30 Low-Calorie Crockpot Recipes You’ll Love for Easy Meals
When it comes to juggling work, family, and personal time, finding the energy to cook a healthy meal can feel overwhelming. That's why I've curated a list of 30 low-calorie crockpot meals you'll love for busy nights.
Each of these recipes is designed to be both nutritious and easy to prepare, so you can enjoy delicious, guilt-free meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
From savory soups to hearty stews and everything in between, these dishes will become your go-to solutions for hassle-free dinners. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to simple, wholesome eating.
Article Includes
1. Chicken and Vegetable Soup
This comforting soup is perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup potatoes, diced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
- Set to low and cook for 6-8 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
2. Spicy Black Bean Chili
Spicy and filling, this chili is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream.
3. Turkey Meatballs in Marinara
Lean turkey meatballs serve as a guilt-free comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to form meatballs.
- Place meatballs in the crockpot and pour marinara sauce over.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Lentil and Vegetable Stew
A hearty vegetarian option that’s loaded with veggies and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Transfer all ingredients to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve hot.
5. Lemon Garlic Chicken
Bright and tangy, this chicken dish pairs well with your favorite veggies.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add lemon slices, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
6. Beef and Broccoli
A takeout favorite, now made healthier and easier at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thin
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions:
- Add steak, broccoli, broth, soy sauce, and garlic to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Before serving, dissolve cornstarch in a bit of water and stir into the broth to thicken.
7. Sweet Potato Curry
This hearty curry breathes life into your weeknight meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
8. Veggie-Packed Minestrone
A traditional soup loaded with vegetables and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
9. Greek Chicken
Flavored with lemon, garlic, and oregano, this is a Mediterranean delight.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken in the crockpot.
- Add lemon juice, garlic, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
10. Stuffed Bell Peppers
These colorful stuffed peppers are as nutritious as they are beautiful.
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix quinoa, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff mixture into bell peppers.
- Place stuffed peppers upright in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
11. Vegetable Lasagna
A lighter take on the classic comfort food, made easy in the crockpot.
Ingredients:
- 9 whole wheat lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara in the crockpot.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top.
- Spread half the ricotta, spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, and marinara.
- Repeat layers.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, sauce, and mozzarella.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
12. BBQ Pulled Chicken
Easy and tangy pulled chicken perfect for sandwiches or tacos.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Place chicken, BBQ sauce, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Shred chicken with a fork and mix with the sauce.
13. Cauliflower Tikka Masala
A vegetarian twist on the flavorful Indian classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp tikka masala paste
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve with rice or naan.
14. Pork and Apples
A sweet and savory combination perfect for autumn.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place pork chops, apples, and onion in the crockpot.
- Pour chicken broth over and add sage, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
15. Shrimp and Veggie Stir-Fry
A light and quick stir-fry that’s cooked all day long.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients except cornstarch to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Before serving, dissolve cornstarch in a bit of water and stir into the sauce to thicken.
16. Mushroom Stroganoff
A vegetarian version that’s just as creamy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions:
- Place mushrooms, onion, garlic, and broth in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Before serving, stir in Greek yogurt and mustard.
- Thicken with cornstarch dissolved in water.
17. Thai Peanut Chicken
A deliciously creamy and spicy dish that’s perfect over rice or noodles.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp red curry paste
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve over rice or noodles.
18. Beef and Sweet Potato Stew
A hearty and nutritious stew that’s perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 2 sweet potatoes, diced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
19. Eggplant Parmesan
A lighter, crockpot version of the Italian classic.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggplants, sliced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Layer eggplant slices, breadcrumbs, mozzarella, and marinara in the crockpot.
- Repeat layers, finishing with a final layer of marinara and Parmesan.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
20. Butternut Squash Soup
A velvety soup that’s perfect for fall.
Ingredients:
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 apple, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Blend until smooth before serving.
21. Chicken Tacos
Versatile chicken tacos that are both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 jar salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Instructions:
- Place chicken, salsa, and taco seasoning in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Shred chicken and serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
22. Ratatouille
A colorful vegetable medley that’s as delightful as it is healthy.
Ingredients:
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 eggplant, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Layer vegetables and garlic in the crockpot.
- Pour diced tomatoes over and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
23. Lemon Dill Salmon
Light and flavorful, this salmon dish is perfect for a healthy dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Lay salmon fillets in the crockpot.
- Add lemon slices, garlic, chicken broth, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 2-3 hours.
24. Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili
A hearty and healthy chili that gives a new twist to tradition.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve with avocado or low-fat sour cream if desired.
25. Vegetable Curry
A flavorful and hearty vegetarian main course.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve with rice or naan.
26. Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
A comforting soup that's perfect for cold evenings.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
27. Eggplant Stew
A hearty and flavorful vegetarian stew.
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
28. Taco Soup
All the flavors of tacos, but in a comforting soup form.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
- Brown ground turkey in a skillet, then transfer to the crockpot.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve with tortilla chips and shredded cheese if desired.
29. BBQ Lentils
A smoky and satisfying vegetarian dish that’s perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve over rice or in a bowl.
30. Zucchini Lasagna
A low-carb version of the classic Italian dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 zucchinis, sliced lengthwise
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Layer zucchini slices, ricotta mixed with egg, shredded mozzarella, and marinara in the crockpot.
- Repeat layers.
- Finish with a final layer of marinara and Parmesan.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Conclusion
These 30 low-calorie crockpot meals are lifesavers for busy nights, striking the perfect balance between convenience and nutrition. They allow you to enjoy home-cooked, healthy meals without the hassle, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Give them a try and transform your mealtime routine!