Our 15 Best Slow-Cooker Dinners for a Healthy Heart

By
Sadie Schulte
Sadie Schulte
Sadie Schulte

Sadie Schulte is EatingWell's editorial apprentice. She attends Iowa State University, where she is a senior studying advertising and fashion communications. During her time at college, she has worked as a reporter at the campus newspaper, the Iowa State Daily, where she writes about culture and lifestyle.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Published on September 19, 2023
Reviewed by Dietitian
Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Jessica Ball
Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, is nutrition editor for EatingWell. She is a registered dietitian with a master's in food, nutrition and sustainability. In addition to EatingWell, her work has appeared in Food & Wine, Real Simple, Parents, Better Homes and Gardens and MyRecipes.
EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
a recipe photo of the Slow-Cooker Chicken & Pinto Bean Enchilada Casserole
Photo: Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

A dinner that supports a healthy heart shouldn't be hard to prepare. With low amounts of saturated fats and sodium, you can enjoy something delicious and satisfying that aligns with your goals. Plus, these recipes let your slow cooker do the work so you can spend less time on cooking and cleanup. From Slow-Cooker Chicken & Brown Rice with Roasted Corn & Black Beans to Pork & Green Chile Stew, these four- and five- star rated dishes are sure to be equally nutritious as they are flavorful.

01 of 15

Shredded Chicken Tacos

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This taco recipe is a great choice for midweek dinners, even if it's not Taco Tuesday! Instead of beef, we use moist, boneless chicken thighs and to make things easier for you, the taco filling is cooked in a slow cooker, so you can prepare it in the morning and come home to a delicious meal.

02 of 15

Slow-Cooker Bean, Kale & Barley Soup

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Slowcooker Bean Kale and Barley Soup in a ladle
PHOTOGRAPHER: JEN CAUSEY; FOOD STYLIST: AIL RAMEE; PROP STYLIST: CLAIRE SPOLLEN

Beans and kale are packed into each bite of this hearty slow-cooker soup. Barley adds a chewiness to provide texture, while dried mushrooms lend an earthiness and depth. Finishing with acidic lemon juice brightens the flavors.

03 of 15

Slow-Cooker Vegetable Minestrone Soup

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Slow-Cooker Vegetable Minestrone Soup

A winter classic, this crock pot version of minestrone is heavy on the vegetables and light on the pasta, keeping carbs in check while providing plenty of flavor.

04 of 15

Mushroom-Sauced Pork Chops

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Mushroom soup and fresh mushrooms give earthy flavor to pork chops in this slow-cooker recipe.

05 of 15

Italian-Herbed Chicken and Mozzarella Melts

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Chicken thighs are slowly cooked with Italian-style sauce and herbs, then served on crusty bread slices with olives and two savory cheeses.

06 of 15

Slow-Cooker Jambalaya

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This hearty jambalaya is bursting with chicken, smoked turkey sausage, and shrimp. It takes just 25 minutes to prep in the morning and then your slow cooker will work its magic and deliver a tasty meal at the end of the day.

07 of 15

Slow-Cooker Chicken & Brown Rice with Roasted Corn & Black Beans

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a recipe photo of the Slow-Cooker Chicken & Pinto Bean Enchilada Casserole
Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Ali Ramee Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

With plenty of spice from ground cumin, cayenne and paprika and the bit of char that frozen roasted sweet corn brings to the dish, you won't miss the browning step in this easy load-and-go recipe. If frozen roasted corn isn't available, substitute regular.

08 of 15

Pork & Green Chile Stew

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Let your slow cooker work--while you're at work!--and come home to a delicious bowl of hearty stew for dinner. Full of potatoes, hominy, green chiles, and chunks of pork sirloin, this filling stew recipe takes just 25 minutes to prepare in the morning.

09 of 15

Savory Bean Spinach Soup

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Let a slow cooker complete this vegetarian soup. Serve it in cups as a sandwich side or ladle it into bowls for a light meal.

10 of 15

Slow-Cooker Chicken & White Bean Stew

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Slow-Cooker Chicken White Bean Stew

This load-and-go slow-cooker chicken recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve this Tuscan-inspired dish with crusty bread, a glass of Chianti and a salad.

11 of 15

Italian Pork with Mashed Sweet Potatoes

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This simple Italian-inspired recipe combines pork shoulder with aromatic fennel. As the pork cooks, its juices drip down to flavor the sweet potatoes that are nestled in the bottom of the slow cooker. Serve with steamed green beans for a complete meal.

12 of 15

Black Beans & Avocado on Quinoa

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Healthy fats, plant protein, vitamins and minerals are just some of the benefits to this delicious vegetarian main dish.

13 of 15

Slow-Cooker Braised Beef with Carrots & Turnips

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The spice blend in this healthy beef stew recipe—cinnamon, allspice and cloves—may conjure images of apple pie, but the combo is a great fit in savory applications too. Serve over creamy polenta or buttered whole-wheat egg noodles.

14 of 15

Pasta Puttanesca with Beef

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This easy slow cooker ground beef and pasta recipe makes a great meal any night of the week.

15 of 15

Smoky Slow-Cooker BBQ Brisket Sandwiches

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Making brisket in the slow cooker ensures it is tender, delicious, and full of flavor. Serve this BBQ Brisket on hamburger buns for a tasty and satisfying meal.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, September 2023
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