Our 20 Healthiest Slow Cooker Recipes

Posted by Allison Day on October 23, 2017

Your slow cooker is a life-saver, especially when fall hits, creating make-ahead dishes that you can set, forget and enjoy when you get home. Ideal for busy weeknights and weekends, these healthy homemade meals are low-input, high-output feasts you can feel good about. These wholesome, family-friendly recipes are easy to warm up to, so get looking and start cooking!

1 of 20

Slow Cooker Chicken Sliders

Replace pork with chicken for a slider that will please the entire family. This recipe uses Indian flavours such as turmeric, coconut milk and ginger, for a lighter take on butter chicken. For a gluten-free variation, serve the spiced chicken on top of brown or basmati rice. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/slow-cooker-chicken-sliders-with-an-indian-twist/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Chicken Sliders</a>
2 of 20

Slow Cooker Bean and Barley Soup

When beans and grains combine, they create a complete vegetarian protein with all the essential amino acids found in meat. The protein and fibre combo in this slow cooker soup helps to stabilize blood sugar, so after-dinner munchies will be a thing of the past. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-bean-and-barley-soup/17470/"> Slow Cooker Bean and Barley Soup</a>
3 of 20

Slow Cooker Coconut Chicken Curry

A simple curry comes together beautifully in a slow cooker. Made without butter or milk, this recipe works well for dairy-conscious diners. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/blog/the-easiest-healthy-comfort-food-is-slow-cooker-coconut-chicken-curry/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Coconut Chicken Curry</a>
4 of 20

Slow Cooker Mushroom Barley Risotto

Replace whole grain barley with the usual white arborio rice in an earthy slow cooker risotto. This hearty, elegant dish is a filling main course, working just as well on a busy weekday as it does on a weekend for entertaining. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-mushroom-barley-risotto/18202/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Mushroom Barley Risotto</a>
Aimee Wimbush-Bourque

5 of 20

Slow Cooker Root Vegetable Cider Stew

A hearty recipe that brings your favourite cool-weather veggies into one hearty dish. Cider and plump golden raisins bring just the right amount of sweetness to the stew that is spiced with garam masala. Try this recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/blog/slow-cooker-root-vegetable-cider-stew-from-the-simple-bites-kitchen/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Root Vegetable Cider Stew</a>
6 of 20

Slow-Cooker Brown Rice Pudding

Desserts made in the slow cooker are a warm hug on a cold day. This whole grain pudding is not too sweet, begging for a little fresh fruit on top. Enjoy leftovers for breakfast or a snack the following day. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-coconut-brown-rice-pudding/18204/" target="_blank">Slow-Cooker Brown Rice Pudding</a>
7 of 20

Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup with Turkey

Slow cookers are ideal for lean cuts of meat like turkey, locking the moisture in the meat for a meal that tastes much richer than it actually is nutritionally. Black beans and turkey are both a source of tryptophan, so if you’re having trouble sleeping, relax with this warming dinner for a deliciously restful night ahead. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-black-bean-soup-with-turkey/17453/">Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup with Turkey</a>
8 of 20

Slow Cooker Moroccan Turkey Stew

Turkey gets a Moroccan makeover with a slow cooker stew that channels the spice route. This stew is a complete meal, with root vegetables, squash and chickpeas, all working together for a tasty, travel-inspiring feast. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-moroccan-turkey-stew/17452/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Moroccan Turkey Stew</a>
9 of 20

Super Easy Slow-Cooker Chili

It’s all in the name with this recipe. After a quick sauté of the vegetables and ground beef, this flavour-packed chili mingles and mellows for a low and slow cook in your slow cooker. With beans, beef, tomatoes, peppers and more, you’ll be eating well for days after whipping up a batch. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/super-easy-slow-cooker-chili/15274/" target="_blank">Super Easy Slow-Cooker Chili </a>
10 of 20

Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetable Soup

A great hands-off recipe that you can make in the slow cooker, this chicken soup uses lots of leftovers, repurposing them for a desk lunch that is definitely delicious. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-chicken-and-vegetable-soup/20166/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetable Soup</a>
11 of 20

