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40 Best Crockpot Recipes for Healthy Dinners

Chef Gadget Genius

November 11, 2024

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When your days are bustling with activities, finding time to prepare a delicious meal can be a challenge. That’s where crockpot recipes become a lifesaver, providing you with hearty meals without the hassle of constant attention.

Why struggle with complicated cooking when you can enjoy the convenience and flavors of meals made in a slow cooker? From comforting soups to savory stews, these crockpot recipes will help you whip up delightful dishes with ease, letting your crockpot do all the hard work.

1. Honey Garlic Chicken

1. Begin by placing your chicken thighs into a 6-quart crockpot. This makes sure that the flavors meld beautifully.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and pepper. This blend creates a sweet and savory sauce.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated well.
4. Cover your crockpot and set it to low heat. Let the chicken cook for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Baste periodically for extra flavor.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add any vegetables you like, such as green beans. This step gives you a complete meal in one pot.

This dish is simple yet delicious, perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal ready when you get home. For more details, refer to the recipe by Damn Delicious.

2. Beef Stroganoff

1. Prepare your slow cooker by spraying the interior with non-stick oil.
2. Add the stew meat, followed by the chopped onion, garlic, and mushrooms.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Pour the mixture over the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker.
5. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the beef is tender.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, mix 1 cup of the liquid from the slow cooker with sour cream in a bowl.
7. Stir the sour cream mixture back into the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low.
8. Serve the beef stroganoff over noodles or rice. Enjoy!

3. Vegetable Lentil Soup

1. Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Saute for about 5 minutes until tender.
2. Transfer the sauteed vegetables to your crockpot. Add garlic and lentils along with vegetable broth.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes and place a bay leaf on top. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. Before serving, remove the bay leaf and enjoy!

4. Buffalo Chicken Dip

1. Start by placing the cream cheese, chicken, cheddar cheese, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing into your crockpot.
2. Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
3. Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
4. Stir occasionally to ensure the cheese melts evenly.
5. Once everything is bubbly and heated through, garnish with blue cheese crumbles and chives if you like.
6. Enjoy your dip with some fresh veggies or tortilla chips!

5. Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

1. Start by adding chicken breasts to your crockpot. They should fit snugly at the bottom.
2. Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Toss in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir gently.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth.
4. Pour the cream mixture over the chicken and stir slightly to coat.
5. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

This dish pairs perfectly with pasta or a side of fresh vegetables. Enjoy making this easy, flavorful meal!

6. Pulled Pork Tacos

1. Combine the salsa, chipotle chili, adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, and salt in a crockpot.
2. Add the sliced onion and place the pork shoulder on top, ensuring it’s well-coated with the mixture.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the pork is tender and easy to shred.
4. Remove the pork and shred it using two forks. Mix the shredded pork with the cooking juices.
5. Serve the pulled pork in warm tortillas, adding your favorite toppings like avocado or cilantro.

7. Slow-Cooked Barbecue Ribs

Cooking ribs in a crockpot ensures they are tender and flavorful. Follow these simple steps to make delicious slow-cooked barbecue ribs.

1. Pat the ribs dry and remove the membrane from the back of each rack.
2. Mix salt, pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Rub the spice blend evenly over the ribs.
4. Place the ribs in the crockpot, slightly overlapping if necessary.
5. Pour BBQ sauce over the ribs, making sure they are well-coated.
6. Cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
7. For extra flavor, finish them off in the oven under the broiler for a few minutes. Enjoy your delicious slow-cooked barbecue ribs!

8. Sweet and Sour Meatballs

1. Place the frozen meatballs in your crockpot.
2. Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving the juice.
3. In a bowl, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the sauce over the meatballs in the crockpot, then add the pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and onion.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve the sweet and sour meatballs with rice or noodles. Enjoy!

9. Chicken Tortilla Soup

1. Place chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
3. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.
4. Pour in canned tomatoes, chicken broth, drained black beans, and corn.
5. Stir the mixture well to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
6. Remove chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir in lime juice.
8. Serve hot with crispy tortilla strips or broken tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.

10. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

1. Start by preparing your fruit. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Add your diced apples and optional cranberries, then toss to coat them well.
2. Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Transfer the fruit mixture to the crockpot and evenly dot it with butter, ensuring even distribution.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the oats and milk together. Pour this mixture over the fruit in the slow cooker, covering it completely.
4. Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or high for 2.5-3 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.
5. Once cooked, keep the oatmeal warm until ready to serve. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings!

11. Tuscan White Bean Soup

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pancetta until crispy.
2. In your slow cooker, combine onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, pancetta, carrots, and celery.
3. Add the kale, Italian seasoning, canned tomatoes, and beans.
4. Pour in the chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the vegetables are tender. Serve hot.

12. Maple Dijon Chicken Thighs

1. Start by spraying your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your crockpot.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
5. If you love mushrooms and onions, place them on top of the chicken for extra flavor.
6. Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Let the delicious aroma fill your kitchen! Enjoy your meal! For more details, visit this recipe.

13. Loaded Baked Potato Soup

To make this comforting soup, start by placing diced potatoes into your crockpot.

1. Add chicken stock, chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, and butter. Stir well.
2. Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
3. Use a potato masher to achieve your desired consistency.

Stir in bacon, cheese, and sour cream. Serve warm, garnished with extra toppings if you like!

14. Slow Cooker Lasagna

1. Start by browning the ground beef with the onion and garlic in a skillet. Drain any excess fat.
2. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, egg, mozzarella, and parsley.
3. Lightly oil your crockpot and spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.
4. Lay 3 uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Break them to fit as needed.
5. Add a layer of the cheese mixture, followed by some browned beef and more marinara sauce.
6. Repeat the layers until you’ve used all the ingredients, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.
7. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the noodles are tender. Enjoy your delicious creation!

15. Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

To create these delightful Teriyaki Chicken Thighs in your crockpot, follow these simple steps:

1. Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
3. Pour this flavorful sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
4. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender and juicy.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and serve it with your choice of side.

Enjoy your deliciously easy Teriyaki Chicken Thighs.

16. Cajun Chicken Pasta

1. Begin by placing the chicken breasts in your crockpot. Sprinkle them with the Cajun seasoning, making sure they’re evenly coated.
2. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic on top of the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth, covering everything.
3. Cover and cook on high for about 3 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken to shred it. Return it to the crockpot and stir in the heavy cream.
5. Cook your pasta separately to al dente as per the package instructions. Stir it into the crockpot during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Enjoy your flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta!

17. Pumpkin Spice Chili

1. Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer the beef to your crockpot. Add pumpkin puree, tomato sauce, pinto beans, onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
3. Stir in chili powder, pumpkin spice, salt, and water. Mix everything well to combine.
4. Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Once done, give it a good stir. Serve your chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

18. Beef and Broccoli

1. Combine soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic in a bowl. Mix well.
2. Place beef strips in your crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over them. Stir to coat.
3. Cook on low for about 6 hours until the beef is tender.
4. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water.
5. Add this mixture to the crockpot. Stir and cook on high for 30 minutes.
6. Around the same time, steam broccoli until it reaches your desired tenderness.
7. Lastly, add the steamed broccoli to your crockpot and stir it in before serving.

19. Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya

1. Begin by chopping your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and slicing the andouille sausage.
2. In your slow cooker, combine the chicken, sausage, onion, bell pepper, and celery.
3. Add the can of diced tomatoes, chicken broth, minced garlic, and creole seasoning.
4. Toss in the bay leaves and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
5. Cover your slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours.
6. For the last 30 minutes, stir in the rice and continue cooking until it’s done.

20. Spinach Artichoke Dip

1. Add cream cheese, sour cream, and minced garlic to a bowl and mix until creamy.
2. Stir in spinach, artichokes, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
3. Place the mixture into your crockpot and cover with the lid.
4. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving with crackers or chips.

