If you are looking to eat healthier while saving time and money, then you’ll definitely want to get acquainted with your slow cooker. This trusty appliance lets you simply dump in ingredients, set it, and forget it. That means you can easily whip up yummy, nutritious meals that would otherwise require way too much time in the kitchen. And especially as cooler weather settles in, it’s time to add some cozy slow cooker recipes to your regular meal prep rotation.
We’ve rounded up 35 healthy recipes you can throw together in the slow cooker to make your life easier this week. They all create a big batch, so you can whip one up on Sunday and have meals prepped for the whole week. Or freeze the rest for meals down the road! Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, paleo, dairy-free, or gluten-free, these slow cooker recipes will satisfy everyone:
If your go-to comfort meal involves a block of ramen and a seasoning packet, trust me—I love those, too. But you can elevate your basic bowl of ramen with just a little extra effort. Simply prep your ingredients, toss them in, and let the crockpot work its magic.
It can be difficult to find weeknight meals that are healthy and delicious but don’t take up too much of your precious time. This slow cooker yellow chicken curry checks all those boxes and packs in tons of flavor, too.
This recipe might just give you the juiciest, most flavorful chicken of your life—all with a hands-off approach. The herbed sun-dried tomato sauce is an irresistible addition that will have your mouth watering.
I feel like a broken record this fall because I can’t stop telling everyone how excited I am for chili season, but once you try this recipe, you won’t be able to stop raving about it either. If you love Italian food, you’ll be obsessed with this Italian twist on classic chili.
There’s no need for takeout with this tasty slow cooker Kung Pao Chicken. It offers all the convenience and is even more delicious.
This meatball orzo is the perfect choice when you can’t decide between a creamy, comforting dish and a bright, zesty dinner. It effortlessly combines both flavor profiles and is incredibly easy to whip up.
There’s nothing that will fuel you to get through the week like a filling dinner of chicken, broccoli, and potatoes. Plus, the garlic sauce in this recipe is so creamy and delicious that you’ll want to put it on literally everything you cook.
Take taco night (or burrito night or bowl night) to the next level with this smoky chicken tinga slow cooker recipe. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to serve it in various ways, all of which taste great.
This beef and broccoli packs more flavor than your typical recipe, and all the cooking happens in the crockpot, requiring minimal effort on your part.
Now that fall is officially here, it also means that cold and flu season is lurking around the corner. When everyone around you is getting sick, it’s important to have a soup recipe you love on hand to make you feel better, and this easy chicken and wild rice soup is just the thing to perk you up.
Stuffed peppers are a staple in my household. If you don’t already make them often, you’ll love how tasty, customizable, and time-saving they are, especially when you make them in the slow cooker.
The Thai green curry, coconut milk, and fresh lime juice come together to make this coconut curry chicken recipe irresistible.
Don’t be fooled—this is not your typical, bland chicken and rice. It’s so creamy that it’s hard to believe it’s healthy, but it’s made with brown rice, veggies, and chicken broth rather than the typical canned soup.
Beef bourguignon may seem like a fancy dish that would require too much effort on a weeknight, but with this recipe, it’s ready in a snap. Serve it as a stew or over some mashed potatoes for an unmatched dinner.
Whether you follow a vegan diet, are trying to eat more plant-based, or simply appreciate a good recipe regardless of whether it contains meat, you’re guaranteed to love this vegan tikka masala. Not only does it taste fantastic, but it also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping.
If you’re looking for a chicken tortilla soup with a bit of a kick to warm you up on chilly fall nights, this spicy crockpot recipe is a must-try.
We all know and love a good baked potato, but now imagine a perfectly baked sweet potato stuffed with tangy, spicy shredded buffalo chicken. Prep takes only 15 minutes, and then the slow cooker takes over from there.
As incredible as fall is, there are days when the cooler weather and shorter days can make you feel a bit sluggish. My favorite remedy for those days is a hot bowl of detox soup. This one is full of protein, fiber, and potassium—it’s just what you need to help you feel fabulous.
With this vegetarian chili, you won’t even miss the ground beef because it’s so delicious without it. It’s the perfect warm and comforting dish for fall.
No matter what your favorite soup is, you have to admit that none has mass appeal like chicken noodle soup. This recipe takes it up a notch with the addition of buffalo sauce.
This recipe proves you don’t need noodles to create a showstopping lasagna. It has just the right amount of sauce and cheesiness, and on top of that, it’s low-carb and high in protein.
This recipe allows you to make a vegetarian Mexican casserole with quinoa, black beans, and taco seasoning entirely in the slow cooker. Who doesn’t want a 10/10 meal that only requires 2/10 effort?
This slow cooker honey garlic chicken is bursting with flavor and makes a fantastic fridge staple for topping rice, sandwiches, quesadillas, and any other dish that could use a boost of protein.
If you’re looking for a no-frills chicken soup recipe that might just make the best bowl you’ve ever had, look no further. This recipe also freezes well, so you can enjoy it whenever you need an extra dose of comfort.
The only thing better than getting takeout is enjoying the same dish without having to leave your home at all. That’s exactly what this crockpot creamy cashew chicken recipe with rice and naan offers.
With fall comes football season, and this healthier version of sloppy joes is just the thing to eat while tailgating or hosting a watch party. You can even make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer, then reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
If turkey sloppy joes aren’t your thing, this slow cooker pulled chicken recipe is a great alternative that tastes just as good. Or, make both!
I’m obsessed with creamy tomato soup, and honestly, I didn’t think it could get any better—until I came across this recipe that adds cheesy tortellini. After trying it, you’ll never want tomato soup without it again.
When you need something hearty, healthy, and easy, this slow cooker recipe never fails. Just put everything in the crockpot, and once the Mexican quinoa is done, add toppings like sour cream, salsa, and avocado.
This recipe isn’t your traditional chili—it swaps the typical beans for sweet potatoes and is completely paleo. It’s a unique twist on chili that tastes amazing.
This recipe makes butter chicken easier to cook, healthier, and more delicious. Served alongside naan and rice, it’s the perfect slow cooker meal.
One thing about me: I love a meatball. On a sub, with pasta, by itself as an appetizer—name a meatball-focused dish, and I’m a fan. Make this recipe in a crockpot and add it to any dish of your choice for an easy, delicious dinner.
This vegetarian soup is a nutritious meal packed with plant-based protein. It’s delicious as is, but if you’d like to add some meat, shredded chicken pairs wonderfully as well.
Seafood lovers, meet your new favorite slow cooker recipe. This jambalaya is bursting with bright Cajun flavor, featuring sausage, chicken, shrimp, rice, vegetables, and a bold blend of seasonings.
To make this honey sriracha, you only need five ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time. Then, you’ll have a mouthwatering dinner ready to enjoy.