful of simple ingredients into something utterly magnificent. But don’t let that stop you from digging into a big bowl of this Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew. What it lacks in outward appearance, it more than makes up for in depth of flavor and delicious toppings.
Gluten Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Oh so creamy and full of flavor. This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is hearty, comforting, and perfect for those cold winter days. You won’t find and flour or cream of mushroom soup here. Only tender chunks of chicken breast, hearty veggies, creamy half and half, and perfectly chewy wild rice. Add this to your file of healthy crockpot recipes you’ll want to make every single fall.
Gluten Free | Egg Free | Nut Free
Crockpot Chicken Tacos
More than your average tacos, you won’t find any pre-made seasoning packets in this recipe. Instead, we use simple, real food spices include cumin, oregano, garlic powder, chili powder to create bold, warm flavors the whole family will enjoy. Serve the chicken taco meat in tortilla shells, lettuce wraps, over nachos, salads, and more! Then, store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for envy-worthy meals to enjoy throughout the week.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana
Soup lovers rejoice! This warming recipe has your name all over it. Featuring Italian turkey sausage, plenty of veggies, a creamy broth, and rich Italian flavors, this soup tastes just as good (if not better) as the original Olive Garden recipe. Even better, it’s easy to make right from the comfort of your own kitchen!
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Beef Stew with Root Vegetables (Easy and Healthy)
There’s nothing better than coming home to a warm, nutrient-rich meal on a cold winter day, and this beef stew always hits the spot. Filled with chunks of tender beef and soft root vegetables, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Serve it warm with a side of thick, crusty bread, and you’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Creamy Crockpot Butter Chicken (Healthy and Easy)
Bright in color, the bold appearance of this dish lives up to its flavor. Inspired by classic Indian butter chicken, this healthy crock pot recipe is a creamy, dreamy 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. Serve it over cooked rice, quinoa or cauliflower rice with a side of naan. Then, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a squeeze of fresh lime for a restaurant-worthy meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free
Thai-Inspired Peanut Chicken
Comfort food that’s healthy, too? Yes, please! This Thai-inspired chicken is our nutritious take on one of our favorite Asian-inspiresd dishes, and it’s super easy to make. Complete with a homemade peanut sauce, all you have to do is combine the ingredients, leave them in the crock pot, and come back to dinner waiting for you.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Paleo
Crockpot Chunky Beef Chili with Sweet Potatoes
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing recipe, look no further! This beef chili is our go-to meal for cold winter days, potlucks, family gatherings, and more. Loaded with beef, veggies, and warm spices, it’s nutritious and full of comforting flavor. Served with a side of cornbread, it’s the ultimate comfort food!
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Baby Back Ribs
Enjoy tender, juicy ribs all year long without the need to tend to the grill with this easy crockpot recipe. Using a simple homemade spice rub and sweet, tangy barbecue sauce, we’ve cracked the code to creating succulent ribs that taste like you spent the entire day tending over them. Finger-lickin’ good, they pair well with all your favorite sides for a homemade dinner that will rival that of the best BBQ joint.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Easy and Tender Crockpot Beef Tips and Gravy
Nothing quite hits the spot like this fork-tender beef coated in a simple gravy sauce. Rich and decadent, it’s combined with pearl onions and sliced mushrooms for a clean comfort food that’s full of flavor. We love to serve it over mashed potatoes, noodles, or mashed cauliflower with a side of green beans for a hearty dinner that can’t be beat!
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Dairy Free
Taco Soup
Level up your ‘Taco Tuesday’! Featuring all the flavor of tacos in a warm Mexican-inspired soup. It’s veggie-loaded, wholesome, hearty, and full of flavor. It can be made with either ground beef or ground turkey. Easy to make, it’s freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep, meaning you can make it once and enjoy it for days, weeks, and months to come. Top it off with a variety of toppings including avocado, cilantro, green onions, radishes, corn chips, cheese, and more!