21. Caramelized Onion Pot Roast

1. Prepare the Meat: Season your beef roast generously with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown the roast on all sides.
2. Caramelize Onions: Remove the beef and add sliced onions to the skillet. Cook until they’re golden brown.
3. Set Up the Crockpot: Place half of the caramelized onions at the bottom of your crockpot. Place the browned beef on top.
4. Add Mixture: Combine beef broth, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the beef and onions and add the remaining onions on top.
5. Cook: Set your crockpot to low and cook for 8-10 hours until the beef is tender. Slice and serve with the juicy onions.

22. Thai Peanut Chicken

1. Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot.
2. In a medium bowl, mix coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, garlic, lime juice, red pepper flakes, and rice wine vinegar. Stir until the mixture is mostly smooth.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot.
4. Cover and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Serve the chicken with the flavorful sauce over rice or noodles for a delightful meal.

23. Minestrone Soup

1. Begin by adding vegetable stock, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to your crockpot.
2. Next, chop the zucchini, carrots, celery, and onion. Add them along with minced garlic to the pot.
3. Include red kidney beans and great northern beans.
4. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.
5. Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the pasta. Cook until the pasta is tender. Enjoy!

24. Turkey and Corn Chowder

Start by adding the cubed butter, chopped potatoes, frozen corn, minced onion, black pepper, and chicken broth to your crockpot.

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Thirty minutes before the cooking time is up, whisk the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water. Stir this mixture into the chowder along with the heavy cream.

Finally, add the shredded turkey, combining well, and let it cook for another 30 minutes.

Your delicious turkey and corn chowder is now ready to enjoy straight from the crockpot!

25. Root Beer Pulled Pork

1. Pat your pork shoulder dry and place it in your crockpot.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
3. Rub the seasoning mixture over the pork, ensuring it is evenly coated.
4. Pour a can of root beer over the seasoned pork.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours until the pork is tender.
6. Once cooked, remove the pork and use two forks to shred it.
7. Return the shredded pork to the crockpot and stir in the barbecue sauce.
8. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on low to blend the flavors.
9. Serve the delicious pulled pork on buns with your favorite toppings.

26. Moroccan Chicken

1. Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of your crockpot.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic over the chicken.
3. Pour in the canned tomatoes and chickpeas for a flavorful base.
4. Stir in the golden raisins, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
5. Add the chicken broth to enrich the flavors and keep the dish moist.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
7. Serve hot with couscous or rice.

27. Stuffed Bell Peppers

1. Start by prepping the bell peppers. Slice the tops off and remove seeds and ribs.
2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, rice, half of the diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, half of the cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. Fill each bell pepper with the mixture. Place them upright in your crockpot.
4. Pour the remaining tomatoes over the peppers. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.
5. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until the peppers are tender and filling is cooked.

28. Quinoa and Black Bean Chili

To prepare this delicious quinoa and black bean chili, add quinoa and 2 cups of water to your crockpot.

Next, introduce black beans, pinto beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, diced tomatoes with chilies, and corn. Ensure each ingredient is well mixed.

Sprinkle in cumin and oregano, then stir everything together so the flavors meld perfectly.

Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the quinoa to become tender and the flavors to blend.

Stir occasionally, and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness!

29. Indian Butter Chicken

1. Start by greasing your crockpot with a little coconut oil. This will help prevent sticking.
2. Place the chopped onion evenly at the bottom of the crockpot.
3. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the onions, followed by the butter slices spread around.
4. In a bowl, mix together garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, heavy cream, garam masala, turmeric, and salt.
5. Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring everything is well-coated.
6. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
7. Serve this delicious butter chicken over rice or with naan for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich, creamy flavors!

30. Coconut Curry Lentils

1. Start by placing the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced sweet potato in your crockpot.
2. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, curry powder, salt, and pepper to the mix.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth, giving everything a good stir.
4. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the lentils are tender.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the coconut milk.
6. Serve hot, topping with extra salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy your delicious coconut curry lentils with some rice for a complete meal!

31. Eggplant Parmesan

1. Begin by peeling and slicing the eggplant into ⅓ inch rounds.
2. Sprinkle salt on each layer of eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to drain excess moisture.
3. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
4. Mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in another bowl.
5. Dip each eggplant slice in the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce at the bottom of the crockpot.
7. Layer half of the eggplant slices, followed by half of the remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and more Parmesan cheese.
8. Repeat the layers with remaining ingredients.
9. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until the eggplant is tender.
10. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving and enjoy your homemade Eggplant Parmesan.

