Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for the sake of a healthy diet? Look no further! Our collection of 20 delicious low-calorie slow cooker recipes will satisfy your cravings while helping you reach your weight loss goals. With a wide variety of options to choose from, including soups, stews, and international-inspired dishes, you’ll never get bored with the same old meals.
Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick and easy lunch option or a health-conscious individual seeking a nutritious dinner solution, our slow cooker recipes are perfect for anyone trying to eat better without sacrificing taste. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 mouth-watering low-calorie slow cooker recipes that are sure to become new family favorites.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetable Soup
This hearty soup recipe is perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, let it do the work, and come home to a deliciously flavorful soup.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 medium carrots, chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the chopped chicken, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, frozen vegetables, and thyme to your slow cooker.
2. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Low Calorie Turkey Chili
A hearty and flavorful chili recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, without breaking the calorie bank. This low-calorie turkey chili is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapenos or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and kidney beans. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker Lentil Stew
A hearty and comforting slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a busy day. This stew is packed with fiber-rich lentils, aromatic spices, and tender vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add lentils, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to a slow cooker.
2. Stir to combine, then cover the cooker.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Healthy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
A delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for a busy day! This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor, featuring tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef stew meat
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 1 tsp ground black pepper
– 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine beef, broccoli, onion, and garlic.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, and black pepper. Pour over the beef mixture.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in olive oil.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
Serve Hot:
This recipe makes 4 servings. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or with crusty bread. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
This recipe combines the bright flavors of lemon and garlic with tender chicken, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. In a slow cooker, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, and thyme.
3. Add the chicken to the slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-8 hours (low), 1-4 hours (high)
Low Calorie Vegetarian Curry
A flavorful and nutritious curry that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option. This recipe is packed with protein-rich chickpeas, fiber-rich vegetables, and aromatic spices, all while keeping calories in check.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz), drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can coconut milk (8 oz)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic, bell pepper, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in chickpeas and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup
Savor the comforting flavors of this hearty soup, featuring tender cabbage rolls and a rich broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium head of cabbage, cored and chopped
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 cabbage leaves
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. In a slow cooker, combine the cooked meat mixture, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring the cabbage leaves to room temperature by soaking them in warm water for 10-15 minutes.
5. Assemble the cabbage rolls by placing about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture onto the center of each leaf, then folding the leaf over the filling and securing with a toothpick.
6. Place the cabbage rolls in the slow cooker; cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Skinny Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This recipe yields tender, juicy pulled pork with a fraction of the calories and fat found in traditional methods.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine pork shoulder, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
3. Using two forks, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces.
4. Stir in chopped cilantro, if using.
5. Serve hot on a bun, with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 4-8 hours (low) or 2-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Mushroom and Barley Soup
Warm up on a chilly day with this comforting slow cooker soup recipe, featuring earthy mushrooms and nutty barley. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the mushrooms and garlic; cook until the mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Add the barley, broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Low Calorie Slow Cooker Ratatouille
This hearty and flavorful ratatouille is a great way to warm up on a chilly day, with the added benefit of being low in calories. This slow cooker recipe makes it easy to prepare a delicious and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups eggplant, diced
– 1 cup zucchini, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, low sodium
– 1/4 cup vegetable broth, low sodium
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine onion, garlic, eggplant, zucchini, and diced tomatoes.
2. Add vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Spicy Black Bean Soup
This Slow Cooker Spicy Black Bean Soup is a perfect comfort food for chilly days. With the rich flavors of black beans, diced tomatoes, and spices, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups diced tomatoes
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve with crusty bread, shredded cheese, or your favorite toppings.
Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos: A deliciously easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 6-8 corn tortillas
– Shredded cheese (optional)
– Chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chopped onion, and garlic on top of the chicken.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the mixture.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Shred the cooked chicken with two forks and mix with the sauce.
6. Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
7. Assemble tacos by spooning chicken mixture onto tortillas and topping with cheese and cilantro (if using).
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
This creamy and comforting soup is perfect for a chilly day. With its sweet and nutty flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the cubed squash, chicken broth, onion, garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. If desired, stir in heavy cream before serving.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Low Calorie Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This low-calorie slow cooker beef stew recipe is a perfect blend of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic spices. It’s an ideal meal for a chilly evening or a busy day.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lean beef (90% lean), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes to the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (if using), and dried thyme. Pour the mixture over the vegetables.
3. Add the lean beef pieces on top of the vegetable mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken with Olives
A flavorful and aromatic slow cooker recipe that combines the richness of chicken, the brininess of olives, and the warmth of Mediterranean spices. Perfect for a stress-free dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, olives, onion, garlic, olive oil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in diced tomatoes.
4. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Healthy Slow Cooker Quinoa and Veggie Bowl
This hearty and nutritious recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of fiber, protein, and vitamins from the comfort of your slow cooker. With quinoa as the base and an array of colorful vegetables, this bowl is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small zucchini, sliced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite toppings (e.g. avocado, salsa, shredded cheese)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the quinoa and add it to the slow cooker with water or broth.
2. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini until tender.
3. Add the cooked vegetables, black beans, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, topped with your favorite ingredients.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Soup
Warm up on a chilly day with this comforting slow cooker soup that combines the flavors of fresh tomatoes and basil.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– 2 teaspoons dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. Add the chopped tomatoes, broth, heavy cream or half-and-half (if using), and dried basil.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Low Calorie Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
Savor the flavors of fajitas without breaking the calorie bank with this simple and delicious slow cooker recipe. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/2 cup sliced onions
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6 whole wheat tortillas (for serving)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, bell peppers, onions, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Serve warm, wrapped in tortillas with your favorite toppings (such as avocado, sour cream, and salsa).
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Spinach and White Bean Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of tender beans, savory spinach, and aromatic spices. It’s a great option for a chilly day or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the slow cooker.
2. Stir in cannellini beans, spinach, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Healthy Slow Cooker Asian Lettuce Wraps
Elevate your mealtime with these flavorful and nutritious wraps, packed with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
– 1/2 cup sliced carrots
– 6-8 lettuce leaves (such as butter or romaine)
– Sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and ginger.
2. Add the chicken breast and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
3. Shred the cooked chicken with two forks.
4. Prepare the veggies by slicing the bell peppers and carrots into thin strips.
5. Assemble the wraps by placing a portion of the shredded chicken onto a lettuce leaf, followed by sliced veggies, scallions, and a drizzle of sauce (if using).
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro (if desired).
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Summary
Get ready to shed those extra pounds with these 20 delicious low-calorie slow cooker recipes perfect for weight loss! From hearty soups to flavorful stews and curries, these mouth-watering dishes are not only healthy but also easy to make. Try Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetable Soup, Low Calorie Turkey Chili, or Healthy Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli for a taste of what’s in store. Whether you’re a vegetarian, meat-lover, or looking for something spicy, there’s something for everyone in this collection of low-calorie slow cooker recipes.