Healthy slow cooking is mostly about what you put in the crock: lean protein, beans, lentils and lots of vegetables, with flavor from herbs, spices and citrus. These healthy crockpot recipes are filling, budget friendly and easy to portion for the week.
Each one either links to a full recipe or includes the amounts and cook time right here.
Quick Picks
- Best vegetarian: Lentil Vegetable Soup
- Best chili: Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili
- Best chicken: Chicken Tortilla Soup
14 Healthy Crockpot Recipes
1. Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
High-protein soup with black beans, corn and fire-roasted tomatoes.
Get the full crockpot chicken tortilla soup recipe
2. Lentil Vegetable Soup
Lentils, carrots, celery and tomatoes simmered with cumin. Naturally vegan and very cheap.
Get the full lentil vegetable soup recipe
3. Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili
Brown 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey, then cook with 1 large diced sweet potato, 1 can black beans, 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 onion, 2 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt and 1 cup broth on LOW for 6 to 7 hours.
4. Crockpot Minestrone
Cook 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery ribs, 1 zucchini, 2 cans (15 oz) beans, 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, 6 cups vegetable broth and 1 tbsp Italian seasoning on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Add 1 cup small pasta for the last 20 minutes on HIGH, plus 2 cups spinach.
5. Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Lean chicken with a pile of peppers and onions.
Get the full crockpot chicken fajitas recipe
6. Crockpot Pinto Beans
Fiber-rich, meatless and perfect for burrito bowls.
Get the full crockpot pinto beans recipe
7. Gluten Free Crockpot Recipes
5 naturally gluten free dinners, including stuffed pepper soup.
Get the full gluten free crockpot recipes recipe
8. Lighter White Chicken Chili
Swap Greek yogurt for the sour cream and cream cheese.
Get the full lighter white chicken chili recipe
9. Light Chicken Curry
Light coconut milk, tomatoes and spinach with chicken thighs.
Get the full light chicken curry recipe
10. Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
Use flank steak, low-sodium soy sauce and double the broccoli.
Get the full crockpot beef and broccoli recipe
11. Smoky Split Pea Soup
Split peas, carrots and celery with smoked paprika. High in fiber and protein.
Get the full smoky split pea soup recipe
12. Crockpot Whole Chicken
Cook once, eat lean protein all week.
Get the full crockpot whole chicken recipe
13. Black Bean Soup
Cook 1 lb (450 g) dried black beans (rinsed) with 7 cups broth, 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, 4 cloves garlic, 2 tsp cumin and 1 tsp oregano on LOW for 8 hours. Add 1 1/2 tsp salt and lime juice, then blend half the soup.
14. Greek Chicken and Chickpeas
Lemon, oregano, tomatoes and chickpeas with lean chicken breast.
Get the full greek chicken and chickpeas recipe
How to Make Any Crockpot Recipe Healthier
- Add a vegetable. Stir in spinach, kale or zucchini near the end.
- Use beans to stretch meat. Swap half the meat for beans.
- Cut the cream. Use Greek yogurt or blended beans for creaminess.
- Watch the sodium. Use low-sodium broth and add salt at the end.
Equipment I Used
- Large airtight food storage container: for leftovers and freezer portions.
- Large ceramic pasta and soup bowls: deep enough for stews, soups and saucy dinners.
- Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons: for sauces and spice blends.
Want to batch-cook for the week? The Meal Prep for Beginners guide includes printable meal prep checklists.
Healthy Crockpot Recipes FAQ
Are crockpot meals healthy?
They can be very healthy. Slow cooking needs little added fat and works well with lean protein, beans and vegetables.
What is the healthiest thing to make in a slow cooker?
Bean and lentil soups, vegetable-packed chilis and chicken with vegetables are some of the healthiest options.
Do slow cookers destroy nutrients?
Some water-soluble vitamins leach into the liquid, but you eat the liquid too, so most nutrients stay in the meal.
Are these good for meal prep?
Yes. Most keep 4 days in the fridge and 3 months in the freezer.
