50+ Healthy Slow Cooker Meals (for Busy Weeknights!)
As a healthy habits expert, I know that a big part of eating well is making the process easy, and I’m always looking for ways to make dinner feel a little easier and a little more nourishing, without overthinking it. So whether you’re looking for cozy soups, protein-forward mains, or veggie-packed stews, there’s something here to make dinner feel a little more effortless!
3-Ingredient Crockpot Salsa Chicken Stuffed Potatoes
3-Ingredient crockpot salsa chicken stuffed potatoes is the easiest, most delicious, wildly simple slow cooker recipe you’ll find anywhere. What’s more, you don't have to chop a thing, and everything cooks together in the slow cooker (even the potatoes!), so prep is super fast and cleanup is a breeze!
Ingredients: chicken breasts or chicken thighs, salsa, and russet potatoes.
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Buffalo Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker or Stovetop!)
My award-winning, creamy buffalo chicken chili is everything you love about wings served up in a cozy bowl. Made with white beans, tender shredded chicken, and just the right amount of heat, it comes together easily on the stovetop or in the slow cooker and has helped my readers win chili cook-offs!
Ingredients: chicken, white beans, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, chicken stock, hot sauce, cream cheese.
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Chicken Minestrone Soup (Easy & Hearty!)
This easy chicken minestrone soup brings all the comfort of the classic, with a protein boost from tender chicken, pantry-friendly beans, and a handful of pasta. It’s a hearty, satisfying one-pot meal that comes together with real ingredients and a simmered-all-day flavor; whether you’re cooking on the stovetop or letting the slow cooker do the work!
Ingredients: olive oil, onion, salt, carrot,celery, garlic, chicken broth (or vegetable broth), kidney beans, white beans, crushed tomatoes, chicken breast (or rotisserie chicken), macaroni (or gluten-free pasta), balsamic vinegar.
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Easiest Slow Cooker Ramen Noodles (with Beef!)
Comforting, savory and slurpable, this recipe for slow cooker ramen noodles combines lean ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a super simple sauce in the crockpot for a delicious and nearly effortless meal.
Ingredients: ground beef, slaw mix, carrots, garlic, low sodium tamari (or soy sauce), chicken stock, brown sugar, ramen noodles.
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6-Ingredient Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken
This easy recipe for shredded chicken for enchiladas is totally simple, completely delicious and the perfect weeknight crockpot recipe. With just 6-ingredients and no pre-cooking, let me show you how easy this fresh & simple enchilada chicken is to make!
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), onion, garlic powder, cumin, lime juice, tomato sauce, chili powder and salt.
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Slow Cooker Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (5-Ingredients!)
Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes just got easier because now you can make them in the slow cooker, with just 5 simple ingredients, and without chopping or pre-cooking! Yes, easy recipes like this one are my specialty, so let me show you how easy fresh & filling slow cooker meals can be.
Ingredients: black beans, sweet potatoes, salsa, garlic powder and smoked paprika.
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5-Ingredient Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili (Slow Cooker, Instant Pot)
5-Ingredient Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili is simple to prepare, totally nourishing, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients: sweet potatoes, black beans, salsa, vegetable stock, cumin, smoked paprika and salt
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Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken (for Bowls, Wraps + More!)
Bright, tangy, and wildly simple to make, Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken is a no-fuss weeknight dinner made with pantry ingredients and chicken breasts or thighs. A batchable protein base infused with lemon and herbs; it's ready to serve in wraps, salads, or tossed with grains!
Ingredients: chicken, lemon juice, dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic
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Slow Cooker Peach Chicken with Basil
Slow Cooker Peach Chicken with Basil combines juicy peaches, balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil for an easy, flavorful dinner anytime. Easy enough to throw together on a weeknight, this one’s bound to become a new family-favorite recipe!
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), onion, balsamic vinegar, peaches, basil, garlic powder and salt.
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5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fajita Salsa Chicken
The perfect recipe for when you’re short on time but still want a delicious, real food dinner, 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fajita Salsa Chicken is a snap to prep and requires just a handful of ingredients.
