High-Protein Crockpot Stews for Cozy, Healthy Meals

These nutritious, high-protein slow cooker stews are perfect for busy days and cold nights when you want a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply add all ingredients to your slow cooker, set it, and let it work its magic! From a sweet potato turkey stew to a hearty black bean and chicken chili, each recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and tons of flavor.

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1. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato & Turkey Stew with Lentils

This stew combines ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and lentils with warming spices, creating a nutritious and filling meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground turkey
• 1 can chickpeas (15.5 oz), drained and rinsed
• ½ cup dry green lentils
• 1 ½ pounds sweet potatoes, chopped
• ½ cup celery, chopped
• ½ cup carrots, chopped
• 1 ½ cups butternut squash, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 ½ tsp minced garlic
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 32 oz vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.
3. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Optional Add-ins

• Add baby spinach at the end for extra greens.
• A squeeze of lemon or lime juice before serving to brighten flavors.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 312 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 3.5g
• Carbs: 40g

2. Slow Cooker Beef & Quinoa Stew

With lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and quinoa, this stew is rich in protein and fiber, ideal for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ pounds ground turkey (increase to boost protein)
• 1 can chickpeas (15.5 oz), drained and rinsed
• ¾ cup dry green lentils (increase for extra protein)
• 1 ½ pounds sweet potatoes, chopped
• 1 ½ cups butternut squash, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 ½ tsp minced garlic
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 32 oz vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.
3. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Optional Add-ins

• Add spinach toward the end for extra greens.
• A squeeze of lemon or lime juice before serving to enhance flavors.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 336 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 4g
• Carbs: 40g

3. Slow Cooker Spicy Black Bean & Chicken Chili

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this black bean and chicken chili offers a spicy twist on a classic stew, packed with protein, fiber, and veggies.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts, for leaner protein)
• 2 cans black beans (15.5 oz each), drained and rinsed
• 1 can kidney beans (15.5 oz), drained and rinsed
• 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
• 1 ½ cups bell peppers, chopped (mix of red, yellow, and green)
• 1 jalapeño, chopped (optional for extra heat)
• 1 ½ tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 32 oz chicken broth

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.
3. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Optional Add-ins

• Add spinach at the end for extra greens.
• A squeeze of lemon or lime juice before serving to balance flavors.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 330 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbs: 34g

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Enjoy Warm, Satisfying Meals All Season Long

These stews are loaded with flavor and nutrition, making it easy to enjoy healthy, filling meals without the hassle. Plus, with the flexibility of optional add-ins like spinach or a citrus squeeze, you can customize each stew to your liking. Just set it, forget it, and return to a delicious meal ready to enjoy!