by MyFitnessPal’s Recipes
October 12, 2017
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The slow cooker is one of the most versatile cooking tools for good reason: It saves time and turns inexpensive, tougher cuts of meat into tender delicacies after cooking all day. It’s also a great tool for those who don’t have time to dedicate to meal prep on a Sunday.
To celebrate our love of the slow cooker, we’ve rounded up MyFitnessPal’s 10 most pinned slow-cooker recipes of the year, all under 450 calories. Be sure to check out our Pinterest boards for other healthy recipes and fitness tips, too!
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1. SLOW-COOKER GARLIC CHICKENThis 265-calorie recipe calls for pan-frying the chicken and then slow-cooking it to perfection in wine, cognac and thyme. Cut down on time by substituting the whole chicken for 3 pounds of precut chicken pieces and using pre-peeled garlic cloves. Recipe makes 5 servings at 4 ounces chicken + 3 tablespoons sauce + 8 garlic cloves each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 265; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 80mg; Sodium: 264mg; Carbohydrate: 12g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 30g
2. SLOW-COOKER TURKEY BEAN CHILIThis chili uses lean ground turkey in lieu of beef, reducing the cholesterol and saturated fat content and adds beans for bonus fiber (10 grams!). Put the ingredients into the slow cooker before bed for a satisfying next-day lunch. Recipe makes 6 servings at 1 1/2 cups chili + 1 ounce baked tortilla chips each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 428; Total Fat: 17g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 54mg; Sodium: 377mg; Carbohydrate: 46g; Dietary Fiber: 10g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 25g
3. SLOW-COOKER IRISH BEEF STEW
Trust us: This stew is a crowd-pleaser well beyond St. Paddy’s Day. With tender beef, brown potatoes and carrots in a thick gravy, it’s hard to believe this recipe has less than 400 calories and 27 grams of protein. Recipe makes 4 servings at 2 cups each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 363; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 9mg; Sodium: 582mg; Carbohydrate: 35g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugar: 7g; Protein: 27g
4. SLOW-COOKER CHICKEN LENTIL CHILIWith lean chicken breast and two different kinds of beans — lentils and black beans — this Tex-Mex-inspired dish contains nearly half your fiber quota for the day and less than 300 calories. Recipe makes 8 servings at 1 1/2 cups (13 ounces or 370 grams) each
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 282; Total Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 38mg; Sodium: 448mg; Carbohydrate: 39g; Dietary Fiber: 18g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 28g
5. SLOW-COOKER ITALIAN TURKEY MEATBALLSSlow-cooking locks in the moisture, making for extra juicy meatballs. Cooking them with the sauce saves time for you to prepare the pasta to serve them with. If you’re watching your carbs, serve with spaghetti squash instead. Recipe makes 6 servings at 4 meatballs + 2/3 cup sauce each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 235; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 104mg; Sodium: 471mg; Carbohydrate: 10g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 22g
6. SLOW-COOKER SWEET POTATO CURRYThis vegetarian slow-cooker sweet potato curry is high in flavor and protein (a whopping 31 grams!), while being low in calories, fat and sodium. The yogurt adds a tangy flavor that balances the heat if you use a spicy curry powder. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1 cup each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 297; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 8g; Cholesterol: 70mg; Sodium: 582mg; Carbohydrate: 10g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 31g
7. SLOW-COOKER JERK CHICKENThis dish is for those who like a bit of kick with their chicken. Craving more heat? Increase the Cayenne pepper. This crispy chicken pairs well with a side salad and basmati rice. Recipe makes 5 servings at 2 drumsticks each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 253; Total Fat: 12g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 184mg; Sodium: 376 mg; Carbohydrate: 6g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 4g; Protein 34g
8. SLOW-COOKER CHICKEN ENCHILADA SOUPWhy spend hours making soup when you can drop the ingredients in the slow-cooker and come home to a soup ready to devour? Top each bowl with crushed, whole-wheat tortilla chips to give this 319-calorie recipe extra crunch. Recipe makes 6 servings at 1 1/2 cups soup + 2 tablespoons cheese + 2 teaspoons scallions + 2 teaspoons cilantro + 1/6 avocado each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 319; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 43mg; Sodium: 741mg; Carbohydrate: 30g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 23g
9. SLOW-COOKER CHICKEN NOODLE SOUPWith cooler weather approaching, it’s hard not to crave cozy classics like chicken soup. This riff boasts 33 grams of protein and only 323 calories. We like orecchiette, but you can swap in your own preferred pasta or extra veggies to limit the carbs. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1/4 of dish + 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 323; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 73mg; Sodium: 536mg; Carbohydrate: 28g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 33g
10. CROCK-POT BOLOGNESEImpress guests with this low-calorie Bolognese sauce, made by slow-cooking lean ground beef, pancetta, onions, tomatoes and wine over several hours. Tip: This sauce freezes well, so make an extra batch for later in the month. Recipe makes 20 servings at 1/2 cup sauce each.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 143; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 48mg; Sodium: 145mg; Carbohydrate: 5g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 15g
About the Author
MyFitnessPal’s Recipes Healthy, delicious and simple: That’s what we’re about at MyFitnessPal! We make ourrecipes in our own test kitchen or our registered dietitian hand-selects them personally. Look for nutrition information at the bottom of the recipe or log it directly to MyFitnessPal through the “Log-It” button. Check out our entire collection or explore: low-carb,high-protein • high-fiber • gluten-free • dairy-free • vegetarian • vegan • low sodium
FAQs
Classics like chicken Alfredo, pepper steak, beef & broccoli, chicken cacciatore, and more might just taste even better in the crockpot (and are certainly way more hands-off than their skillet or baking dish counterparts).