32. Apricot Glazed Ham

1. Place your spiral sliced ham in a large crockpot. You might need to turn it on its side to fit.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Pour half of the glaze over the ham, making sure it gets between the slices.
4. Cover the crockpot and set it to the LOW setting. Let it cook for 4 to 5 hours.
5. After 4 to 5 hours, pour the remaining glaze over the ham. Increase the crockpot to HIGH for another hour.

Enjoy your deliciously glazed ham!

33. Salmon with Dill Sauce

1. Lay lemon slices on the bottom of your crockpot. This creates a flavorful base for the salmon.
2. Place the salmon fillets on top of the lemon slices. This elevates the fish, allowing it to cook evenly.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon to keep it moist. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Sprinkle fresh dill generously over the fillets. This adds an aromatic and fresh flavor to the dish.
5. Cover and cook on low until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 135°F. This should take about 1-3 hours.

Letting the flavors meld together creates a delightful meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. Add a side of vegetables and enjoy!

34. Chicken Cacciatore

1. Start by placing your chicken pieces in the bottom of the crockpot. Make sure they’re spread out in a single layer for even cooking.
2. Add spaghetti sauce and tomato paste on top of the chicken to give it a rich and flavorful base.
3. Toss in the mushrooms, onion, and bell pepper. They add a great depth of flavor and aroma.
4. Sprinkle garlic, oregano, basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes over everything. These spices will enhance the taste.
5. Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking process makes the chicken tender and juicy. Enjoy your flavorful Chicken Cacciatore!

35. Zuppa Toscana

1. Begin by browning the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked, drain the grease and add it to your crockpot.
2. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble and add most of it to the crockpot, reserving some for garnish.
3. Add sliced potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth to the crockpot. Stir well.
4. Set your crockpot on low and cook for 6-7 hours.
5. Thirty minutes before serving, stir in kale and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with reserved bacon. Enjoy your delicious Zuppa Toscana!

36. Butternut Squash Soup

1. Add the cubed butternut squash, chopped onions, and carrots to your crockpot.
2. Toss in the minced garlic, thyme, sage, and nutmeg. These spices will bring out the warm flavors.
3. Pour the vegetable broth over the ingredients. Give it all a good stir.
4. Set your crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Once cooked, blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste before serving hot.

37. Mango Chicken Thighs

1. Begin by placing the chicken thighs in your slow cooker, making sure they’re spread evenly.
2. Add the coconut milk, diced mango, curry powder, and turmeric next. These ingredients create a deliciously creamy base for the dish.
3. Toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper for flavor.
4. Stir everything to combine and set your slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Once cooked, remove the dish and serve with optional cilantro and lime juice on top. Enjoy your mango chicken thighs!

38. Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

1. Lightly spray your crockpot with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Add the baby potatoes to the crockpot. You can cut them in half if they are larger.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the mixture over the potatoes and toss gently to coat them evenly.
5. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese over the potatoes.
6. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
7. During the last 15 minutes, add the remaining Parmesan cheese.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your deliciously cheesy garlic potatoes!

39. Salsa Verde Chicken

1. Begin by placing your chicken breasts at the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix salsa verde, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and lime juice.
3. Pour this mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated.
4. Cover the crockpot and set it to LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
5. Once the chicken is tender, remove it and shred using two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, mix with the remaining sauce, and serve hot.

This dish pairs perfectly with rice or tortillas for a delightful meal.

40. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Whip up this comforting dish using your crockpot. It’s an easy way to enjoy a tasty veggie casserole with lots of cheese.

1. Spray your crockpot with non-stick spray for easier cleanup.
2. Place frozen broccoli in the crockpot.
3. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the broccoli.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
5. Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 3 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is well combined.
6. Check if the broccoli is tender and the cheese is fully melted. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Enjoy your cheesy creation as a delightful side dish or a family-friendly main course.