Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for convenience when it comes to weeknight meals? Look no further! Clean eating and slow cooking can be a match made in heaven, especially on those crazy busy nights. With the right ingredients and a little planning, you can create delicious, nutritious meals that will leave everyone at the table happy and full.
In this article, we’ll share 20 healthy clean eating crock pot recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. From classic chicken and vegetable dishes to international-inspired stews and soups, there’s something on this list for every taste bud and dietary need. So whether you’re a busy professional or a stay-at-home parent, these slow cooker recipes will become your new go-to’s for quick, easy, and healthy meals.
Let’s dive in and explore the first 10 recipes below…
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken with Vegetables
A flavorful and effortless recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This slow cooker meal combines the brightness of lemon, the pungency of garlic, and the tender juiciness of chicken all in one pot.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, sliced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, zucchini)
– 1 can of chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Add the minced garlic on top of the chicken.
3. Arrange the sliced lemons and mixed vegetables around the chicken.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high)
Quinoa and Black Bean Crock Pot Stew
This flavorful stew is a perfect blend of protein-packed quinoa, fiber-rich black beans, and savory spices. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to prepare and cooks all day while you’re busy.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add quinoa, water or broth, black beans, onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the crock pot.
2. Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in diced tomatoes.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Clean Eating Crock Pot Turkey Chili
A hearty and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for a healthy meal or snack. This turkey chili is packed with nutrients and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapenos for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Transfer the mixture to a crock pot and add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Moroccan Lentil Soup
This hearty and aromatic soup is a perfect blend of North African flavors, simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. With a rich and comforting broth, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup water
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add lentils, onion, garlic, bell pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Stir in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Herbed Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew
This hearty stew is a perfect blend of tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and fresh herbs, making it a comforting meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can of chicken broth (14.5 oz)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chicken, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the sweet potatoes, garlic, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
7. Simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Crock Pot Coconut Curry Chickpeas
This recipe is a flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional chickpea dishes. The slow cooker does all the work, simmering the mixture of coconut milk, curry spices, and chickpeas to create a rich and creamy curry.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to the crock pot in the order listed.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Clean Eating Beef and Broccoli Slow Cooker Meal
A delicious and healthy slow cooker meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines tender beef, crisp broccoli, and aromatic spices for a flavorful and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lean beef (such as sirloin or round), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the beef, broccoli, onion, garlic, beef broth, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers
Experience the flavors of the Mediterranean in this hearty and nutritious recipe! Sweet bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of rice, tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs, slow cooked to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped pitted green olives (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in the slow cooker.
3. In a medium bowl, combine rice, water, diced tomatoes, feta cheese, parsley, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff each pepper with the rice mixture, filling to the top.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
6. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired. If using olives, place them on top of each pepper.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Spicy Crock Pot Black Bean Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of spicy and savory flavors, made with tender black beans, aromatic spices, and a hint of smokiness from chipotle peppers. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to a 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 chopped cilantro or scallions (optional).
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Clean Eating Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
Elevate your fajita game with this easy-to-make and nutritious slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch prep. This dish is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, making it a great option for those following a clean eating lifestyle.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6 small flour tortillas (whole wheat or corn)
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese
Instructions:
1. Place chicken, onion, bell peppers, garlic, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Shred chicken with two forks and stir to combine with vegetables.
4. Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
5. Assemble fajitas by placing chicken mixture onto tortillas and adding desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Vegetable and Chickpea Coconut Curry
A flavorful and nutritious curry that combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the tender crunch of vegetables and chickpeas, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 medium-sized bell peppers, diced
– 1 medium-sized zucchini, diced
– 1 medium-sized carrot, peeled and grated
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions, bell peppers, zucchini, carrot, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the chickpeas and coconut milk to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer the curry for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow Cooker Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this tender and flavorful pork tenderloin glazed to perfection in a slow cooker. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you need a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 1 (1-2 pound) pork tenderloin
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
2. In a slow cooker, whisk together balsamic glaze, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
3. Add the pork tenderloin to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle thyme over the pork.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Clean Eating Crock Pot Minestrone Soup
This hearty, comforting soup is a perfect blend of vegetables, beans, and lean protein, all cooked to perfection in your crock pot. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll be enjoying a nutritious and delicious meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to your 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 chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Salmon with Asparagus
This recipe combines the rich flavors of garlic and herbs with the tender texture of salmon, all made easy in a slow cooker. Serve with roasted asparagus for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Place salmon fillets in the slow cooker and top each with a spoonful of the garlic-herb mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, add asparagus to the slow cooker and cook until tender.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Quinoa and Vegetable Crock Pot Casserole
A hearty, healthy casserole that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing brunch. This recipe combines nutty quinoa with colorful vegetables and a rich tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced tomatoes, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, onion, garlic, and olive oil. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 6-quart crock pot.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
5. If using cheese, sprinkle on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Clean Eating Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Experience the flavors of India without sacrificing nutrition with this healthy take on a classic dish. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a stress-free Sunday meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp garam masala
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp ground coriander
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Add the chicken to the slow cooker and pour in the marinade.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
This recipe is a perfect blend of fall flavors, combining the sweetness of butternut squash and apples with a hint of spice. It’s easy to prepare and can be served as a main course or a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large apple, peeled and chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Peel the butternut squash and chop it into large pieces.
2. Place the squash, onion, garlic, apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper in a slow cooker.
3. Pour in the broth and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Blend the soup until smooth, then serve hot.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Clean Eating Crock Pot Beef Stew with Root Vegetables
This comforting stew is a perfect example of clean eating at its finest, packed with tender beef, flavorful root vegetables, and aromatic spices. With minimal prep work and effortless cooking, this recipe is a great addition to your weeknight dinner routine.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless beef chuck or short ribs
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 large parsnip, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the beef, onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, parsnip, and thyme to a 6-quart crock pot.
2. Pour in the beef broth and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple
This sweet and savory dish is a perfect blend of Asian-inspired flavors, featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich teriyaki sauce with juicy pineapple chunks. With minimal prep work and cooking time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 can (8 oz) pineapple rings in juice, drained
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, and garlic powder.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
4. Add pineapple rings on top of the chicken.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Clean Eating Lentil and Spinach Crock Pot Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of protein-rich lentils, flavorful spinach, and aromatic spices, all cooked to perfection in your crock pot. A great way to warm up on a chilly day, this recipe is also packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Add lentils, broth, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to a crock pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir in spinach leaves and water.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Summary
Discover delicious and healthy clean eating crock pot recipes perfect for busy weeknights. This collection of 20 slow cooker meals is packed with nutritious ingredients and flavorful twists on classic dishes. From comforting stews to international-inspired curries, there’s something for everyone. Try the Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken with Vegetables, Quinoa and Black Bean Crock Pot Stew, or Clean Eating Crock Pot Turkey Chili, among many other options. These easy-to-make recipes are perfect for meal prep, a quick dinner, or a weekend slow-cooked treat.