Why spend countless hours in the kitchen cooking new recipes everyday when you can quickly prepare a healthy slow cooker meal for weight loss for every day of the week?
I love healthy slow cooker recipes because you can make a flavorful and healthy meal in a short amount of time, have very little clean up, and can save the leftovers for the rest of the week.
Slow cooker chicken recipes are especially appealing for exercisers, weightlifters and athletes.
For me, it’s always hard to eat a large amount of chicken, one of the best sources of protein.
The slow cooker takes that chicken and transforms it into a tender and juicy meal that I can’t get enough of. It’s never been easier to meet my daily protein intake goals.
Some of the other benefits of using a slow cooker include:
- A lower temptation to eat out or consume processed foods, helping you to eat wholesome, nutrient dense meats and vegetables.
- The low number of steps it takes to prepare a meal. You save tons of time throughout the week, time you can spend working out, getting things done, or spending with your friends or family.
- A slow cooker can be used any time of the year. They are great for all occasions.
- The tender and flavorful dishes that come with a long slow cook time.
- You can leave the slow cooker unattended all day and come home to a hot delicious meal.
- It’s extremely convenient to just throw a bunch of ingredients into a pot and let it cook all day while you do other more important things.
If you’re uncertain what slow cooker to use, try the Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer. Combine 7 appliances in 1 and prepare dishes up to 70% faster than traditional slow cookers. This 3rd generation stainless steel cooking pot is made from food grade 304, no chemical coating. 3-ply bottom for even heat distribution.
So without further ado, let’s get to my:
15 Super HEALTHY Slow Cooker Recipes for Weight Loss
1. Awesome Slow Cooker Asian Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps
Yield: 10 servings Prep Time: 20 minutes Smoke Time: 5 hours Cook Time: 6 hour
My first healthy slow cooker recipe for weight loss are these Asian pulled ork lettuce wraps. This might be one of the more complex recipes I have on the list because it requires a smoker grill to get the meat perfect. You don’t have to use that, but I highly recommend it. These amazing Asian pork lettuce wraps are worth the wait. The succulent roast paired with the slaw and cucumber salad make this recipe an instant house favorite.
NEED: Smoker Grill
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 4.5 lb. bone in pork roast
- 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
- 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 head bib or butter lettuce
- 7 handfuls of applewood or cherry wood smoking chips
- Good for up to 4 roasts:
- Asian broccoli slaw
- avocado cucumber salad
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step #1 Set grill to 350 degrees. Add applewood or cherry wood chips to the smoking boxes. Place roast on grill and close lid.
Step #2 Cook for 5 hours on the grill. Add charcoal as needed to maintain heat over 300 degrees or once smoke has stopped, put the roasts into a slow cooker high for 6 hours.
Step #3 Once pork roast is done, shred or slice it and add sauces. If meat is dry add water.
Step #4 Serve with Asian broccoli slaw, avocado cucumber salad on the lettuce cups.
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
180 Calories/Serving, Carbs: 14g, Protein: 19g, Fat: 5g
One smoker I really like is the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18 Inch Smoker. With two cooking grates and temperature control, this smoker grill is one of the best in the business.
2. Super Slow Cooker Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Yield: 1-8 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 6 hours
Sweet potatoes are loaded with nutrients. When you add the other vegetables and spices, you create a nutrient based powerhouse. I would make sweet potato mashes for my kids when they were old enough to eat solid foods. You can’t go wrong with a delicious sweet potato.
INGREDIENTS:
- sweet potatoes
- cooked rice or quinoa
- black beans, cooked
- cooked chicken or pork
- peppers
- onions
- cumin
- shredded cheese
- avocado, salsa, lettuce, sour cream, lime
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step #1 Half the sweet potatoes, long direction. Put on a large sheet of foil.
Step #2 Top potato with rice, beans, chicken or pork, peppers and onions, cumin, cheese.
Step #3 Fold foil packet around each potato and place in the slow cooker.
Step #4 Cook on low for 6 hours.
Step #5 Remove and serve. Top with avocado, salsa, lettuce.
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
295 Calories/Serving, Carbs: 56g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 7g
This recipe is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes for weight loss.
3. The Best Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken
Yield: 5 servings Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 5 hours
This garlicy, buttery, creamy lemon chicken entrée is one I can’t get enough of. Easy to throw together, pair with any vegetable or add to pasta for one of the tastiest meals you’ve had in weeks. Also try slow cooker chicken thighs in the same recipe.
