30 Protein-Packed Crockpot Recipes for Easy Meal Prepping

Meal prepping is one of my favorite ways to stay on track with healthy eating, especially on busy weekdays. One kitchen gadget I can't live without for this is the crockpot. It's a game-changer! Just toss in some ingredients, set it, and forget it. You can come back hours later to a delicious, homemade meal waiting for you.

That's why I put together this list of 30 Protein-Packed Crockpot Recipes for Easy Meal Prepping. These recipes are perfect for those who want to ensure they're getting enough protein without spending hours in the kitchen.

From slow-cooked chicken to hearty beef stews, these dishes are satisfying, tasty, and super convenient. Let's dive into these mouth-watering recipes!

1. Crockpot Chicken and Quinoa

This dish is a delightful mix of tender chicken breasts and nutritious quinoa, full of flavor and protein.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
3. Add quinoa, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is cooked through and quinoa is tender.
5. Shred the chicken with a fork and stir to combine before serving.

2. Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Get your dose of protein with this savory beef and broccoli, perfect for those who love Asian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 1 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. Place beef slices in the crockpot.
2. Mix beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic in a bowl, then pour over the beef.
3. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or until beef is tender.
4. Mix corn starch with water and add to the crockpot; stir until sauce thickens.
5. Add broccoli and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Serve hot with your favorite side.

3. Crockpot Turkey Chili

This hearty chili is packed with lean turkey and beans, making it a great protein-rich meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
2. Add turkey to the crockpot along with beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine, then cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Serve with your favorite chili toppings.

4. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

With just the right amount of tenderness and flavor, this pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place pork shoulder in the crockpot.
2. Add barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, onion, and garlic.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until pork is easily shreddable.
5. Shred pork with two forks and mix with the sauce in the crockpot.
6. Serve on buns or with your favorite sides.

5. Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

Transform your usual fajita night with these slow-cooked chicken fajitas, bursting with spices and flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas and your favorite toppings (sour cream, guacamole, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add bell peppers, onion, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Shred the chicken with a fork and stir to combine.
5. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.

6. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup

This veggie-packed lentil soup is both nutritious and filling, a perfect meat-free protein option.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until lentils are tender.
4. Serve hot with crusty bread if desired.

7. Crockpot Beef Stew

This hearty beef stew is perfect for cooler days, filling you up with tender beef and nutritious veggies.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place beef stew meat in the crockpot.
2. Add carrots, potatoes, onion, beef broth, diced tomatoes, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until beef is tender.
5. Serve hot and enjoy.

8. Slow Cooker Chickpea Curry

A delightful and aromatic curry that's vegan-friendly and packed with plant-based proteins.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup spinach

Instructions:

1. Add chickpeas, onion, garlic, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Stir in spinach and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until wilted.
5. Serve with rice or naan.

9. Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken

Infuse your chicken breasts with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic for a fresh and protein-packed meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Add lemon juice, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Serve with a side of veggies or rice.

10. Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Tender and juicy pork chops with a savory gravy that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or veggies.

Ingredients:

• 4 pork chops
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place pork chops in the crockpot.
2. Add cream of mushroom soup, dry onion soup mix, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until pork chops are tender.
4. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

11. Crockpot Italian Meatballs

These Italian meatballs are great for meal prepping; enjoy them with spaghetti or in a sub sandwich.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 jar marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Roll into meatballs and place in the crockpot.
3. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until meatballs are cooked through.
5. Serve with pasta or in a sandwich.

12. Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

A simple way to prepare sweet and smoky BBQ chicken without the fuss of grilling.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is tender.
5. Shred the chicken and stir to combine with the sauce.
6. Serve on rolls or with your favorite sides.

13. Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

A savory-sweet chicken dish that’s perfect over rice or noodles.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
3. Pour over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
5. Remove chicken and shred it.
6. Mix cornstarch with water, add to the sauce, and cook on high for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Return chicken to the crockpot and coat with the sauce.
8. Serve with rice or noodles.

14. Slow Cooker Greek Chicken

Enjoy Mediterranean flavors with this tender Greek chicken packed with herbs and spices.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or until the chicken is tender.
5. Serve with a Greek salad or over rice.

