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35 Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

Published: by · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

Slow cooker season is here and we have 35 delicious healthy slow cooker recipes to save you time in the kitchen. Hearty and comforting meals made in the slow cooker, from meaty stews to veggie packed curries and everything in between. Let your slow cooker do all the work and have nutritious meals on the table with minimal effort.

A bowl of chicken and vegetable casserole next to a striped towel and some bread

There is so much more that you can do in a slow cooker than a meaty casserole and we are sharing 35 of our favourite healthy slow cooker recipes that the whole family will love. Easy to adapt, and every recipe has all the hint and tips you need to make the recipe perfect every time, as well as serving suggestions and storage tips.

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Slow cooker questions

What slow cooker is best?

There really is no rule here, just make sure that the ingredients you are using can fit in your slow cooker. We use a Crock Pot DuraCeramic Slow Cooker and we love it. What I love most about it is that you can put the bowl insert on the hob too. So, you can brown the chicken on the hob, in the slow cooker bowl.
I also love that it has a clear lid, as I am so impatient that I want to keep looking and seeing what it is doing. If you don't have a clear lid, then lifting it to see will release lots of the heat and add to the cooking time.

Can I leave the slow cooker on and go out?

Yes, this is what slow cookers are perfect for. You just dump everything in the slow cooker and then it is save to go out.

Can you put raw meat in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can. There is no need to brown meat in a pan before putting it in the slow cooker, however we recommend doing that with most of our beef recipes as it gives the outside some extra crispiness and really locks in the flavour.

Do you still get thick sauces in the slow cooker?

Sauces do tend to be a bit runnier when done in the slow cooker, this is because none of the liquid will evaporate as the lid is on the whole time. That is why the recipe might look like it doesn't have much liquid added. If it is still too runny, you can add a cornflour slurry to the slow cooker, or cook it with the lid off for an hour.

Meat

Slow Cooker Bolognese
This Slow Cooker Bolognese recipe tastes authentically Italian - it's rustic, rich, bursting with herby tomato goodness and the meat is melt in your mouth.
Check out this recipe
Slow cooker bolognese in a bowl.
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese with a bowl of salad and some black olives.
Slow Cooker Beef Goulash
Hearty and warming stews are a must when the weather turns cooler and this Slow Cooker Beef Goulash is delicious comfort food with minimal effort.
Check out this recipe
Slow cooker beef goulash topped with coriander leaves.
A bowl of beef goulash next to a small pot of cream and a dish of paprika.
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff takes very little prep, for an easy weeknight meal that is easy to adapt.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of slow cooker beef stroganoff with mashed potato
Two bowls of beef stroganoff and mashed potato next to a blue towel.
Slow Cooker Roast Beef
This Slow Cooker Roast Beef is going to become your go-to for an easy Sunday Roast. Tender, melt in your mouth slices of beef  with a crispy crust in a rich and flavour packed gravy.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Roast Beef on a board with some horseradish sauce.
Slices of roast beef on a wooden serving board with a bowl of horseradish sauce.
Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole
This Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is easy to prepare and great for batch cooking. A good way to add vegetables to your diet and easy to make vegetarian.
Check out this recipe
A plate of slow cooker sausage casserole and mashed potato
Sausage casserole and mashed potato on a plate next to a large bowl of extra casserole
Slow Cooker Beef Ragu
Cooked low and slow, this is a great family meal that freezes well, making it perfect for bulk cooking.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of pappardelle pasta mixed with a beef sauce, topped with grated cheese and chopped herbs.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork is incredibly easy to make. Spiced with paprika and garlic, it is oh-so simple, yet oh-so delicious!
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork in a burger bun with coleslaw
Pulled pork and coleslaw in a brioche bun.
Slow Cooker Meatballs
Melt in your mouth meatballs in a deliciously rich tomato sauce. These Slow Cooker Meatballs are an easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Meatballs on a plate with a fork.
A plate of Slow Cooker Meatballs next to a small bowl of salad.
Slow Cooker Beef Curry
This Slow Cooker Beef Curry is an easy and comforting meal with a kick of spice. Slow cooked chunks of tender beef in a rich and spicy sauce served over a bed of rice.
Check out this recipe
Slow cooker beef curry and rice in a round bowl.
A bowl of beef curry and rice next to more rice and a naan bread.
Slow Cooker Lamb Rogan Josh
A Lamb Rogan Josh is a classic Indian takeaway order, and now you can save yourself money and calories by making it yourself.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Lamb Rogan Josh in a silver balti dish. Naan bread and mango accompany it.
A balti dish containing rogan josh curry and rice. Naan bread, mango chutney and yogurt accompany.
Slow Cooked Pulled Beef
This Slow Cooked Pulled Beef recipe is a must try. It's tender, succulent, and packed with so much flavour.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Pulled Beef in a white bowl
A bowl of pulled beef next to a blue towel.