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free
Crockpot Carnitas
Create restaurant-quality tacos and burrito bowls the whole family will love with this simple recipe! Featuring bold, authentic flavors and the perfect amount of spice, this is our favorite set-it-and-forget-it recipe for weeknight dinners, tailgate parties, holidays, and everything in between. Paired with a homemade cilantro lime sauce, we love to use this carnitas pork for out-of-this-world tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, and salads!
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Beef And Lentil Stew (Moroccan-Spiced)
A hearty and so-delicious lentil stew featuring beef and warming Moroccan-style spices for the ultimate bowl of comfort that’s good for you, too! Each serving boasts 7 grams of fiber and 30 grams of protein thanks to the easy-to-cook slow-cooked lentils.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free
Crockpot BBQ Beef
This saucy BBQ Beef is great for a variety of occasions, from entertaining to meal preps to weeknights dinners straight out of your crockpot. This delicious protein tastes great when served over baked sweet potatoes, added to a baked potato bar, stuffed into veggies, or served in buns and wraps, too. For a low carb option we like to serve it in crisp lettuce leaf.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Salsa Chicken Recipe (Instant Pot Or Slow Cooker)
Everyone loves this easy Salsa Chicken meal! You get flavorful shredded chicken with black beans na corn in minutes that tastes good on everything! Make it into a healthy bowl meal with our Cilantro-Lime Crema, or serve it in a tortilla, tacos, or any way you please.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free
Easy Pork Roast Recipe With Vegetables And Gravy
With this easy slow cooker recipe, you get a complete dinner in one, including juicy fall-apart tender pork roast, creamy yellow potatoes, roasted carrots, and a flavorful herb gravy. A cozy and nutritious meal that provides plenty of delicious leftovers.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup With Bacon (Easy & Delicious)
Cheeseburger Soup is a perfect cozy, comforting meal. It’s creamy, hearty, veggie-filled, and easy to make. The familiar flavors in this slow cooker, budget-friendly recipe are ones that the whole family will love.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free
Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders
A traditional comfort food with a unique but oh-so-delicious twist. These Slow Cooker Chicken Sloppy Joe Sliders are a winner for the entire family. Served between two sweet potato rounds, it makes for one delicious and hearty meal. Lighten it up by serving the chicken in a lettuce wrap, over a bed of greens, or whatever way you please.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chicken Curry
Sweet potato, tender chunks of chicken, red pepper, and green beans are all slow cooked and infused with an Indian-inspired spice blend, making this Slow Cooker Chicken Curry heaven in a bowl. For a boost of protein and fiber, stir in a can of chickpeas.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Beef And Bean Chili
This hearty beef and bean chili sure is a crowd pleaser! Made with budget-friendly staples like canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, ground beef (or ground turkey), and a trio of beans including pinto, kidney, and black beans it gets a huge flavor boost from two secret ingredients you already have on hand.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Paleo
Salsa Verde Chicken (Instant Pot Or Crockpot)
If you’ve got 5 minutes + a slow cooker, you’re on your way to the easiest Salsa Verde Chicken you’ll ever make (and love)! With just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time, it’s the easiest salsa verde chicken you’ll ever put together thanks to the crockpot (or Instant Pot).
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Buffalo Chicken Dip (Dairy-Free)
Creamy and delicious and made easy in the crockpot, this low carb, dairy-free Buffalo Chicken Dip is an appetizer for all to enjoy. It has the perfect amount of kick and you won’t even miss the dairy! This Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe will make a great addition to your scaled-down Holiday menu or as a tasty game-day snack.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Italian Stuffed Artichokes
Packed with lean protein, Italian herbs, and seasoning and ready when you are, these Slow Cooker Stuffed Artichokes are a satisfying twist on the traditional breadcrumb and cheese stuffed artichokes popular in Italian cooking. Prepping them a day or two ahead of time means you can add them to the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a hot meal.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free
Pulled Pork With Honey-Mustard BBQ Sauce
Tender shredded pork gets a generous drizzle of sweet-tangy Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce for the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal the entire family will love. We like to serve it over a baked sweet potato or baked potato with our broccoli kale slaw but it’s also just as delicious served as a sandwich.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Paleo
Hearty Slow Cooker Vegan Chili With Lentils
Rich and hearty and easy on the budget, this Slow Cooker Vegan Chili with Lentils is a great way to add more plant-based nutrition to your weeknight dinner rotation. This recipe is freezer-friendly and great for meal prep!
