Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for convenience when it comes to meal prep? Look no further! In this article, we’re sharing 20 delicious and nutritious crock pot recipes that are perfect for busy days. From hearty stews to flavorful stir-fries, these healthy clean eating recipes will become a staple in your kitchen.
One of the best things about crock pots is how easy they make meal prep. Simply add your ingredients in the morning, and come home to a ready-to-eat meal that’s packed with nutrients. And the best part? You can customize them to suit your dietary preferences, whether you’re following a vegan or gluten-free lifestyle.
In this article, we’ll be sharing a variety of recipes that are all free from processed ingredients and added sugars. From classic comfort foods like lentil stew and chicken casserole, to international-inspired dishes like Moroccan chickpea stew and Thai coconut curry, there’s something for everyone on this list. So let’s get started!
Slow Cooker Lentil and Vegetable Stew
This comforting stew is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, packed with nutritious lentils and colorful vegetables. Let your slow cooker do the work while you’re busy with other things.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine lentils, olive oil, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper.
2. Pour in vegetable broth and add canned diced tomatoes.
3. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-9 hours
Clean Eating Chicken and Quinoa Casserole
This hearty casserole is a nutritious and flavorful way to enjoy the perfect combination of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal ready in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, etc.)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup low-fat chicken broth
– 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, sauté chicken, onion, and garlic until cooked through.
4. Add mixed vegetables, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chicken mixture, and chicken broth. Stir well.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with reduced-fat cheddar cheese (if using).
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegan Crock Pot Chili
Warm up with a comforting and flavorful vegan chili that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to prepare, packed with plant-based goodness, and simmered to perfection in your crock pot.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (16 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to your crock pot.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions (optional).
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Sweet Potatoes
A flavorful and aromatic roasted turkey breast paired with tender sweet potatoes, perfect for a special occasion or everyday meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-5 pound) boneless turkey breast
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, thyme, and rosemary.
3. Place the turkey breast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the herb mixture evenly over the breast, making sure to coat all surfaces.
4. Roast the turkey breast for 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Toss sweet potatoes with salt and black pepper, then spread them out on a separate baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 45-50 minutes or until tender.
6. Let the turkey breast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving with roasted sweet potatoes.
Cooking Time: 55-70 minutes
Clean Eating Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. This dish is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a nutritious choice for your family.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lean beef (90% lean), sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (make sure it’s clean eating approved!)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Return the beef to the skillet and stir in the soy sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot over brown rice or cauliflower rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Moroccan Chickpea Stew
Experience the bold flavors of Morocco with this aromatic and comforting slow cooker stew, perfect for a cozy evening or a crowd-pleasing dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup water
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add chickpeas, onion, garlic, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Pour in chicken broth and water. 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. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Healthy Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of flavors and nutrients, packed with lean chicken, nutritious vegetables, and fiber-rich tortillas. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 6-8 corn tortillas, torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, carrots, onion, garlic, tortillas, cumin, and chili powder to the crock pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Quinoa and Black Bean Crock Pot Casserole
This hearty, plant-based casserole is a perfect blend of fiber-rich quinoa, creamy black beans, and savory spices. With minimal prep time and hands-off cooking, it’s an ideal meal solution for busy days.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, bell pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in vegetable broth and olive oil until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a crock pot and cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for 2-3 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-5 hours
Clean Eating Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken
A flavorful and healthy twist on traditional chicken recipes, this slow cooker dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a stress-free Sunday dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, whisk together balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and coat with the marinade.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Vegetable and Chickpea Curry in the Crock Pot
This flavorful curry recipe is a perfect blend of spices, vegetables, and chickpeas cooked to perfection in your crock pot. It’s a great option for a quick and easy meal that’s also healthy and delicious.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 can coconut milk
– 2 tbsp curry powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, cubed potatoes, and sliced red bell pepper to the crock pot.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chickpeas, coconut milk, and spice mixture to the crock pot.
4. Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
6. Serve hot over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Salmon
A flavorful and moist salmon dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this slow cooker recipe combines the bright flavors of lemon and garlic with tender salmon.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, and thyme.
3. Place the salmon fillets in the slow cooker and pour the lemon mixture evenly over them.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the top of each fillet.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Clean Eating Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers
Transform ordinary stuffed peppers into a nutritious and flavorful meal with this easy recipe! By using whole foods and minimal processing, you’ll be indulging in a deliciously clean eating experience.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground turkey or chicken breast
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheese, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat your crock pot to low.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in the crock pot.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey or chicken breast, chopped onion, minced garlic, cooked brown rice, diced tomatoes, and olive oil. Mix well.
4. Stuff each pepper with the meat mixture, filling to the top.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese and chopped parsley on top.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Curry
A creamy and aromatic curry that combines the flavors of Thailand with a spicy kick, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1/2 cup Thai red curry paste
– 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic, ginger, curry paste, fish sauce (if using), cumin, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Pour in coconut milk and stir to combine.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Slow Cooker Ratatouille with Fresh Herbs
This classic Provençal dish gets a flavorful boost from the slow cooker and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a stress-free Sunday supper, this ratatouille is ready to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), chopped
– 2 medium eggplants, chopped
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs: basil, parsley, or thyme (optional)
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine onion, garlic, bell peppers, eggplants, crushed tomatoes, and olive oil.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Stir in fresh herbs (if using) just before serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Ratatouille with Fresh Herbs!
Clean Eating Crock Pot Turkey Meatballs
Elevate your mealtime with this healthy twist on traditional meatballs, made with lean turkey and wholesome ingredients. These tender bites are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a stress-free party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 1 minced garlic clove
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat your crock pot to high.
2. In a large bowl, combine turkey, oats, onion, garlic, egg, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into 12-15 meatballs.
4. Place the meatballs in the crock pot. Pour in chicken broth.
5. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (high) or 6-8 hours (low)
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
Perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening, this slow cooker soup combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash and apples with aromatic spices. This comforting recipe is easy to prepare and makes a great addition to your family’s meal routine.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 medium-sized apples, peeled and chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the cubed squash, chopped apples, chicken broth, onion, garlic, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to a slow cooker.
2. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Clean Eating Beef and Mushroom Stew
This hearty stew is a perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, packed with tender beef, flavorful mushrooms, and nutrient-rich vegetables. A blend of herbs and spices adds depth without overpowering the natural flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef stew meat
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
– 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the beef over medium-high heat.
3. Add mushrooms, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in beef broth, red wine (if using), and thyme. Bring to a boil, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven.
5. Simmer for 2-3 hours or until beef is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplant
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed eggplant, this slow cooker recipe combines the richness of Mediterranean flavors with the convenience of a hands-off meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to low.
2. Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick.
3. In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each eggplant half with the Mediterranean mixture, dividing it evenly among the two.
5. Brush the tops of the stuffed eggplants with olive oil and place them in the slow cooker.
6. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)
Clean Eating Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
This recipe is a healthier take on traditional teriyaki chicken, using clean eating ingredients and no refined sugars. The result is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place chicken breasts in the crock pot.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic powder.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Remove chicken from crock pot and serve with chopped green onions (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Vegan Lentil and Kale Soup
This slow cooker recipe is a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. With the comfort of lentils, kale, and aromatic spices, you’ll be cozying up with a warm bowl in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add lentils, water, olive oil, onion, garlic, kale, cumin, and smoked paprika (if using) to the slow cooker.
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 fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-10 hours
Summary
Get healthy and delicious meals with these 20 clean eating crock pot recipes perfect for busy days! From vegan options like Crock Pot Chili and Vegan Lentil and Kale Soup, to lean protein dishes like Clean Eating Chicken and Quinoa Casserole and Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Salmon, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a variety of international flavors, such as Moroccan Chickpea Stew and Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Curry, or try comforting classics like Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apple Soup. These easy-to-make recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
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