Are you looking for delicious and healthy meal options that are easy to prepare? Look no further than your slow cooker! With its ability to cook a variety of dishes at a low temperature over a long period of time, the slow cooker is perfect for busy individuals who want to come home to a nutritious and flavorful meal. In this article, we’ll share 20 mouth-watering low-fat slow cooker recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
From hearty stews and soups to tender chicken dishes and savory curries, these recipes offer a wide range of options for anyone looking to cook healthy meals with minimal effort. And the best part? Each recipe is under 300 calories per serving, making them perfect for those watching their weight or following a specific diet. So go ahead, grab your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy some amazing low-fat meals!
Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili
This hearty chili recipe combines the comforting flavors of turkey, white beans, and spices with the ease of a slow cooker. Perfect for a chilly day or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapenos or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon.
2. Add the onion, garlic, chili powder, and cumin to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker; add the diced tomatoes, beans, and chicken broth.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Low Fat Chicken and Vegetable Stew
A hearty and nutritious stew that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal prep. This recipe is packed with lean chicken, colorful vegetables, and flavorful herbs, all while being mindful of the calorie count.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 large bell pepper, chopped
– 1 large zucchini, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, garlic, and onion to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the cooked chicken, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and thyme to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring the stew to a simmer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Healthy Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
This slow-cooked lentil soup recipe is a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and nutrients, making it an excellent addition to your daily meal routine. With its rich and comforting consistency, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Add the lentils, broth, onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and thyme.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious slow cooker lentil soup!
Slow Cooker Skinless Chicken Thighs with Herbs
Slow Cooker Skinless Chicken Thighs with Herbs Recipe
A flavorful and tender slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker, making sure they are fully coated with the herb mixture.
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 Fat Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff
A classic Russian-inspired dish with a twist – reduced fat and calories! This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that’s both flavorful and nutritious.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lean beef strips (90% lean)
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
– 1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the beef strips in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes or until browned.
2. Add mushrooms, onion, and garlic; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 5 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, mix sour cream and mustard. Stir into the skillet with the beef and mushroom mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Quinoa and Black Bean Chili
This slow cooker quinoa and black bean chili is a nutritious and flavorful meal perfect for a busy day. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can come home to a warm and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Rinse the quinoa and add it to the slow cooker with water or broth.
2. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, chopped onion, and red bell pepper on top of the quinoa.
3. Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the ingredients.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Healthy Slow Cooker Ratatouille
Nourish your body with this flavorful and nutritious slow-cooked ratatouille recipe, packed with the goodness of roasted vegetables. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large eggplant, diced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 large zucchinis, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine eggplant, bell peppers, zucchinis, and garlic.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper; stir well.
3. Drizzle with olive oil.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs (optional).
Cooking Time: 3-8 hours
Low Fat Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
This recipe makes a deliciously flavorful and healthy twist on traditional tacos, perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch. With tender chicken, sautéed onions, and spices, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet low-fat taco seasoning
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
– 6-8 corn tortillas
– Shredded cheese, lettuce, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken, onion, garlic, and taco seasoning in a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth; stir to combine.
4. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir to coat with the sauce.
5. Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
6. Assemble tacos by spooning the chicken mixture onto a tortilla, followed by your desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Vegetable and Chickpea Curry
This comforting curry recipe is a perfect blend of flavorful spices, tender vegetables, and creamy chickpeas. Perfect for a busy day, this slow cooker meal requires minimal effort and yields a deliciously aromatic dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz), drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tbsp curry powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced bell pepper, grated carrot, and zucchini slices to the slow cooker.
2. Stir in the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, curry powder, and cumin.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Low Fat Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with Apples
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of this slow-cooked pork tenderloin dish, perfectly balanced with crunchy apples. This recipe is a great option for a healthy and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) pork tenderloin
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 medium apples, peeled and sliced
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Place pork tenderloin in the slow cooker and pour the vinegar mixture over it.