INGREDIENTS:
- 5 chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 6 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 2 lemons juiced and zested
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 tbsp. chicken base
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step #1 In cast iron skillet, melt 1 tbsp. of butter on medium high heat.
Step #2 Add salt, black pepper and Italian seasoning to the chicken and put it in the pan. Cook on each side for 4-6 minutes.
Step #3 Add the chicken to your slow cooker.
Step #4 Cover with lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic and the rest of the butter. Cook on low for 4 hours.
Step #5 In a large measuring cup add the half and half, cornstarch and chicken base and whisk.
Step #6 Add the liquid, mix, and cook an additional hour on high.
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
449 Calories/Serving, Carbs: 7g, Protein: 43g, Fat: 22g
Grab this pre-seasoned cast iron skillet. The superior craftsmanship of this precision heat and versatile skillet will get your food cooking evenly and perfectly every time.
4. Hearty Slow Cooker Mushroom Barley Risotto
Yield: 4 servings Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 3 hours 15 min
An awesome healthy slow cooker recipe for weight loss is this mushroom barley risotto. This vegetarian entrée is enough to make your taste buds sing. This healthy and delicious dish can be paired with all your favorite sides for a fun and flavorful meal.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper
- Salt and pepper
- 1 lb. cremini sliced mushrooms
- 1 1/2 cups pearl barley
- 4 sprigs thyme
- 8 oz. carrots, finely chopped
- 3 cups lower sodium vegetable broth
- 1 oz. Parmesan, grated (2/3 cup)
- 1 tbsp. sherry vinegar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step #1 Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
Step #2 Add the onions and a pinch or two of salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes.
Step #3 Add the mushrooms, cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 2 minutes. Stir in barley and thyme, cook, stirring until the barley is just golden, about 2 minutes.
Step #4 Place in slow cooker, add the carrots, broth, 1 1/2 cups water and 1/4 tsp. salt.
Step #5 Cover. Cook on high until the liquid is gone and the carrots and barley are tender, about 3 hours.
Step #6 Remove thyme and add the Parmesan, vinegar, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Thin out the risotto with warm water as desired.
Step #7 Top with parsley and season with salt and pepper.
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
425 Calories/Serving, Carbs: 70g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 9g
5. Delicious Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup
Yield: 8 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 8 hours
Simmer this delicious ham and potato soup in your slow cooker and be ready to enjoy this hearty, creamy, mouthwatering journey to flavor town. Good for any time of the year, this soup is a favorite slow cooker recipe for a crowd.
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 cups sliced white potatoes
- 1 medium yellow sliced onion
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 16 oz. ham, cubed
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 cup flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup sour cream
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step #1 Add the potatoes, onion, carrot, ham, salt, pepper, and chicken broth to your slow cooker and cook on low for 7 hours, 45 minutes.
Step #2 Mash about 1/3 of the potatoes
Step #3 Add flour, heavy cream and sour cream and stir.
Step #4 Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes.
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
375 Calories/Serving, Carbs: 30g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 20g
6. Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken
Yield: 8 servings Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 6.5 hours
I’m always ready to dig into some sweet and sour chicken. This colorful and flavorful recipe is a great addition to any cookbook.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs, trim fat, sliced in half
- 4 tbsp. cornstarch divided
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil divided
- 1 8 oz. can pineapple chunks in pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp. grated fresh ginger
- 2 tsp. garlic, minced
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 2 assorted bell peppers,
- 3 green onions, sliced
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step #1 Place half of the chicken thighs in a Ziplock freezer bag and sprinkle with 2 tbsp. cornstarch. Seal the bag. Shake until chicken is coated.
Step #2 Heat 1 tbsp. of oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add coated chicken and cook 3 minutes on each side, lightly browned. Transfer browned chicken to slow cooker.
Step #3 Repeat coating and browning process with leftover chicken, cornstarch, and oil.
Step #4 Drain and save the pineapple juice. Cover and refrigerate drained pineapple chunks.
Step #5 Combine onion, rice vinegar, 1/4 cup of the saved pineapple juice, ketchup, honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and salt in a bowl. Pour sauce over chicken in slow cooker.
Step #6 Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step #7 Stir the bell pepper into the chicken and sauce and spoon saved pineapple chunks over the top. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes.
Step #8 Serve over rice and green onions.