Ingredients: chicken, onion, bell pepper, salsa, lime juice and salt
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Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and Vegetables
Tender, juicy, and incredibly simple to prepare, Slow Cooker Whole Chicken and Vegetables is a satisfying one-pot meal made with whole chicken, potatoes, carrots, garlic, and a hit of flavor from a simple balsamic sauce.
Ingredients: whole chicken, baby potatoes, carrots, paprika, garlic, garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, rosemary and salt.
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Slow Cooker Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil
This fresh & simple slow cooker chicken with cherry tomatoes and basil is an easy meal that draws on the flavors of bruschetta for a simple, flavorful meal. Let me show you how simple it is to make!
Ingredients: chicken, roma or cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and salt.
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Slow Cooker Apple Chicken (5-Ingredients!)
The ultimate in simplicity, this slow cooker apple chicken is made with just 5 ingredients and comes together with just 5-minutes of prep. Chicken breasts (or chicken thighs) cook low and slow along with onions, apple, and apple cider to create the tenderest, juiciest chicken –a super easy crockpot meal that'll have you going back for seconds.
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Slow Cooker Tropical Pulled Chicken
Naturally sweet, tangy and oh-so delicious, Slow Cooker Tropical Pulled Chicken is a breeze to throw together and makes for a nourishing dinner everyone will love!
Ingredients: chicken breasts or chicken thighs, gluten-free tamari, honey, grated ginger, canned crushed pineapple, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder and salt.
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Buffalo Turkey Meatballs (Crockpot or Oven-Baked)
Tender, juicy, and super delicious, these Buffalo ground turkey meatballs are simple to prepare, and come together simply and easily in the slow cooker or baked in the oven; no pre-cooking required! Doused in a spicy homemade Buffalo sauce, let me show you how easy it is to make.
Ingredients: ground turkey, grated onion, almond flour (or breadcrumbs), nutritional yeast (or parmesan cheese), granulated garlic powder, cayenne pepper sauce, butter, and salt.
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Crockpot Turkey Soup
Made with carrots, celery, onions and potatoes, this comforting crockpot turkey soup is so easy to prepare. The perfect way to stretch leftover turkey meat into extra meals.
Ingredients: cooked turkey, chicken stock, onion, carrot, celery, potatoes, cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and salt
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Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes
Made with ground turkey meat and a homemade sloppy joe sauce including tomato paste, ketchup, and simple spices, this wholesome slow cooker turkey sloppy joe recipe takes ground turkey from a basic protein to a delicious, craveable family meal!
Ingredients: ground turkey, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, onions, red bell peppers, water and salt.
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Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs in Marinara (No Egg)
Full of fresh herbs like basil, and slow simmered in a simple marinara sauce, this slow cooker turkey meatball recipe is packed with protein, and made without breadcrumbs or eggs. Plus, there's no pre-cooking, so it's super easy to prep and the meatballs come out juicy and will truly melt-in-your-mouth.
Ingredients: ground turkey, marinara sauce, basil, spinach, onion, garlic powder, parmesan and salt.
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Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Tacos
These easy slow cooker turkey tacos combine ground turkey meat with tomato sauce & a few simple spices for the perfect, easy prep taco filling. Make tonight taco night!
Ingredients: ground turkey, tomato sauce, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, granulated garlic powder, paprika and salt
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Crockpot Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup
Crockpot Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup is hearty one-pot meal that’s packed with the good stuff. A gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 recipe your family will love.
Ingredients: ground turkey (or ground beef), onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, tomatoes, stock, spinach, Italian seasoning and other spices
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Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry
Slow cooker vegetable curry combines sweet potato, chickpeas, cauliflower, spinach, coconut milk, and Indian-style curry powder for an easy dump-and-go, hearty crockpot meal. Makes for the perfect hearty vegetarian and meal that will have you going back for seconds!
Ingredients: chickpeas, sweet potato, cauliflower, onion, vegetable broth, peas, spinach, coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric, ginger, garlic powder, tomato paste, lime juice, and salt
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Slow Cooker Enchilada Quinoa (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free)
A simple drop, stir, cover, and go recipe; Slow Cooker Enchilada Quinoa (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free) is so easy to prepare, tastes amazing, and packs well for lunch the next day.
