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30 Low-Calorie Crockpot Recipes You’ll Love for Easy Meals

By: Shivani Choudhary
Updated On: November 15, 2024

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.

Low-Calorie Crockpot Recipes

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:

  1. Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
  2. Set to low and cook for 6-8 hours.
  3. 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:

  1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  3. 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:

  1. Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to form meatballs.
  2. Place meatballs in the crockpot and pour marinara sauce over.
  3. 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:

  1. Transfer all ingredients to the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  3. 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:

  1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
  2. Add lemon slices, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. 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:

  1. Add steak, broccoli, broth, soy sauce, and garlic to the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
  3. 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:

  1. Place all ingredients in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  3. 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:

  1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  3. 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:

  1. Place chicken in the crockpot.
  2. Add lemon juice, garlic, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. 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:

  1. Mix quinoa, black beans, corn, salsa, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Stuff mixture into bell peppers.
  3. Place stuffed peppers upright in the crockpot.
  4. 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:

  1. Spread a thin layer of marinara in the crockpot.
  2. Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top.
  3. Spread half the ricotta, spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, and marinara.
  4. Repeat layers.
  5. Finish with a final layer of noodles, sauce, and mozzarella.
  6. 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:

  1. Place chicken, BBQ sauce, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
  3. 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:

  1. Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  3. 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:

  1. Place pork chops, apples, and onion in the crockpot.
  2. Pour chicken broth over and add sage, salt, and pepper.
  3. 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:

  1. Add all ingredients except cornstarch to the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
  3. 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:

  1. Place mushrooms, onion, garlic, and broth in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
  3. Before serving, stir in Greek yogurt and mustard.
  4. 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:

  1. Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  3. 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:

  1. Place all ingredients in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  3. 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:

  1. Layer eggplant slices, breadcrumbs, mozzarella, and marinara in the crockpot.
  2. Repeat layers, finishing with a final layer of marinara and Parmesan.
  3. 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:

  1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  3. 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:

  1. Place chicken, salsa, and taco seasoning in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
  3. 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:

  1. Layer vegetables and garlic in the crockpot.
  2. Pour diced tomatoes over and season with salt and pepper.
  3. 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:

  1. Lay salmon fillets in the crockpot.
  2. Add lemon slices, garlic, chicken broth, dill, salt, and pepper.
  3. 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:

  1. Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  3. 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:

  1. Place all ingredients in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  3. 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:

  1. Combine all ingredients in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  3. 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:

  1. Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
  2. 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:

  1. Brown ground turkey in a skillet, then transfer to the crockpot.
  2. Add remaining ingredients.
  3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  4. 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:

  1. Place all ingredients in the crockpot.
  2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  3. 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:

  1. Layer zucchini slices, ricotta mixed with egg, shredded mozzarella, and marinara in the crockpot.
  2. Repeat layers.
  3. Finish with a final layer of marinara and Parmesan.
  4. 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!

Food Lover and Storyteller ????️✨ With a fork in one hand and a pen in the other, Shivani brings her culinary adventures to life through evocative words and tantalizing tastes. Her love for food knows no bounds, and she's on a mission to share the magic of flavors with fellow enthusiasts.
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