Slow Cooker Pork Tacos

Pulled pork tacos pair well with buttery avocado, sweet mango and yogurt. It’s far healthier than takeout and just as easy. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-pork-tacos/17854/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Pork Tacos</a>
12 of 20

Slow Cooker Chili Baked Beans

Slow cookers were made for beans, creating a protein and fibre-rich side without even turning on the oven. Serve these slow cooker vegetarian chili beans with a refreshing salad and crusty whole grain bread to complete the meal, or enjoy on top of polenta for a comforting yet healthy feast. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-chili-baked-beans/12816/" target="_blank">Anna Olson’s Slow Cooker Chili Baked Beans</a>
13 of 20

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

Classic red beans and rice are transformed into a lean dinner that couldn’t be easier to prepare. Everything is tossed together in a slow cooker and set to cook — that’s it! When you get home from work, a hearty, fragrant meal will be waiting for you. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-red-beans-and-rice/17968/" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli's Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice</a>
14 of 20

Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup

Soup season has finally arrived, and nothing feels better than cozying up with this Canadian classic. Deliciously simple and satisfying, this soup will fill your home with a comforting aroma of fall cooking, simultaneously delivering a substantial amount of fibre, protein and iron. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-split-pea-soup/17455/" target="_blank">Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup</a>
15 of 20

Italian Slow Cooker Beef Sandwiches with Giardiniera Aioli

A lean cut of beef turns melt-in-your-mouth tender when made in a slow cooker, creating a crave-worthy base for a not-so-average sandwich. To lighten this up further, enjoy the beef on top of a kale salad, romaine lettuce or quinoa. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/italian-slow-cooker-beef-sandwiches-with-giardiniera-aioli/17978/" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli's Italian Slow Cooker Beef Sandwiches with Giardiniera Aioli</a>
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Slow Cooker Pepper Pork Chops

Who says it has to be a traditional Christmas? This delectable mix of apples and pork chops is packed with flavour and plates beautifully when topped with fresh sprigs of thyme. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-pepper-pork-chops/18151/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Pepper Pork Chops</a>
17 of 20

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Cornbread

Of course, slow cooker chili needs slow cooker cornbread. This recipe is tender, moist and made with in-season, beta-carotene-rich butternut squash for a uniquely autumn take. Sweet and savoury all at once, you’ll have a hard time enjoying just one slice. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-butternut-squash-cornbread/17154/" target="_blank"> Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Cornbread</a>
18 of 20

Slow-Cooker Baked Apples

In-season fruit magically melts into a decadent but healthy dessert. High in fibre and lower in sugar, your slow cooker is your ticket to an apple pie-like dessert that’s wholesome enough to eat every day. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/baked-apples-with-cider-butter-sauce/10618/" target="_blank">Slow-Cooker Baked Apples</a> Allison Day is a cookbook author, nutritionist (RHN) and the creator of the award-winning food blog <a href="http://yummybeet.com/" target="_blank">Yummy Beet</a>.
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Slow-Cooker Healthy Cranberry-Pecan Oatmeal Porridge

Prepare this fibre-packed breakfast in a slow cooker the night before. The porridge is gradually infused with fragrant nutmeg, orange peel and cinnamon. In the morning, top the hearty bowl with maple syrup, cranberries and pecans. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-healthy-cranberry-pecan-oatmeal-porridge/19057/" target="_blank">Slow-Cooker Healthy Cranberry-Pecan Oatmeal Porridge</a>
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Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

There’s not a tomato in sight in Ree Drummond’s chicken chili recipe, which uses whole chicken breasts, cooked and then shredded to give heft to the finished dish. Whole milk and masa add creaminess, but if you’re looking for more richness, garnish with additional sour cream. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-white-chicken-chili/20684/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili </a> Leslie Wu is a Toronto-based food and travel writer, editor and explorer. Follow her on Twitter at @leslie_wu.
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