15. Crockpot Lentil Tacos

These veggie tacos are a flavorful and protein-rich alternative to traditional meat tacos.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Taco shells and toppings (lettuce, cheese, salsa, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Place lentils, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until lentils are tender.
4. Serve in taco shells with your favorite toppings.

16. Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup

This hearty soup is bursting with flavor and loaded with protein from the black beans.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place black beans, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree to your desired consistency.
5. Serve hot with avocado and cilantro.

17. Crockpot Pork Carnitas

These pork carnitas are perfect for tacos, burritos, or just enjoying on their own.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place pork shoulder in the crockpot.
2. Add onion, garlic, orange juice, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until pork is tender.
4. Shred pork with two forks and mix with the juices in the crockpot.
5. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

18. Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

This creamy white chicken chili is a delicious and comforting meal that's easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can diced green chilies
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. Add white beans, corn, green chilies, chicken broth, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until chicken is tender.
4. Shred the chicken with a fork and stir in heavy cream if desired.
5. Serve with toppings like cheese, cilantro, and tortilla chips.

19. Crockpot Beef Stroganoff

A creamy and comforting beef dish that's perfect for a hearty dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Place beef, onion, garlic, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, paprika, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until beef is tender.
4. Stir in sour cream just before serving.
5. Serve over egg noodles.

20. Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

A classic and nutritious soup that's rich in protein and perfect for cold days.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb dried split peas, rinsed
• 1 ham hock or 1 cup diced ham
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place split peas, ham, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until peas are tender.
4. Remove the bay leaf and serve hot.

21. Crockpot Chicken Tikka Masala

Enjoy the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with this slow-cooked chicken tikka masala.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, coconut milk, garam masala, curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Serve with basmati rice or naan.

22. Slow Cooker Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

A wholesome and savory stew with tender beef and nutrient-rich sweet potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place beef, sweet potatoes, carrots, onion, beef broth, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or until beef and vegetables are tender.
4. Serve hot.

23. Crockpot Turkey Meatloaf

Enjoy a healthier take on meatloaf with this turkey version that's easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, onion, garlic, ketchup, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in the crockpot.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Serve slices with additional ketchup if desired.

24. Slow Cooker Shrimp and Grits

A Southern classic made even easier with the crockpot.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place chicken broth and grits in the crockpot.
2. Stir to combine and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until grits are tender.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cheddar cheese, heavy cream, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Serve hot, garnished with green onions.

25. Crockpot Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are not only vibrant but also packed with plant-based protein from quinoa and black beans.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers.
3. Place stuffed peppers upright in the crockpot.
4. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, until peppers are tender.
5. Serve hot, optionally topped with cheese or salsa.

26. Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Layers of tortillas, chicken, cheese, and enchilada sauce make for an easy and delicious Mexican-inspired meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 can enchilada sauce
• 1 can diced green chilies
• 10 small corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Lightly grease the bottom of the crockpot.
3. Layer tortillas, chicken, onion, green chilies, cheese, and enchilada sauce.
4. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, ending with cheese on top.
5. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until heated through and cheese is melted.
6. Serve with sour cream and cilantro.

27. Crockpot Beef and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are perfect for getting your protein with a creative twist.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned.
2. In a bowl, mix cooked ground beef, cooked quinoa, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers.
4. Place stuffed peppers upright in the crockpot.
5. Cook on low for 4-5 hours until peppers are tender.
6. Serve hot.

28. Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken

Enjoy the crunch and flavor of cashew chicken without the takeout.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, ketchup, and garlic.
3. Pour over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
5. Add cashews and cook for another 30 minutes.
6. Garnish with green onions before serving.
7. Serve over rice.

29. Crockpot Salmon with Garlic and Herbs

Tender salmon fillets cooked to perfection with fresh herbs and garlic.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Lightly grease the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Place salmon fillets in the crockpot.
3. Top with garlic, lemon slices, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or until salmon is flaky.
5. Serve with a side of veggies or a fresh salad.

30. Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken

A tangy and flavorful chicken dish that pairs well with any side.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, honey, chicken broth, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour over the chicken.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is tender.
5. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Conclusion

These 30 Protein-Packed Crockpot Recipes for Easy Meal Prepping have transformed my meal planning and made my busy weeknights much simpler. I hope you find these recipes as delicious and convenient as I do. Whether you're cooking for yourself or a whole family, these dishes are sure to be a hit! Happy cooking!