Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for convenience? Look no further! Crockpots have long been a staple in many kitchens, allowing home cooks to prepare hearty, comforting meals with minimal effort. And the best part? You don’t have to sacrifice taste or nutrition in the process.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 mouth-watering and nutritious crockpot recipes that are sure to become new favorites. From classic comfort foods like chicken and quinoa stew, to international-inspired dishes like Moroccan chickpea stew and coconut curry shrimp, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick and easy lunch option, or a family with picky eaters, these recipes are sure to please.
So grab your crockpot and get ready to dive into the world of slow-cooked deliciousness!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Quinoa Stew
This hearty stew is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with chicken, quinoa, and vegetables slow-cooked to perfection. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add chicken, quinoa, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in quinoa and adjust seasoning if needed.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
Vegetarian Lentil and Sweet Potato Chili
Warm up with this hearty, plant-based chili that combines the comfort of lentils and sweet potatoes with a burst of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add sweet potato, bell pepper, and lentils; cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Crockpot Turkey and White Bean Soup
This comforting soup is perfect for a chilly day or a weeknight dinner. With tender turkey, creamy white beans, and aromatic spices, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast
– 1 can (15 oz) white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
Instructions:
1. Add turkey, beans, onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the crockpot.
2. Pour in chicken broth and add thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, use two forks to shred turkey into bite-sized pieces.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Healthy Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
Enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal with this easy-to-make crockpot recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless beef brisket or chuck roast
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In the crockpot, combine beef, broccoli, onion, garlic, beef broth, and thyme.
2. Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 4-6 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot over rice or noodles, garnished with additional broccoli if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Salmon with Vegetables
This recipe is a perfect blend of flavors, featuring tender salmon cooked with the brightness of lemon and pungency of garlic, alongside a medley of vegetables. It’s an easy and healthy option for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
2. In the slow cooker, combine lemon juice, garlic, onion, bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini.
3. Place the salmon fillets on top of the vegetables.
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)
Easy Crockpot Quinoa and Black Bean Tacos
This recipe is a flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional tacos, using the convenience of a crockpot to cook quinoa and black beans together. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Add quinoa, water, black beans, onion, red bell pepper, diced tomatoes with green chilies, olive oil, and cumin to the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
5. Assemble tacos by spooning quinoa mixture onto a tortilla and adding desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew
A hearty and aromatic stew that combines the flavors of Morocco with the convenience of a slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for a busy day, as it cooks while you’re away and fills your home with a delicious aroma.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Add this mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Add the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and olive oil to the slow cooker. 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)
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect for a chilly day. With tender chicken, crunchy tortillas, and a blend of spices, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to make.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
– 6-8 corn tortillas, cut into strips
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Place chicken, diced tomatoes, beans, onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) in the crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, add tortilla strips to the crockpot and stir.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with your choice of optional toppings.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Marinara
Kick-start your week with a nutritious and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare! This recipe combines the benefits of turkey meatballs with the rich taste of marinara sauce, all in one convenient slow cooker dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup marinara sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, oats, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs (about 20-25).
4. Place meatballs in the slow cooker. Pour crushed tomatoes and marinara sauce over the top.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Easy Crockpot Vegetable and Chickpea Curry
Easy Crockpot Vegetable and Chickpea Curry
This comforting curry recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, packed with tender vegetables, creamy chickpeas, and aromatic spices. With minimal prep time, you can let your slow cooker do the work while you attend to other tasks.
Ingredients:
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) coconut milk
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the crockpot.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Add this spice blend to the crockpot.
3. Stir in the chickpeas and coconut milk.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives and Feta
Savor the flavors of Greece with this easy and aromatic slow cooker recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, whisk together olive oil, garlic, olives, feta, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts and pour in the chicken broth.
3. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with additional olives and feta if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Crockpot Butternut Squash and Red Lentil Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of sweet butternut squash, tender red lentils, and aromatic spices. With minimal prep time and a slow cooker’s ease, you’ll have a delicious, nutritious meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Add squash, lentils, broth, onion, garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika to the Crockpot.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Healthy Slow Cooker Asian Pork Lettuce Wraps
Transform a busy day into a flavorful evening with this easy and nutritious recipe. Slow-cooked pork, crunchy veggies, and fresh lettuce come together for a delightful wrap that’s perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 2 cups mixed greens
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and ginger. Add the pork shoulder and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
2. After cooking, shred the pork with two forks and stir in bell peppers and scallions.
3. Warm mixed greens by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
4. Assemble wraps by placing a generous portion of the pork mixture onto a lettuce leaf.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Easy Crockpot Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna
Easy Crockpot Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna
Simplify your lasagna game with this comforting and easy-to-make recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (16 oz) package of lasagna noodles
– 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves
– 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (button or cremini work well)
– 1 can of crushed tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 lb ground beef or turkey, browned and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a crockpot, combine spinach, mushrooms, crushed tomatoes, oregano, mozzarella, Parmesan, and ground beef or turkey. Mix well.
3. Arrange cooked lasagna noodles on top of the mixture in the crockpot.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional spinach if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Veggies
Elevate your mealtime routine with this effortless and flavorful slow cooker recipe that combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze, accompanied by perfectly cooked vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 medium bell peppers, sliced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken thighs, honey, garlic, and olive oil.
2. Add sliced onions, bell peppers, and carrots around the chicken.
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 fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Crockpot Quinoa-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Savor the flavors of this nutritious and delicious dish, where quinoa and bell peppers come together in perfect harmony. This recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of fiber, protein, and vitamins in one satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1 minced garlic clove
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the crockpot to low.
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers, removing seeds and membranes. Place them in the crockpot.
3. In a bowl, mix quinoa, black beans, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture, filling to the top.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers.
6. Cook for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Serve: Remove the peppers from the crockpot and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Healthy Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Shrimp
Experience the exotic flavors of Thailand with this creamy and nutritious slow cooker shrimp recipe, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1/2 cup curry powder
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine coconut milk, curry powder, olive oil, onion, garlic, and ginger.
2. Add the shrimp to the slow cooker, making sure they are covered with the curry mixture.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Easy Crockpot Cauliflower and Chickpea Masala
This flavorful and nutritious recipe is a perfect blend of Indian-inspired spices, tender cauliflower, and creamy chickpeas. With minimal prep work and hands-off cooking, you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
Instructions:
1. Add the cauliflower, chickpeas, olive oil, onion, garlic, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) to a crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
3. Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 2-5 hours
Slow Cooker Turkey and Kale Stuffed Peppers
A delicious twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines tender turkey, nutritious kale, and flavorful rice for a healthy and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, cooked rice, chopped kale, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Stuff each bell pepper with the turkey mixture, filling to the top.
4. Place stuffed peppers in the slow cooker.
5. Pour diced tomatoes over the peppers.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Warm Up with Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Steel-Cut Oatmeal
This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional oatmeal, combining the comfort of steel-cut oats with the warmth of apples and cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup steel-cut oats
– 4 cups water or milk
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup diced apples (about 1-2 medium-sized)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Add the steel-cut oats, water or milk, cinnamon, and salt to the Crockpot.
2. Stir until the oats are well coated with the liquid.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add the diced apples, brown sugar, and butter to the Crockpot. Stir gently.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of flavors with these 20 delicious, easy, and healthy crockpot recipes! From hearty stews and soups to vibrant curries and tacos, there’s something for everyone. Discover tasty and nutritious meals like Slow Cooker Chicken and Quinoa Stew, Vegetarian Lentil and Sweet Potato Chili, and Crockpot Turkey and White Bean Soup. With minimal effort required, these slow cooker recipes will become your go-to solution for a quick, satisfying meal.
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