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
320 Calories/Serving, Carbs: 20g, Protein: 37g, Fat: 12g
7. Tender and Bountiful Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Yield: 8 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 8.5 hours
This beef stew recipe will keep you asking for more. Grab some friends to share this with and have it ready right when you get home from work. Also try slow cooker beef stew with red wine.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 lb. stew meat, cut in small cubes
- salt and black pepper
- 1 lb. red potatoes, sliced into pieces
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 1 tsp. dried rosemary
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 tbsp. chopped parsley leaves
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step #1 Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium.
Step #2 Season beef with salt and pepper. Add meat to the skillet and cook until browned
Step #3 Place meat, potatoes, carrots, onion and garlic into slow cooker. Add beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and bay leaves until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
Step #4 Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours.
Step #5 In a bowl, whisk flour and 1/2 cup stew broth. Stir flour mixture into slow cooker. Cover and cook on high heat for 30 minutes, or until thickened.
Step #6 Serve, garnish with parsley
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
325 Calories/Serving, Carbs: 19g, Protein: 36g, Fat: 13g
8. Incredibly Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore (In 3 Simple Steps)
Yield: 4 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 7 hours
The super easy, yet super delicious Chicken Cacciatore is a great choice for dinner. Packed with protein, this meal is can be divided for all your lunches throughout the week.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp. flour
- 1 15-oz. can tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup capers
- 1 tbsp. garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 8 oz. spaghetti noodles
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups packed baby spinach
- 12 oz. tomato paste
- parmesan cheese and thyme for topping
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step #1 Grease slow cooker. Add water, whisk in flour.
Step #2 Position chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer, top with tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, capers, capers, garlic, salt and pepper, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Cover and cook for 7 hours on low.
Step #3 Add spaghetti noodles, spinach, and tomato paste, stir. Cover and cook another 20 minutes. Stir and serve topped with black pepper, fresh thyme, and grated parmesan.
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
233 Calories/Serving, Carbs: 10g, Protein: 35g, Fat: 7g
9. World’s Best Slow Cooker Pot Roast (In 7 Easy Steps)
Yield: 8 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 9 hours
The World’s Best Slow Cooker Pot Roast leaves you with mouthwatering pot roast, vegetables and a delicious gravy. With only 15 minutes of prep time, it makes for the perfect weeknight dinner!
INGREDIENTS:
- 5 lb.chuck roast
- 1 lb.carrots peeled and cut into small chunks
- 2 lb. gold and red potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp. canola oil
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp.corn starch
- 2 tbsp. cold water
- minced parsley optional, to garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step #1 Season the chuck roast with the salt, pepper and thyme.
Step #2 Heat your pan or slow cooker to medium high.
Step #3 Add the canola oil and when it is hot, add in the roast and brown for 4 to 5 minutes each side.
Step #4 Add the carrots, potatoes and garlic to your slow cooker.
Step #5 Lay the beef on top and add the beef broth and cover, cooking on low for 9 hours.
Step #6 At hour 8, mix cornstarch and water, add it to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce OR take the food out when done cooking, and add the liquid to a saucepan with the cornstarch/water mixture and cook on high for just 2 to 3 minutes until the liquid is thickened into a gravy.
Step #7 Pour the gravy over the pot roast and garnish with parsley.
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
540 Calories/Serving, Carbs: 20g, Protein: 45g, Fat: 28g
10. Luscious Slow Cooker Lasagna
Yield: 8 servings Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 5 hours
One of my favorite meals is the slow cooker lasagna. Pack on the carbs the night before your workout to give yourself a training boost. Beats those boxed lasagna’s any day of the week.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 28 oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 6 oz. can tomato paste
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 12 oz. cottage cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 12 oz. lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 16 oz. shredded mozzarella
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step #1 Brown beef, onion and garlic.
Step #2 Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt and oregano.
Step #3 Cook long enough to warm.
Step #4 Place a layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step #5 Add a double layer of uncooked lasagna noodles and top with cheeses.
Step #6 Repeat with sauce, noodles and cheeses until all are used.
Step #7 Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
498 Calories/Serving, Carbs: 45g, Protein: 35g, Fat: 22g
11. Slow Cooker Golden Green Bean Casserole (In 2 Quick Steps)
Yield: 8 servings Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 6 hours
Green bean casserole is one of my favorite past time meals. Anytime I would make it home, mom would have it on the table. A quick and easy recipe to get your dose of green beans you can pair with any entrée. Also try slow cooker green bean casserole with bacon!
