5 Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Busy Days

If you're looking for a way to eat healthier without spending hours in the kitchen, a slow cooker recipe is a great option. These five recipes are packed with flavor, loaded with nutrients, and designed to make mealtime effortless. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or just want a cozy dinner ready when you walk in the door, these meals will help you nourish your body and simplify your routine — one delicious bite at a time.

Chickpea Sweet Potato Stew.

Servings: 6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 4 hours

‍Ingredients:

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 - 15 oz cans garbanzo beans, drained
• 1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 Tbsp garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp coarse ground black pepper
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 4 cups vegetable broth, fat free
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach

‍Instructions.

1. Place the onions in a microwave safe dish and microwave 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Add all the ingredients to your slow cooker except the spinach.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours
4. Add in the spinach leaves and stir.
5. Cook an additional 15 minutes on high.
   
   

Salsa Chicken with Black Beans & Corn.

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen corn
• 15 oz can reduced sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts halved lengthwise (16 oz)
• 1/2 tsp adobo seasoning (or salt) to taste
• 3/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/4 cups chunky mild salsa
• 1 cup reduced fat, shredded cheddar cheese
• Cilantro for garnish, chopped
• Serve with avocado and brown rice (optional)

Instructions.

1. Combine corn and beans and put them in the slow cooker.
2. Season the chicken with adobo (or salt), garlic powder and cumin then place in the slow cooker and top with salsa.
3. Cover and cook LOW for 6 hours.
4. Top with cheese, cover and cook until melted, about 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro.
5. To serve, transfer the chicken and vegetables and serve over rice or cauliflower rice

Moroccan Spiced Salmon.

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 4-6 hours | Cook Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 - 12 oz salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions.

1. Put the marinade ingredients in a large Ziplock bag, then place the fish in the bag, making sure that the marinade coats both sides of the fish. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours.
2. Add 2 tbsp water to the slow cooker. Cover and cook 2 hours on low. When done, let the fish sit, uncovered, for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Use a spatula to remove the fish from the slow cooker and transfer to a plate. Gently remove any bones from the fish.
4. To serve, divide the fish between plates, serve it on top of couscous or rice, and garnish each portion with cilantro.

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup.

Servings: 8-10 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, sweet
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 lb butternut squash
• 1 medium sweet potato
• 3 medium apples
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp ground sage
• 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk, unsweetened
• Toppings: 1/4 cup pumpkin seed kernels, 1/4 cup coconut cream, 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions.

1. Chop onion and mince garlic. Cube squash. Peel potato and cube. Peel apple and cut into slices. Set everything aside separately.
2. Set Instant Pot to sauté and add coconut oil. Once the screen reads “hot” and oil has melted, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until onion begins to soften, 3-5 minutes. (Using a slow cooker? Simply sauté onions and garlic in a skillet on the stove. Then toss into cooker along with remaining ingredients, except coconut milk. Set to low and cook 6-8 hours.)
3. Add squash and potato to the Instant Pot and stir to combine. Cook another couple of minutes until squash begins to soften, stirring occasionally.
4. Press the cancel button on the screen, then add all other ingredients, with the exception of coconut milk. Stir to combine, then tighten the lid on the pot. Ensure vent valve is set to “sealing.”
5. Press the “Manual” button and set the timer to 10 minutes on high pressure. (Be aware of your Instant Pot instructions and make adjustments accordingly).
6. Once cooking is complete, use an immersion blender to purée soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer contents to a food processor or high powdered blender. Blend until smooth, then add coconut milk and additional seasonings to taste. Blend again to combine. Additional heating may be required.
7. If desired, top with toasted pumpkin seeds, coconut cream, and a dash of smoked paprika

Hearty Turkey Chili.

Servings: 8 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 8 hours

Ingredients:

• 1 lb.lean ground turkey (preferably organic)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 28 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 15 oz can black beans
• 15 oz can chickpeas
• 8 oz can low sodium tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup mild green chiles, chopped
• 1 - 2 tbs chili powder
• 1 - 2 tbs red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions.

1. For a quick prep, chop green chiles and onion into 1 inch or less pieces.
2. Place turkey, beans, chopped onion and green chile, diced tomatoes, chili powder and tomato sauce medium to large slow cooker.
3. Let cook for 8 hrs.
4. Once fully cooked, drain if necessary. Unplug slow cooker or place on warm setting. Scoop cooked slow cooker meal into bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
5. Note: Liquids in slow cooker meals can be tricky. This recipe includes diced tomatoes and beans with their own liquid, which you can add as-is. If it seems too watery, feel free to drain some before cooking.

With these five healthy slow cooker recipes, eating well has never been easier — or more delicious. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or prepping meals for the week ahead, these dishes offer comfort, convenience, and nutrition in every bite. Try them out and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting!

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