Chicken

Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
A Slow Cooker Whole Chicken makes a roast dinner so much easier and leaves your oven free for those crispy roasted veggies. Shred this chicken up and use in meals throughout the week.
Check out this recipe
A whole slow cooker chicken on a white serving plate
A whole cooked chicken on a large platter with lemon halves and rosemary sprigs.
Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken
Juicy and tender chunks of chicken and chunky vegetables cooked in an easy homemade sauce make the perfect simple week night meal that the whole family will love.
Check out this recipe
A large bowl of sweet and sour chicken and rice with a spoon in it.
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken is something a little different to cook in your slow cooker and an easy meal that the whole family will love.
Check out this recipe
Slow cooker honey mustard chicken and mashed potato on a purple plate.
A bowl of cooked chicken thighs and mash potato in a creamy sauce next to bowls of more chicken and mashed potato.
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is an easy weeknight meal and a good way to introduce your family to different herbs and spices.
Check out this recipe
A plate of slow cooker butter chicken on a bed of rice.
A plate of curry and rice next to a balti dish containing more curry and some naan breads.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken is a rich and sticky honey and garlic sauce poured over juicy chicken thighs and cooked low and slow.
Check out this recipe
Honey Garlic Chicken on a plate with rice topped with spring onions.
A plate of shredded chicken and rice next to a colourful towel.
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
A super easy slow cooker dish that the whole family will love. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken involves very little prep and is a healthier alternative to a Friday night takeaway.
Check out this recipe
Slow cooker teriyaki chicken on a bed of rice topped with chopped spring onions.
A bowl of shredded chicken on a bed of rice.
Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
These Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas are a delicious weeknight meal that the whole family will love. All those fajita flavours that you know and love, but made in the slow cooker for a fuss free meal.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of slow cooker chicken fajita filling next to guacamole and tortilla wraps
A bowl of fajita filling surrounded by salsa, guacamole, tortilla wraps, jalapenos and tortilla chips
Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole
Chunky vegetables and shredded chicken, all in a deliciously creamy mustard sauce. This slow cooker dish is SO easy to prepare, by just dumping everything in with no pre-cooking needed.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole in a round blue bowl
A bowl of chicken and vegetable casserole next to a striped towel and some bread.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
A super easy and healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry that takes less than 5 minutes to prep. Easy to adapt, lots of veggies and it freezes well too.
Check out this recipe
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry in a bowl with some brown rice
Two bowls of chicken curry and brown rice.
Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken
Try something different with your next slow cooker recipe. This Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken is easy, nutritious and full of flavour.
Check out this recipe
Two slow cooker jerk chicken thighs on a blue plate with rice and lime wedges.
A plate of slow cooker jerk chicken with rice and limes. Scotch bonnet peppers and coriander leaves are next to the plate.
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
Recipes do not come much more simple than this 2 ingredients Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Serve with rice or in tacos or on nachos. This easy Mexican chicken is so versatile.
Check out this recipe
Slow cooker salsa chicken in a round bowl.
Slow cooker salsa chicken in a dish next to some guacamole, flour tortillas, sliced peppers, sour cream and nachos
Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken
This simple recipe for Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken is a delicious healthy dinner option, bursting with wonderful North African flavour.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken in a bowl topped with coriander leaves.
Two bowls of slow cooker Moroccan chicken.
Slow Cooker Spanish Chicken
Fill your kitchen with the smells of the warm Mediterranean with this Spanish Chicken. It's really fragrant and light, but hearty at the same time.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Spanish Chicken on a blue plate with a fork and spoon
Spanish Chicken on a bed of mashed potato on a blue plate.
Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Curry
This Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Curry is one of the easiest slow cooker recipes to make, as you just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it cook away.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Curry in a white bowl, topped with a lime wedge.
Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Curry in a white bowl with a lime wedge on top.
Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken
This Balsamic Chicken is a fresh and light slow cooker dish that is perfect for a summer evening. Juicy tomatoes and chicken in an easy balsamic sauce.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken on a bed of spaghetti next to some salad leaves.
Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken on a plate with salad.
Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken
Just 2 ingredients go in to making this Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken. It really is that simple, but it is too good not to share.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken and rice on a blue plate.
A plate of Slow Cooked BBQ Chicken and rice next to a striped towel.

