Are you looking for a way to cook healthy, flavorful meals without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than your slow cooker! The Mediterranean diet is renowned for its health benefits, and with these 21 easy-to-make crock pot recipes, you can bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. From hearty stews and soups to flavorful fish dishes and vegetarian options, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Whether you’re a busy professional or a stay-at-home parent, your slow cooker is a valuable tool in the kitchen. Simply add your ingredients, turn it on, and come home to a delicious, healthy meal. And with these Mediterranean-inspired recipes, you’ll be getting all the benefits of the Mediterranean diet – from reducing your risk of heart disease and diabetes to improving your mental health.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 21 delicious crock pot Mediterranean recipes that are perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch on-the-go. From classic dishes like chicken and lamb shanks to vegetarian options like lentil soup and stuffed peppers, there’s something for every taste and dietary preference. So why not start your culinary journey to the Mediterranean today? Let’s get cooking!
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
This flavorful and aromatic chicken dish is perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a delicious meal. With the combination of tender chicken, savory spices, and fresh herbs, this slow cooker recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/4 cup artichoke hearts, canned or fresh
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine chicken, crushed tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Greek Beef Stew
This comforting stew is a perfect blend of tender beef, flavorful spices, and tangy feta cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crock pot. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef stew meat
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions:
1. Place the beef, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, red wine (if using), oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a crock pot.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
3. Stir in the feta cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley (optional).
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Mediterranean Lentil Soup in Slow Cooker
Warm up with this flavorful and nutritious soup that’s perfect for a cozy evening or a quick lunch. This slow-cooked lentil soup is infused with the aromas of the Mediterranean, featuring tender green lentils, aromatic spices, and a hint of lemon.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tbsp)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add lentils, water, onion, garlic, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Stir in olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-6 hours.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Slow Cooked Moroccan Lamb Tagine
This aromatic and flavorful slow-cooked lamb tagine is a staple of Moroccan cuisine, with tender lamb, sweet spices, and dried fruits. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless lamb shoulder, cut into large chunks
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in the slow cooker. Add onion and cook until softened.
2. Add lamb, garlic, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne. Cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add diced tomatoes, apricots, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Garnish with parsley or cilantro. Serve hot over couscous or rice.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Crock Pot Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a classic Provençal dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening. This Crock Pot version simplifies the cooking process while maintaining the rich flavors of the original.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the onion, garlic, eggplants, and zucchinis to the Crock Pot.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and thyme. Pour the mixture over the vegetables.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Mediterranean Slow Cooker Fish Stew
This hearty stew combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with ease and convenience. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s packed with tender fish, aromatic spices, and nutritious vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound firm white fish (such as cod or tilapia), cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the fish, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Greek Style Crock Pot Lemon Potatoes
Add a burst of Mediterranean flavor to your potatoes with this easy and delicious recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish, these crock pot lemon potatoes are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the crock pot, combine potatoes, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in crumbled feta cheese (if using).
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagna
Elevate your mealtime with this flavorful and nutritious slow cooker lasagna, packed with the Mediterranean’s finest ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a delicious, comforting dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of lasagna noodles
– 2 cups mixed Mediterranean vegetables (such as zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions)
– 1 can of crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for greasing the slow cooker
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, combine Mediterranean vegetables, crushed tomatoes, and ricotta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Grease the slow cooker with olive oil.
5. Assemble the lasagna by layering cooked noodles, vegetable mixture, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat for 2-3 layers, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
6. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Crock Pot Chickpea and Spinach Stew
This comforting stew is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with chickpeas, spinach, and aromatic spices. It’s easy to prepare and cooks all day in your slow cooker, making it an ideal meal for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to the Crock Pot.
2. Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.
3. Stir in spinach leaves during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Mediterranean Slow Cooked Stuffed Peppers
Add a flavorful twist to traditional stuffed peppers with this Mediterranean-inspired recipe. Tender peppers filled with aromatic rice, savory lamb, and tangy feta cheese will become a new favorite dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground lamb
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. Cut the tops off peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place in the slow cooker.
3. In a large skillet, cook lamb, onion, and garlic until browned, breaking up with a spoon as needed.
4. Stir in cooked rice, feta cheese, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Stuff each pepper with the lamb mixture and top with diced tomatoes.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Greek Lemon Rice Soup
This hearty and comforting soup is a twist on traditional Greek cuisine, combining the bright flavors of lemon with creamy rice and tender chicken. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch, this Crock Pot recipe makes cooking easy and effortless.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Add the chicken, rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to the Crock Pot.