Ingredients: quinoa, canned black beans, bell pepper, onion, cumin, garlic powder, mild chili powder, tomato sauce, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, green chilis, lime juice and salt
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Zesty Slow Cooker BBQ Chickpeas (for Sandwiches + Bowls!)
A plant-based, cozy-but-light dinner base ready to top a sweet potato, stuff a wrap, or pile in buns, these slow cooker BBQ chickpeas use a sweet and spicy homemade barbecue sauce and canned chickpeas for an easy, crowd-pleasing vegetarian meal.
Ingredients: chickpeas, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, tomato paste, maple syrup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water.
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Slow Cooker Veggie Coconut Curry
Bursting with vibrant vegetables, Slow Cooker Veggie Coconut Curry is easy to pull together and is the perfect dinner, any night of the week.
Ingredients: baby potatoes, carrots, chickpeas, stock, asparagus, peas, coconut milk, red Thai curry paste, lime juice and cilantro.
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Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup
Simple and hearty, slow cooker hamburger soup is loaded with vegetables and ground beef, and can be simmered all day in the slow cooker or made in 35 minutes on the stovetop.
Ingredients: lean ground beef, onion, carrots, celery, tomato paste, chicken stock (or beef stock), olive oil, potatoes, red & yellow bell peppers, red wine vinegar, water, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and salt.
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Easy Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup (Dump and Go!)
This easy, hearty slow cooker vegetable soup is made with a mix of cut veggies that stand up well to a longer cook time, such as carrots, potatoes, and celery (no mush veggies here!) Best of all, you can make it without sautéing the vegetables first, which is a nice time-saver, too!
Ingredients: potatoes, celery, carrot, onion, fire roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, peas, corn, green beans, stock, garlic powder, smoked paprika, bay leaves and salt.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Weeknight Easy!)
This Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup is creamy, comforting, and hands-off, just toss in simple ingredients, walk away, and come home to a bowl of classic comfort (with a dairy-free option if you need it)!
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), chicken stock, carrots, celery, onion, frozen peas, coconut milk, bay leaf and other seasonings
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Slow Cooker Creamy Corn Chowder (Vegetarian)
This easy slow cooker corn chowder is a breeze to prep, and is a veggie-packed vegetarian recipe that’s luxuriously creamy without a drop of cream. A surprisingly simple yet deliciously vibrant soup that can be made with fresh or frozen corn!
Ingredients: russet potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, broth, coconut milk, onion, garlic, white wine vinegar and other spices
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Slow Cooker Vegetable and Quinoa Stew
Slow Cooker Vegetable and Quinoa Soup is a hearty, vegetarian meal that's easy to make and completely satisfying. Warm, nourishing, and so simple, you'll want to make this soup for dinner tonight!
Ingredients: sweet potatoes, white beans, chickpeas, carrots, diced tomatoes, quinoa, kale, onion, stock.
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Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup
This Crock Pot Italian Wedding Soup is an easy prep, gluten-free & dairy-free take on the classic everyone knows and loves! A delicious, cozy soup packed with veggies, leafy greens and hearty, tender meatballs. Also includes stovetop directions.
Ingredients: ground beef (or ground turkey), carrots, celery, onion, nutritional yeast, escarole (or kale), chicken stock, garlic, granulated garlic powder, almond flour (or oat flour), baby spinach, lemon juice, egg (optional) and salt
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Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup (w/ Coconut Milk)
Cozy & flavorful, this easy slow cooker butternut squash soup requires no pre-cooking so you can just dump the ingredients, set-it, and forget it. With an extra boost of flavor from carrots and sweet apple, it's blended together with coconut milk, making for an absolutely delightfully simple and creamy soup.
Ingredients: Butternut squash, apples, onion, carrot, turmeric, coconut milk, vegetable stock, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon and other spices.
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Slow Cooker Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes, No Cream)
Slow-cooked in the crockpot, this easy slow cooker tomato soup is decadently creamy, made with of canned tomatoes, and with no milk or cream.
Ingredients: canned tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes, tomato paste, stock, onion, garlic, raw cashews, Italian seasoning, salt.
