Most slow cooker cooking is naturally gluten free: meat, vegetables, beans and broth. Gluten sneaks in through a few convenience ingredients. These 5 gluten free crockpot recipes use safe swaps for each of them, so the whole table can eat the same dinner.
Where Gluten Hides in Crockpot Recipes
- Canned cream soups are usually thickened with wheat flour. Use a certified gluten-free version, or thicken with cornstarch at the end.
- Soy sauce is brewed with wheat. Swap in tamari labeled gluten free, or coconut aminos.
- Seasoning packets and bouillon (taco, ranch, onion soup mix) can contain wheat or be made on shared lines. Check for a gluten-free label.
- Flour-dredged meat in stews: use cornstarch, arrowroot, or a 1:1 gluten-free flour instead.
If you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease, always check each label, because formulas change.
5 Gluten Free Crockpot Recipes
1. Chicken Tortilla Soup
You need: 1 1/2 lb (680 g) chicken breasts, 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained), 1 1/2 cups frozen corn, 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 1 can (4 oz) green chiles, 1 diced onion, 4 cups gluten-free chicken broth, 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt.
Cook: LOW 6 hours or HIGH 3 to 4. Shred the chicken and top with corn tortilla strips, avocado and lime.
2. Classic Pot Roast with Vegetables
You need: 3 lb (1.4 kg) chuck roast, 1 1/2 lb (680 g) baby potatoes, 4 carrots, 1 onion, 1 cup gluten-free beef broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 sprigs rosemary, 1 1/2 tsp salt.
Cook: LOW 8 to 9 hours. For gravy, whisk 2 tbsp cornstarch into 1/4 cup cold water, stir it into the strained juices, and simmer until thick.
3. Shredded Salsa Verde Beef
You need: 3 lb (1.4 kg) beef chuck roast in large chunks, 1 cup salsa verde (check the label), juice of 1 lime, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt.
Cook: LOW 8 to 9 hours, until it shreds easily. Shred in the juices and serve in corn tortillas or over rice.
4. Honey Garlic Chicken (Tamari Version)
You need: 2 lb (900 g) boneless chicken thighs, 1/3 cup honey, 1/3 cup gluten-free tamari, 4 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp rice vinegar.
Cook: LOW 5 to 6 hours. Thicken with 1 tbsp cornstarch slurry and serve over rice.
5. Stuffed Pepper Soup
You need: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (browned), 2 diced bell peppers, 1 diced onion, 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 4 cups gluten-free beef broth, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt. To finish: 2 cups cooked rice.
Cook: LOW 6 hours. Stir in the cooked rice just before serving so it doesn’t turn mushy.
Tips for Gluten Free Slow Cooking
- Thicken at the end. Cornstarch thins out if boiled for hours, so add it in the last 15 to 30 minutes.
- Keep a dedicated wooden cutting board for gluten-free prep if someone in your house has celiac disease, because wood can hold crumbs.
- Store labeled leftovers in airtight food storage containers so nobody mixes up the gluten-free batch.
Want the whole week planned? The Easy Slow Cooker Recipes guide has beginner-friendly breakfast and dinner recipes.
Gluten Free Crockpot FAQ
Are crockpot liners gluten free?
Slow cooker liners are made of food-safe nylon, not wheat, but check the packaging if cross-contact matters to you.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
A certified gluten-free canned soup, or make your own: stir 1 cup broth, 1/2 cup cream and 2 tbsp cornstarch into the crock during the last 30 minutes.
Is beef stew gluten free?
Only if the meat isn’t dredged in wheat flour and the broth is gluten free. Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour instead.
More lighter ideas are in our healthy crockpot recipes.