3. Add sliced onions and apples on top of the pork.
4. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over the fruit.
5. Cook for 6-8 hours or until the pork is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Slow Cooker Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your slow cooker game with this creamy and savory chicken dish packed with spinach and feta cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend lunch, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, and garlic.
3. Lay each chicken breast flat and spoon about 1/4 cup of the spinach mixture onto one half of each breast.
4. Fold the other half over the filling and secure with toothpicks if needed.
5. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the slow cooker and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Healthy Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of vegetables, beans, and pasta, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. With a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s great for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 1 cup small pasta shapes (such as elbow macaroni or shells)
– 1 cup cooked kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the cooked vegetable mixture to your slow cooker. Stir in the diced tomatoes, pasta, kidney beans, vegetable broth, and dried basil.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Low Fat Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Elevate your meal routine with this healthier take on classic meatball subs, featuring tender turkey meatballs cooked in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey breast
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to Low.
2. In a large bowl, combine turkey, oats, Parmesan cheese, egg, olive oil, onion, and garlic. Mix well with hands or spoon until just combined.
3. Form into 20-25 meatballs. Place in the slow cooker.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently.
5. Cook for 6-8 hours on Low or 3-4 hours on High.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Lentil Stew
This Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Lentil Stew is a perfect blend of comforting, nutritious, and flavorful. With its aromatic spices and tender squash, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add squash, lentils, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Low Fat Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Shrimp
A zesty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this low-fat slow cooker shrimp recipe is a game-changer. With the brightness of lemon, pungency of garlic, and tender succulence of shrimp, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and Dijon mustard.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2 hours.
4. Stir in chopped parsley, if using.
5. Serve hot over rice, pasta, or as a standalone dish.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Moroccan Spiced Chicken with Couscous
Experience the exotic flavors of Morocco with this aromatic slow cooker dish. Tender chicken, infused with warm spices and richly flavored sauce, is served over fluffy couscous.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tbsp honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup couscous
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
2. Pour in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, cook couscous according to package instructions.
5. Serve chicken over couscous, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Healthy Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup
This hearty and comforting soup is a perfect blend of nutritious and delicious, packed with fiber-rich black beans, aromatic spices, and a hint of cumin. With this easy slow cooker recipe, you’ll be enjoying a warm and satisfying meal in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Stir in black beans, canned tomatoes, ground cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and stir to combine.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Low Fat Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Soup
Warm up with this comforting, low-fat slow cooker soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lean beef stew meat (90% lean)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine beef, onion, garlic, chicken broth, barley, diced tomatoes, and thyme.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on Low for 8-10 hours or High for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Slow Cooker Greek Yogurt Chicken Curry
A flavorful and creamy curry that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort, thanks to the slow cooker.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) of coconut milk
– 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp curry powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp ground coriander
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, onions, garlic, curry powder, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well, then add coconut milk and Greek yogurt.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Low Fat Slow Cooker Vegetable Lasagna
This hearty, low-fat lasagna recipe is a twist on the classic Italian dish, swapping out traditional ground beef and ricotta cheese for layers of flavorful vegetables and lean turkey sausage. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lean turkey sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cups zucchini, sliced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
– 6-8 whole wheat lasagna noodles
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to Low.
2. Brown turkey sausage in a skillet, then add onion, garlic, bell peppers, and zucchini; cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
4. Arrange lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
5. Cook for 3-4 hours or overnight (8-10 hours).
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours or overnight (8-10 hours)
Summary
Discover 20 delicious and healthy low-fat slow cooker recipes that are perfect for busy days. From hearty stews to flavorful curries, these mouth-watering dishes are packed with nutrients and flavor. Enjoy Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili, Low Fat Chicken and Vegetable Stew, Healthy Slow Cooker Lentil Soup, and many more. These recipes use lean proteins, whole grains, and a variety of vegetables to create satisfying meals that won’t break the calorie bank. Try them out for a guilt-free culinary experience!