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Summer Crockpot Soup (w/ Chicken & Veggies)
Simple to make and bursting with fresh summer flavors, this light summer soup is made simple in the crockpot with chicken, and plenty of vegetables. A mostly hands-off recipe, just chop, drop, and dinner's done!
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), chicken stock, zucchini, tomato sauce, leafy greens, onion, chili powder, cumin and other seasonings
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Slow Cooker Sweet Potato, Apple, & Turmeric Soup
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato, Apple & Turmeric Soup is a simple chop and drop recipe that yields creamy, nourishing results. It’s a hit with the entire family, plus is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, paleo and Whole30 friendly!
Ingredients: sweet potato, apple, potatoes, stock, coconut milk, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, turmeric and other seasonings
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Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup (with Canned Pumpkin!)
This easy slow cooker pumpkin soup recipe is so easy to prepare with canned pumpkin! It's a simple dump-and-go slow cooker meal that's perfectly rich, creamy and oh-so cozy.
Ingredients: canned pumpkin puree, vegetable stock, canned tomato sauce, cream or coconut milk, onion, garlic, cinnamon and salt.
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Nourishing Instant Pot Turmeric Chicken Soup
This homemade chicken soup can be made using an Instant Pot or slow cooker, depending on what you prefer! Either way, it comes out comforting, nourishing, and so delicious. It is packed full of veggies and shredded chicken with a warming turmeric broth.
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), chicken stock, carrot, celery, onion, turmeric, olive oil and seasonings
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Slow Cooker Chicken, Veggie, and Quinoa Stew
This simple recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken, Veggie, and Quinoa Stew is wholesome, hearty and so delicious!
Ingredients: chicken breast (or thigh), stock, quinoa, zucchini, corn, garlic, onion, carrots, chickpeas, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning and other spices
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Slow Cooker Chicken and Chickpea Stew
Slow Cooker Chicken and Chickpea Stew is a hearty meal in a bowl, full of chicken, chickpeas, veggies, and subtle Moroccan flavors.
Ingredients: chicken breast (or thigh), chickpeas, stock, onion, carrot, garlic, diced tomatoes, spinach, dried apricots, lemon juice and other spices.
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Crockpot Vegetarian Chili
This easy crockpot vegetarian chili recipe tastes delicious and is easy to make with basic pantry ingredients, three beans, vegetables, and spices. Gluten free and vegan!
Ingredients: black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, bell peppers, onion, fire roasted tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, and other spices
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Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili (Creamy + Easy!)
This easy crockpot white chicken chili has earned over 100 5-star reviews, and is a simple dump-and-go recipe requiring just 5-minutes of prep and no pre-cooking. It's hearty & filling from chicken breasts (or thighs), white beans, and deliciously creamy from just the right amount of cream cheese. Give it a try and find out why readers call it the BEST white chicken chili ever.
Ingredients: chicken breast, stock, white beans, mild green chilis, salsa verde, onion, garlic powder, cumin, cream cheese (traditional or dairy-free).
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Slow Cooker Lentil Chili (w/ Beans)
This Slow Cooker Lentil Chili is made with brown or green lentils, beans, turmeric, simple spices, and is creamy with coconut milk. Reminiscent of Madras lentils, it's hearty, it's filling, and it's oh-so simple to make!
Ingredients: kidney beans, lentils, stock, onion, tomato paste, coconut milk, cumin, turmeric and other spices
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Slow Cooker Turkey Chili w/ Beans & Sweet Potatoes
This easy, high-protein slow cooker turkey chili is packed with lean ground turkey, plenty of veggies, and hearty beans! So simple, delicious and crowd-pleasing, it's a sure hit any time you want a hearty, filling, and nourishing dinner.
Ingredients: ground turkey, canned beans, bell peppers, onion, sweet potato, tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, and other spices.
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Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Chili (Dump and Go)
Ingredients: chicken, tomato sauce, beans, salsa, cumin, garlic and salt.
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Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes (5-Ingredients!)
This Buffalo chicken sweet potato recipe cooks completely in the slow cooker as a one-pot meal, requires no chopping, only 5-minutes of prep, and just 5 simple ingredients. It's packed with protein and completely crave-worthy.