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 16 oz. package frozen cut green beans
- 2 can (10.75 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 2⁄3 cup milk
- 1⁄2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp black pepper
- 1 can (6 oz) French-fried onions
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step #1 Mix green beans, cream of chicken soup, milk, parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and half of the French-fried onions in a slow cooker.
Step #2 Cover and cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours. Top with remaining French-fried onions before serving.
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
270 Calories/Serving, Carbs: 24g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 16g
12. Succulent Slow Cooker Sausage and Ravioli
Yield: 6 servings Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 4 hours
This quick and easy dish is a child’s dream dinner. Ravioli and sausage in red sauce is the perfect comfort food to get your taste buds rocking. With only 5 minutes of prep time, throw this in the crock pot for that instant meal.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 lb. Italian sausage
- 1 lb. frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 – 14.5 oz. cans diced tomatoes
- 15 oz. tomato sauce
- 3 tbsp. basil
- salt
- parmesan
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step #1 Slice Italian sausage.
Step #2 Add sausage, ravioli, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and basil to the slow cooker.
Step #3 Set slow cooker to low for 4 hours
Step #4 Add salt to taste
Step #5 Remove and serve with parmesan cheese
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
549 Calories/Serving, Carbs: 39g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 29g
13. Tasty Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Yield: 14 servings Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 5 hours
Carve yourself some succulent, fully flavored turkey from the slow cooker. Not only for the holidays, turkey is a great addition to a healthy diet.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 bone-in 6 lb. turkey breast (skin removed)
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. dried minced garlic
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 cup water
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step #1 Brush turkey with olive oil.
Step #2 Combine the garlic, seasoned salt, paprika, Italian seasoning and pepper. Rub over turkey.
Step #3 Transfer to a 6-qt. slow cooker. Add water.
Step #4 Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or until tender.
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
Serving Size: 4 oz., 174 Calories/Serving, Carbs: 0g, Protein: 37g, Fat: 2g
Lean turkey is one of the healthiest slow cooker recipes for weight loss.
14. Terrific Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Yield: 8 servings Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 8 hours
Another healthy slow cooker recipe for weight loss is this chicken tortilla soup. My mom loves chicken tortilla soup. I’m guessing she eats it at least every other week. A quick and easy recipe, along with the tremendous flavors makes me realize why she loves it so much.
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 bone in chicken thighs
- 1 onion diced
- 32 oz. chicken stock
- 16 oz. water
- 2 cans diced tomatoes with liquid
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 2 cans no-salt corn, drained
- 1 30 oz. can refried beans
- 1 tbsp. garlic powder
- 2 tbsp. cumin
- hot sauce
- salt and pepper
- Serve with: avocado, tomato slices, cilantro, tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded cheese and lime wedges.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step #1 Add all to slow cooker except hot sauce and cook on low 8 hours.
Step #2 Remove chicken, discard bones and skin, shred meat and return to pot.
Step #3 Add desired level of hot sauce.
Step #4 Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step #5 Serve with toppings.
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
130 Calories/Serving, Carbs: 11g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 5g
15. Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats with Banana and Pecans
Yield: 4 servings Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 8 hours
Need something to kick off your day? This delicious steel cut oats meal will do just the trick. Just throw the ingredients in the night before and you’ll have a healthy and delicious treat to start your day.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1.5 cups steel cut oats
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 2 mashed bananas
- 3 tbsp. ground flaxseed meal
- 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- For serving; chopped toasted pecans
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step #1 Place steel cut oats, water, milk, mashed bananas, flaxseed meal, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in slow cooker and stir to combine.
Step #2 Cover and cook on low for 8 hours
Step #3 Remove cover and stir. Add desired toppings.
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
170 Calories/Serving, Carbs: 43g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 11g
Summary: 15 Super HEALTHY Slow Cooker Recipes for Weight Loss
Healthy slow cooker meals for weight loss can help save you a ton of time. You can throw in a mound of healthy ingredients, let it sit for 4-8 hours and find a piping hot meal waiting for you. Don’t spend hours a day preparing all your meals when you could do it all in one fell swoop (that is unless you love to cook). Give these slow cooker meals a try and open yourself up to everything life has to offer.
Let me know how these recipes turned out and if I need to add anything to make them better!!
