Crockpot Recipes: Easy and Flavorful Weeknight Dinners

Looking for quick and delicious meals that require minimal prep? These slow cooker recipes will save you time and effort while delivering mouthwatering dishes. From tender turkey meatballs to savory pulled chicken and classic beef and broccoli, these meals are perfect for busy weeknights. Best of all, they only take a few minutes to prepare and then let your slow cooker do the rest!

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1. Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Marinara

These tender turkey meatballs are simmered in a rich marinara sauce, creating a comforting, protein-packed meal. You can serve them over whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter option.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground turkey (93% lean)
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low carb)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (low-sugar, if possible)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into 16-20 evenly-sized meatballs.
3. Add to Slow Cooker: Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the meatballs on top, then pour the remaining sauce over them.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked.
5. Serve: Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce. Optionally, serve over whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles.

Nutrition Per Serving:
Calories: 402 | Protein: 38g | Fat: 19g | Carbs: 18g
Calories: 485 | Protein: 38g | Fat: 23g | Carbs: 32g

2. Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with Sweet Potatoes

This dish combines juicy pulled chicken with tender sweet potatoes, creating a sweet and savory meal that’s perfect for meal prep or a family dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken: Rub the chicken thighs with paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Add the diced onion, celery, and cubed sweet potatoes to the slow cooker. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top, then pour in the chicken broth.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, shred it with two forks and mix it back into the slow cooker with the sweet potatoes.
5. Serve: Plate the pulled chicken with sweet potatoes and enjoy.

Nutrition Per Serving:
Calories: 558 | Protein: 54g | Fat: 27g | Carbs: 25g

3. Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

A takeout classic made easy at home, this slow cooker beef and broccoli features tender beef and crisp broccoli, all in a flavorful sauce. Serve it over rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs flank steak or lean beef strips
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1/4 cup honey (or low-calorie sweetener for lower carbs)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Beef: Slice the flank steak or beef strips into thin slices.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and beef broth.
3. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Add the beef slices to the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Stir to coat the beef.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender.
5. Add Broccoli: About 30 minutes before the beef is done, add the broccoli florets to the slow cooker and stir. If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, then stir it into the sauce before adding the broccoli.
6. Serve: Serve the beef and broccoli with rice or cauliflower rice if desired.

Nutrition Per Serving:
Calories: 564 | Protein: 54g | Fat: 27g | Carbs: 26g

Click HERE for a downloadable version of these RECIPES!

With these easy-to-prep crockpot recipes, you can enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving chili, stuffed peppers, or a juicy pork loin, these dishes will satisfy your taste buds and keep your meal prep stress-free!