Is it better to do slow cooker recipes on low or high? ›
Foods take different times to cook depending upon the setting used. Certainly, foods will cook faster on high than on low. However, for all-day cooking or for less-tender cuts, you may want to use the low setting.
What size slow cooker for 1 to 2 people? ›
If You're Cooking for One or Two People: Buy a 3-Quart Slow Cooker. If you're cooking for one to two people and you're not a fan of leftovers, or simply don't have the space to stash them in the fridge or freezer, a 3-quart (or 3 1/2-quart, as they're sold by some brands) slow cooker is just right for you.
Is there a difference between Crockpot and slow cooker? ›
However, Crockpots generally have ceramic or porcelain pots, while most slow cookers have a metal pot. As with a lot of cooking appliances, the biggest difference comes from the distribution of heat.
Can you put raw meat in a slow cooker? ›
Can you put meat straight into a slow cooker? Meat can be added directly unseared and not browned. However, browning meat and caramelising the beef is a great way to add depth of flavour and improve the visual appearance of the final dish.
Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low? ›
Low: 7-8 hours to reach the simmer point. High: 3-4 hours to reach the simmer point. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
Is 3 hours on high the same as 6 on low crockpot? ›
Change cooking times depending on your schedule. One hour on HIGH generally equals two hours on LOW.
What is the best meat to slow cook? ›
Choose the right cut: Chuck roasts, short ribs, pork shoulders and lamb shanks (think fatty and tougher meats) become meltingly tender with the moist, low heat of a slow cooker. Leaner cuts like pork tenderloin tend to dry out. Likewise, dark meat chicken — thighs, drumsticks, etc.
What are the disadvantages of a slow cooker? ›
Food texture changes: Canned foods, such as vegetables, can become too mushy in a slow cooker. It's better to use them fresh or frozen. But, frozen veggies tend to make the texture of the dish more “watery”. Defrosting and draining the extra liquid before cooking can help minimize this.
Can I leave food in a slow cooker overnight off? ›
Most appliances will automatically shut off after 20 or so hours on this setting, but you shouldn't leave food in a slow cooker for an extended length of time. The general rule of thumb is that 2-4 hours is the maximum length of time you can leave food in a slow cooker on warm.
It is possible to overcook beef stew in a slow cooker. If you cook it on high for too long, the beef can become tough and dry.
Can you put a pyrex bowl in a slow cooker? ›
Can you put a Pyrex dish in a slow cooker? Yes, of course. Pyrex was developed to withstand heat and to be shatter-resistant. Even better - there are commercially available slow cooker liners that are disposable after each use.
Can you put glass in a crockpot? ›
Instead of buying a separate mini slow cooker, you can place a 2-cup heat-resistant glass measuring cup inside your regular slow cooker! This trick is great for small batches of slow-cooked foods, like dips, toppings, or cooking for one.
What size crockpot is good for 4 people? ›
For a family of three to five or a leftover-obsessed couple, a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker is the perfect size. It will fit almost all recipes, including typical roasts.
What is the best meat to slow cook in a slow cooker? ›
Choose the right cut: Chuck roasts, short ribs, pork shoulders and lamb shanks (think fatty and tougher meats) become meltingly tender with the moist, low heat of a slow cooker. Leaner cuts like pork tenderloin tend to dry out. Likewise, dark meat chicken — thighs, drumsticks, etc.
Do potatoes go on top or bottom of meat in a Crockpot? ›
Slow cooker recipes have (obviously) long cook times, and it's the meat—not the carrots—that benefit from it. By placing the protein at the bottom (closest to the heating element), and vegetables at the top, you can keep your plant parts a little more toothsome, while ensuring your meat is fall-apart tender.
Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›
The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.
Should vegetables go on top or bottom in Crockpot? ›
To preserve their texture and individual flavors, quick-cooking and delicate vegetables must be placed on the top. Hearty, tough veggies must be placed on the bottom of the slow cooker. And meat is generally best on top.