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Vegan
Slow Cooker Green Chile Stew With Beans (Vegan Recipe)
A set-it and forget-it recipe, this Slow Cooker Green Chile Stew is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with ample fiber and plant-based protein and is vegan-friendly, satisfying, and delicious!
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Vegan
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili (Easy, Veggie Loaded)
A comforting, cozy chili recipe that nourishes you with great flavor and nutritious ingredients. High-quality protein and vitamin-loaded sweet potatoes make the base of this flavorful, easy chili that fits in special diets (Whole30, gluten-free, dairy-free) and contains no beans or added sugars.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Lamb Curry Recipe (Instant Pot Or Crockpot)
This Lamb Curry recipe is an easy twist on traditional Indian mutton curry that you can make in your slow cooker or Instant Pot. It’s a flavorful, protein-rich, veggie-filled comfort food meal that requires minimal prep time and has a total time of less than an hour. Serve it over jasmine rice, basmati rice, or cauliflower rice for a dinner that’s delicious the first time and also makes wonderful leftovers.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free | Paleo | Whole30
Cowboy Beans (Reduced Sugar Recipe)
Part main entree and part side dish, these Cowboy Beans made in the crock pot are simple and satisfying. A must for any backyard barbecue, these Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans are made with three types of beans, ground beef, and with our reduced-sugar sauce making them a great addition to your menu.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free
Our Favorite Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe
When the weather turns cold, warming up with a bowl of veggie-loaded turkey chili is about as good as it gets! This turkey chili recipe feeds 5-6 but can easily be doubled and frozen for easy meal prep. This recipe can be made in the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free
Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes
These fluffy mashed potatoes loaded with bacon, cheddar and chives topped with a creamy ranch dressing are pretty much a comfort food dream-come-true. It’s a side dish that everyone will love.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free
Baked Beans With Bacon (Easy, Sweet, And Saucy)
Use your slow cooker to make the most delicious sweet and saucy baked beans that are a side dish that is loved by all and so convenient. Easy to transport, and perfect for BBQ, potlucks, and holidays year-round.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Grain Free | Dairy Free
For the Best Crock Pot Recipes
Just when you think these slow cooker meals couldn’t get any better, we’ve got a few tips and tricks to make preparation and the clean-up super easy!
- Prepare in Advance. When it comes to healthy crock pot recipes, you 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 you have to do is add them to the crock pot when it’s time to start the recipe.
- Consider Using a Liner. If the recipe you’re making is extra sticky (think thick chilis and cheesy dips), then you may want to create easier clean-up for your crock pot by using a liner, which are sold in most grocery stores. A crock pot liner prevents food from sticking to the ceramic pot, and makes for quick, easy cleanup.
- Adjust the Cooking Time. Every crock pot is different, meaning you’ll likely have to adjust the recipes below to accommodate. For instance, the large the crock pot, the longer it usually takes to heat up. Meanwhile, others become more or less hot. So, be sure to know your crock pot well and check on your meals to make sure they are not over or undercooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
The terms are often used interchangeably and are more or less the same thing. However, there are some primary differences. For instance, all crock pots are made with 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 your food.
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.
Crock pots are great tools to transform thick, tough cuts of meat into juicy meals. Some of our favorite options include pork shoulder, chuck roast, beef brisket, lamb shanks, and chicken thighs.
How to Store These Healthy Crock Pot Recipes
To keep your healthy crock pot recipes fresh, it’s best to transfer any leftovers to an airtight container after eating and within two hours of the finished cooking time. We provide specific storage instructions on the recipe card for each recipe. However, in general, leftovers of fully-cooked crock pot recipes can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months for optimal quality.