Ingredients: chicken, sweet potatoes, hot sauce, yogurt, lime juice, butter and salt
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Easy Red Lentil Soup w/ Coconut Milk (Crockpot + Stovetop!)
This easy red lentil soup is an easy one-pot meal you'll want to make again and again. Using dried red lentils, plus simple spices like ginger and turmeric; it comes together with coconut milk for a creamy (without a drop of cream), hearty, and seriously simple vegetarian meal made in the crockpot or stovetop.
Ingredients: red lentils, coconut milk, tomatoes, onion, lime juice, garlic, ginger, turmeric and other spices.
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Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Stew (w/ Vegetables)
This hearty slow cooker Tuscan chicken stew is the kind of comforting one-pot meal you’ll keep coming back to! Made with juicy chicken breasts, tomato paste, a splash of balsamic, and a mix of hearty veggies, it cooks low & slow until everything is tender and flavorful.
Ingredients: chicken breast (or thigh), stock, potatoes, carrot, celery, onion, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder and other seasonings
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Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken & Veggies
A versatile, filling, one-pot meal, slow cooker ranch chicken and veggies is made with a simple homemade ranch seasoning blend, chicken, carrots, and potatoes; making for an easy dinner recipe everyone will love!
Ingredients: chicken breasts, chicken stock, potatoes, carrots, yogurt (traditional or plant-based), mayo, apple cider vinegar, homemade ranch seasoning.
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Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken with 5-Ingredient Peanut Sauce is a crave-worthy dinner that can be prepped in minutes!
Ingredients: chicken, broccoli, bell peppers, peanut butter, garlic, maple syrup, vinegar and other spices.
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Slow Cooker Butternut Squash, Kale & Quinoa Stew
A simple and delicious plant-based meal, Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Stew is hearty, nourishing and packed with all the good stuff.
Ingredients: butternut squash, quinoa, kale, tomatoes, broth, onion, garlic, white wine vinegar, cumin, paprika, and other spices
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Slow Cooker Chicken Sweet Potato Soup (w/ Kale)
This slow cooker chicken sweet potato soup is so easy to make with just 5 simple ingredients including chicken, sweet potatoes, kale, chicken stock and Italian seasoning.
Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), sweet potatoes, lacinato kale, chicken stock, extra virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning.
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Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili + More
This 3-bean crockpot turkey chili is an easy, one-pot meal made with ground turkey, hearty beans, simple spices, and plenty of vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights! Plus 50+ more fresh and easy recipes that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb 93% lean dark meat ground turkey
- 2 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp granulated garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp mild chili powder
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup diced yellow bell pepper
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup peeled and diced sweet potato
- 1 15-oz can no-sugar added tomato sauce
- 1 15-oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp hot sauce , (optional)
Optional Serving Suggestions:
- Easy Guacamole
- Chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeno, avocado, sour cream, cheese, chips
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the turkey, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, then stir, breaking the ground turkey apart with a wooden spoon.
- Allow the turkey to brown on one side, about 4-5 minutes, then stir to flip the turkey. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and additional ½ teaspoon salt. Stir to combine.
- Cook an additional 3-4 minutes until the turkey is browned and the onion and pepper are softened, stirring occasionally.
- Carefully transfer the turkey, onion, and bell pepper mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the sweet potato, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir until well combined.
- Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
- Uncover, stir, and add the lime juice and hot sauce if using. Taste and add additional salt or hot sauce if desired. Serve with toppings of your choice.
Notes
Without the hot sauce this chili is extremely mild. Adding the hot sauce at the end adds a much needed kick of spice and tang. I used Cholula hot sauce for this recipe.
If you’re sensitive to heat skip the hot sauce and add extra lime juice and a bit more salt.
Use ground beef instead of ground turkey if you like.
You can also use 99% lean turkey. It might be slightly drier, but will still taste good.
Don’t have three types of beans? Use three cans of any singular type of bean, or even just one can will work.
Skip the sweet potato if you’re not a fan, or substitute butternut squash instead.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 292kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 21g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 42mg, Sodium: 1293mg, Potassium: 953mg, Fiber: 12g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 3275IU, Vitamin C: 72mg, Calcium: 109mg, Iron: 5mg
Did you make this recipe?If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!
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