28 High-Protein Crockpot Recipes for Easy Meal Prep
Meal prepping has been my saving grace, especially with a busy schedule that leaves little room for daily cooking. If you're like me and crave easy, nutritious meals without spending all day in the kitchen, then you're in for a treat. Crockpots are a game-changer when it comes to preparing high-protein, delicious meals with minimal effort.
That's why I put together this list of "28 High-Protein Crockpot Recipes for Easy Meal Prep." These recipes not only keep you satiated but also make meal prep a breeze. So, grab your crockpot, and let's dive into these tasty and time-saving dishes that'll keep you well-fed throughout the week!
Article Includes
1. Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki
Chicken Teriyaki transforms into a savory meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Remove chicken; mix cornstarch with water and add to the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
- Shred the chicken, return it to the pot, and stir to coat with sauce.
2. Slow Cooker Beef Chili
A hearty bowl of beef chili full of protein and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, then transfer to the crockpot.
- Add beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
3. Protein-Packed Lentil Soup
Rich in protein and fiber, this soup is a vegetarian delight.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in the crockpot and stir.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, until lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
4. Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Spice up your week with high-protein fajitas.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 package fajita seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add bell peppers, onion, fajita seasoning, and water.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Shred chicken and serve with tortillas and toppings.
5. Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs
These turkey meatballs are perfect for meal prep and freeze well.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 jar marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Combine turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, and parsley in a bowl.
- Form into meatballs and place in the crockpot.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Serve with pasta or zucchini noodles.
6. Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
Classic comfort food loaded with protein and creamy deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tablespoons flour
Instructions:
- Place beef, onion, garlic, broth, and Worcestershire sauce in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
- Mix flour with sour cream and add to the crockpot, along with the mushrooms and cream of mushroom soup.
- Stir and cook for another 30 minutes.
- Serve over egg noodles or rice.
7. Slow Cooker Quinoa Enchilada Casserole
A protein-packed vegetarian dish that's full of Tex-Mex flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Combine quinoa, beans, corn, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and spices in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Sprinkle with cheese and cover until melted, about 15 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
8. Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Tender chicken simmered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Mix BBQ sauce, Italian dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Shred chicken and serve on buns or over rice.
9. Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
These flavorful carnitas are perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Juice of 2 oranges
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot.
- Add onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, orange juice, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Shred pork and serve with your favorite taco fixings.
10. Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken
Bright and zesty, this lemon garlic chicken is both flavorful and healthy.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Mix lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Serve with steamed veggies or over rice.
11. Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
A healthier take-out classic that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 heads broccoli, cut into florets
Instructions:
- Place steak, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Mix cornstarch with a bit of water and add to the crockpot, then add broccoli.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Serve over rice.
12. Crockpot Shrimp Jambalaya
Packed with shrimp and sausage, this dish is protein heaven.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 cup uncooked rice
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients except shrimp and rice in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Add shrimp and rice, stirring to mix well, then cook for an additional 30 minutes until rice is tender and shrimp is cooked.
- Serve hot.
13. Slow Cooker Chicken and White Bean Stew
This comforting stew is delicious and full of protein.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Enjoy with crusty bread.
14. Crockpot Turkey Chili
A lighter twist on traditional chili, but equally satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown ground turkey in a skillet, then transfer to the crockpot.
- Add beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve with your favorite chili toppings.
15. Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
This BBQ pulled pork is perfect for sandwiches or just as is.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place pork shoulder in the crockpot.
- Combine BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture over the pork.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Shred pork with two forks and stir in the sauce.
16. Crockpot Sausage and Peppers
Simple yet delicious, perfect for sandwiches or alongside pasta.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage links
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place sausage links in the crockpot.
- Add bell peppers, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Serve with bread or pasta.
17. Slow Cooker Chickpea Curry
A plant-based protein dish loaded with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Serve over rice or with naan bread.
18. Crockpot Beef and Sweet Potato Stew
A hearty and nutritious stew that will keep you satisfied.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat
- 2 sweet potatoes, cubed
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place beef, sweet potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
- Serve hot.
19. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Sweet and savory, this dish pairs well with rice or veggies.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Place chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- Combine soy sauce, honey, ketchup, and garlic in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Serve with steamed rice.
20. Crockpot Balsamic Beef
Tender beef flavored with rich balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place beef roast in the crockpot.
- Add balsamic vinegar, beef broth, garlic, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Shred beef and serve with its sauce.
21. Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Pasta
A comforting pasta dish with a spicy kick.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz pasta
Instructions:
- Place chicken, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, garlic, Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Shred chicken and stir in cooked pasta before serving.
22. Crockpot Spinach and Artichoke Chicken
Creamy and rich with the goodness of spinach and artichokes.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 block cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add artichoke hearts, spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Shred chicken and stir to combine with the sauce.
23. Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken
A rich and creamy Indian dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken, coconut milk, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve with naan or rice.
24. Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
A flavorful soup that’s hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in the crockpot and stir.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot.
- Serve with tortilla chips and toppings.
25. Slow Cooker Maple Dijon Chicken
A perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Mix Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and garlic in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Serve with roasted vegetables.
26. Crockpot Beef Bourguignon
A classic French stew made easy in the crockpot.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place beef, onion, carrots, garlic, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
27. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs
Tasty teriyaki meatballs that are perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions:
- Combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and green onions in a bowl.
- Form into meatballs and place in the crockpot.
- Mix teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and ginger and pour over meatballs.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Serve with rice or vegetables.
28. Crockpot Coconut Curry Chicken
A creamy and fragrant curry that’s simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken, coconut milk, tomatoes, onion, garlic, curry powder, turmeric, ginger, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve over rice or with naan bread.
Conclusion
There you have it! Twenty-eight high-protein crockpot recipes that are as simple as they are delicious. Whether you're looking to meal prep for a busy week ahead or just need a dinner that practically cooks itself, these recipes have got you covered. Happy cooking!