So you made a new year’s resolution to eat out less, but now you are getting bored with your options. It’s time to bust out these easy Crock-Pot recipes, so you can stay on top of your resolution, and still have an incredibly satisfying meal.
The best part about these recipes, aside from how simple they are? They are actually surprisingly healthy for you, too. I don’t know about you, but cooking healthy is either difficult or boring in my book. Enter my savior, the Crock-Pot. The beauty of the slow cooker is that it does all the work for you. All you have to do is grab your fresh ingredients, throw them together, and watch it all simmer into one, beautiful, delicious meal. It's impossible for something not to taste amazing when you make it in a slow cooker.
From warm, cozy chilis to yummy quinoa bowls, hearty soups, and savory ramen, there is something here on this list no matter what you are craving for dinner. This winter, I am hauling the little wonder that is my Crock-Pot out of hiding, and I am going to start to cook with it again. Work smarter, not harder — right?
1. Crock-Pot Italian Chicken and Broccoli Rabe Chili
Lightened up chili doesn’t mean it has to lack flavor. This Italian chicken and broccoli rabe version from Half Baked Harvest is big on flavor.
2. Easy Crock-Pot Minestrone
Coming home to a house filled with delicious minestrone flavors is a dream of mine. I plan to be drooling over this oh-so easy version from How Sweet It Is ASAP.
3. Crock-Pot Turkey Pumpkin Chili
I’m still holding onto my love of pumpkin this winter, and this turkey pumpkin chili is like a hug in a bowl from Table for Two. All the comforting flavors that I look forward to in the winter are right here.
4. Chicken Enchilada Quinoa
Quinoa usually isn’t my go-to, but when I can pull it off in a Crock-Pot you better believe I’m on board. Prevention RD makes this chicken enchilada quinoa that has me screaming “more!” in my head.
5. Easy Healthier Crock-Pot Butter Chicken
Oh butter chicken, how you toy with my heart… Thank goodness Half Baked Harvest came up with a version that’s both healthy and can be done in the Crock-Pot. Weeknight dinners just got a heck of a lot tastier.
6. Crock-Pot Santa Fe Chicken
The Comfort of Cooking brings some Tex Mex flair to this Crock-Pot chicken recipe, making it ridiculously addictive for a south-of-the-border loving girl like me. Serve it with brown rice or even in corn tortillas — the options are endless.
7. Crock-Pot French Onion Soup
Sure the crusty bread on top isn’t the healthiest option, but the comforting flavor-packed soup from How Sweet It Is beneath is just what I’m looking for in a healthy winter meal.
8. Crock-Pot Italian Chicken with Tomatoes
This Italian chicken from The Comfort of Cooking really embodies those bold flavors and healthy vegetables that make for a perfect lazy healthy meal.
9. Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken
Confession time… Balsamic vinegar is one of my favorite ingredients. It packs a powerful punch of flavor that will liven up your weekly meal routine. This slow cooker balsamic chicken from Damn Delicious is what my healthy dreams are made of.
10. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Talk about the best one pot healthy meal of your life. Damn Delicious throws chicken and veggies together to make a full meal in a slow cooker that is tough to beat.
11. Healthy Crock-Pot Mini Turkey Meatballs
These meatballs from How Sweet It Is are made with turkey, which means they're not just delicious — they're pretty darn good for you, too.
12. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
If you are looking for a milder version of chili to warm up with (in a healthy way) this winter, The Kitchn has you covered with this recipe. The white chili is mild, but you can always crank up the heat by adding some extra spice.
13. Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers used to mean a lot of work in my book — too much work, to be honest. Damn Delicious has a stroke of genius and makes them in the slow cooker. I’ll just be jumping for joy over here.
14. Crock-Pot Pho
Pho may be intimidating to try to recreate at home, but Steamy Kitchen makes it easy with this Crock-Pot recipe. Not only will you be eating healthy, you’ll be saving on all that dining out.
15. Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen Noodles
Ramen is a new obsession of mine, and I’m so glad A Spicy Perspective makes it so easy. The hearty meal will fill you up with all the protein you need to recover from the cold.
For more food ideas, check out Bustle on YouTube.
Images: Half Baked Harvest; How Sweet It Is; Table for Two; Prevention RD; Half Baked Harvest; The Comfort of Cooking; How Sweet It Is; The Comfort of Cooking; Damn Delicious; Damn Delicious; How Sweet It Is; The Kitchn; Damn Delicious; Steamy Kitchen; A Spicy Perspective