2. Stir in the olive oil.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. When cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Eggplant Parmesan
Experience the rich flavors of the Mediterranean in this comforting slow cooker dish that combines tender eggplant with creamy melted mozzarella and a hint of spice. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to Low.
2. In a bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each eggplant slice into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated eggplant slices in the slow cooker.
5. Pour crushed tomatoes over the eggplant, followed by oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Cook on Low for 3-4 hours or High for 1-2 hours.
Crock Pot Moroccan Chicken with Olives
This flavorful and aromatic dish is a perfect blend of Middle Eastern spices and Mediterranean olives. With minimal effort, you’ll have a deliciously tender chicken dish ready to serve.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Top with sliced olives and chicken broth.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Mediterranean Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks
Mediterranean Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks Recipe
Savor the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this slow-cooked lamb shank recipe, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 lamb shanks
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your slow cooker to low heat.
2. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the lamb shanks until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Transfer the lamb shanks and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes, lemon juice, and dried oregano to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
7. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Greek Style Green Beans
Elevate your green bean game with this flavorful and easy-to-make slow cooker recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish, these Greek-inspired green beans are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the green beans, onion, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano to a slow cooker.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. If using feta cheese, sprinkle it on top of the green beans during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Mediterranean Orzo Salad
A flavorful and refreshing salad that combines the creamy goodness of orzo with the bold flavors of the Mediterranean. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup orzo
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1 cup artichoke hearts, canned or marinated
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the orzo according to package instructions using the water.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, diced tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese.
3. Add cooked orzo to the bowl and stir until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and cook in Crock Pot on Low for 2-3 hours or High for 1-2 hours.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (Low) or 1-2 hours (High)
Slow Cooked Mediterranean Seafood Paella
A flavorful and aromatic paella dish that combines the freshness of seafood with the warmth of Mediterranean spices, slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked Arborio rice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams), cleaned and rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large slow cooker.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the seafood, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, and saffron mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the Arborio rice.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crock Pot Turkish Lentil and Bulgur Pilaf
This comforting Crock Pot recipe combines the rich flavors of lentils and bulgur with aromatic spices, perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch. With minimal effort, you’ll have a nutritious and filling meal ready to go.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 cup bulgur
– 2 cups water
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Add the lentils, bulgur, water, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the Crock Pot.
2. Stir in the olive oil.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken and Olive Stew
Mediterranean Slow Cooker Chicken and Olive Stew Recipe
Summary: Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this hearty slow cooker stew, featuring tender chicken, juicy olives, and a blend of aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup pitted green olives, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, whisk together diced tomatoes, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced olives to the slow cooker.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them on top of the vegetable mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and cover the slow cooker with a lid.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Artichoke and White Bean Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup that combines the sweetness of artichokes with the creaminess of white beans, all infused with the aromas of the Mediterranean.
Ingredients:
– 1 large can of artichoke hearts (14 oz), drained and chopped
– 1 can of cannellini beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the chopped onion, garlic, red bell pepper, artichoke hearts, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper to a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
3. Stir in chopped parsley, if using.
4. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Crock Pot Greek Style Stuffed Tomatoes
Enjoy a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional stuffed tomatoes with this easy Crock Pot recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tomatoes, hollowed out
– 1/2 cup cooked rice
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Crock Pot to low.
2. In a bowl, mix together cooked rice, feta cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Stuff each tomato with the rice mixture, dividing it evenly among the four tomatoes.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the filled tomatoes.
5. Place the stuffed tomatoes in the Crock Pot, leaving a little space between each one.
6. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
7. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-5 hours (low) or 1-3 hours (high)
Conclusion
Discover the flavors of the Mediterranean with these delicious and healthy crock pot recipes! From slow-cooked chicken to hearty stews, soups, and salads, there’s something for everyone. Try Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken, Crock Pot Greek Beef Stew, or Mediterranean Lentil Soup in Slow Cooker. For a vegetarian option, try Slow Cooked Moroccan Lamb Tagine or Crock Pot Chickpea and Spinach Stew. With 21 mouth-watering recipes to choose from, you’ll be cooking up a taste of the Mediterranean in no time!
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