Vegatarian/Vegan

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese might just be the ULTIMATE comfort food and this slow cooker version couldn't be easier.
Check out this recipe
Slow cooker mac and cheese in a blue bowl.
A bowl of mac and cheese next to a bowl of salad leaves and some bread sticks
Slow Cooker Jacket Potato
Slow Cooker Jacket Potatoes couldn't be easier! A fuss free family favourite, these are delicious seriously fool proof.
Check out this recipe
Four slow cooker jacket potatoes on a wooden board with butter melting in them.
Four baked potatoes on a board, cut open with melted butter in them.
Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts
Cooked in oil and butter and then sprinkled with parmesan cheese for a Christmas side dish with a twist. The perfect dish to wow even the biggest sprout haters.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts in a bowl next to a blue towel and a block of cheese.
A bowl of brussels sprouts with a spoon in front of a blue towel.
Slow Cooker Green Beans
Green beans cooked with shallots, garlic and bacon are a side dish that the whole family will love.
Check out this recipe
Slow cooker green beans in a bowl with a spoon.
A bowl of green beans mixed with chopped bacon and sliced mushrooms.
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
These are without doubt the best mashed potatoes we have ever made, and they are SO simple too. Creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes, cooked in the slow cooker with very little effort.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes with sprigs of rosemary on top.
A bowl of slow cooker mashed potato next to some whole potatoes.
Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry
A simple Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry that's loaded with colour, nutrient dense, vegan and as easy as mixing everything together and leaving it to cook away.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of vegetable curry and rice with cilantro sprinkled on top
Slow Cooker Vegetable curry in a blue bowl. Naan breads, raita, pickles and chutney sit next to it.
Slow Cooker Hidden Vegetable Pasta Sauce
This slow cooker hidden vegetable pasta sauce has the vegetables all blended up in to it, so you won't even know there are there.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Hidden Vegetable Pasta Sauce mixed into pasta.
Two bowls of pasta in slow cooker pasta sauce.
Slow Cooker Baked Beans
If you are looking for something healthy and filling on a budget, then give these Slow Cooker Baked Beans a try!
Check out this recipe
A plate of slow cooker baked beans on toast.
A plate of slow cooker baked beans in front of a jar of dried beans.

If you’ve tried any of these slow cooker recipes, or any other recipe on the blog, then let us know how you got on in the comments below, we love hearing from you!
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - we love sharing photos when people make our recipes. You can use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Beth

    This is perfect for the upcoming Fall season! Now the problem is where to start? Ever had slow cooker for breakfast? Might need to try it! ;)

    Reply

  2. Tavo

    What a great pick! I'll definitely be trying some of these soon!

    Reply

  3. Gina

    Can't wait to cook through this list all winter long! Some great cozy meals to choose from!

    Reply

  4. Denay DeGuzman

    What an awesome collection of slow cooker recipes! So savory and delicious. I'll be working my way down the list this fall.

    Reply

  5. Heather Johnson

    So delicious - i love the fajitas - definitely trying more of these!

    Reply

  6. Beth

    Yummy! We’ve tried a few of these slow cooker recipes and we can’t wait to try more from this list. Perfect for our dinners. Excited!

    Reply

  7. Biana

    Wow, so many delicious fall recipes! The beef ragu looks amazing.

    Reply

  8. Andrea

    What a fantastic list of slow cooker recipes. They all sound so good. Now to figure out where to start.

    Reply

  9. Alison

    As the temperatures start to cool I break out my slow cooker! Can't wait to give this recipes a try!

    Reply

  10. Tara

    Such a wonderful transition to slow cooker season! All of these recipes look so good. I especially love the Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken and Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken.

    Reply

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