Crockpots are lifesavers for busy days when you still want to enjoy a homemade, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. These easy slow-cooker recipes will give you all the flavor and nutrition you need, with minimal prep time (just 15 minutes or less!). Let’s dive into three mouthwatering, protein-packed dishes that will satisfy your hunger and support your health goals.
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1. Slow Cooker Chicken and Black Bean Chili
This hearty and flavorful chicken chili is packed with protein and fiber to keep you full and satisfied. It’s a perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (~24 oz total)
- 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Prep the Ingredients: Dice the onion and bell pepper. Rinse the black beans.
- Layer the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables and Beans: Pour the black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, and bell pepper over the chicken.
- Season: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the top.
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the mixture.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove and shred with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, cilantro, or avocado.
Nutrition Per Serving (approximate):
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 23g
- Carbs: 32g
2. Slow Cooker Beef and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers are a nutritious, filling meal that combines lean ground beef with quinoa for a protein and fiber boost. Perfect for a wholesome dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Prep the Ingredients: Cook the quinoa and rinse the black beans.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the Peppers: Fill each hollowed bell pepper with the quinoa-beef mixture.
- Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the stuffed peppers in the slow cooker and top with shredded cheese.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed peppers hot, and enjoy the flavorful, nutritious filling.
Nutrition Per Serving (approximate)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 28g
3. Slow Cooker Pork Loin with Vegetables
For a balanced meal with minimal prep, this pork loin dish features tender meat and hearty vegetables. It’s packed with protein and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork loin
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 3 cups baby spinach or kale
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prep the Vegetables: Chop the carrots, onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Season the Pork Loin: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the pork loin.
- Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork loin in the center of the slow cooker. Surround it with the carrots, onion, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach/kale.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the pork is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Slice the Pork: Remove the pork from the slow cooker and slice it into thick pieces.
- Serve: Plate the sliced pork with the cooked vegetables on the side for a complete meal.
Nutrition Per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 50g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 16g
Click HERE for a downloadable version of these recipes!
These crockpot recipes offer easy prep, wholesome ingredients, and delicious flavors, perfect for staying on track with your health goals. Enjoy the convenience of your slow cooker while indulging in satisfying meals that require minimal effort!