30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (2024)

Table of Contents
What's in this Post Healthy Crockpot Recipes Frequently Asked Questions Crockpot Chicken and Turkey Recipes Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup {So Easy!} Easiest 2-Ingredient Crockpot Salsa Chicken Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe 5-Ingredient Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup Asian Chicken Nachos via Life Made Sweeter Slow Cooker Chicken Cauliflower Curry via A Sweet Pea Chef Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken via Melanie Makes Crock Pot Butter Chicken via Kitchen Sanctuary Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Tostadas via Isabel Eats Crockpot Taco Soup via Catz in the Kitchen Make healthy eating easy! Join our Dinner Prep Pro app. Slow Cooker Beef and Pork Recipes Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe Creamiest Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff The BEST One Pot Lasagna Soup Lighter Crockpot Swedish Meatballs Best Ever Crock Pot Baked Potatoes Crockpot Breakfast Casserole Crockpot Jambalaya via Kim's Cravings The Best Easy Slow Cooker Chili via Hungry Blonde Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs via Let's Dish Slow Cooker Pork Tacos In Green Goddess Dressing via Delightful Mom Food Crockpot Vegetarian Recipes CreamiestSlow Cooker Mac and Cheese Slow Cooker Peanut Stew {Gluten-Free + Vegan} Crock Pot Vegetarian Lentil Chili Slow Cooker Lentil Curry The Best Crockpot Vegetable Soup One Pan Mexican Quinoa Casserole (Slow Cooker) via Food Faith Fitness Think My Ingredient Prep System Will Work for You? More slow cooker recipes 15 Healthy Dump Dinners for Your Crockpot 35+ Easy Crockpot Freezer Meals Healthy Crockpot Chicken Recipes {5 Ways} Meal Prep Tools 30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep Ingredients Instructions Video Notes Nutrition Reader Interactions Leave A Reply! FAQs References

Home » Recipes » Slow Cooker » 30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep

By Taylor Stinson | 2 Comments | Posted: | Updated:

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These 30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes are the best way to get ready for the work week – just dump everything in the crockpot and you're set!

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (1)

What's in this Post

  • Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Crockpot Chicken and Turkey Recipes
  • Slow Cooker Beef and Pork Recipes
  • Crockpot Vegetarian Recipes

Healthy Crockpot Recipes

Whether you're dumping everything in the crockpot to cook while you're at work or you're just looking for ways to more efficiently plan ahead for the week, a slow cooker will make your weekly meal prep a breeze! I rounded up some of my favourite healthy crockpot recipes that will make your life so much easier.

Pretty much all you have to do for these dump dinnersis add all the ingredients to the pot, turn on the slow cooker and wait for it to do its magic. You can even sometimes freeze all the prepped ingredients in a Ziploc bag, which is great for batch prepping.

Looking for crockpot meals you can make in the summer? Here are 20+ summer slow cooker recipes you're going to love!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cooking in a slow cooker healthy?

Yes, cooking in a slow cooker is very healthy – as long as the recipe you're making is healthy!

Can you cook raw meat in a slow cooker?

The crockpot is perfect for cooking raw meat as long as it's not frozen. Sometimes recipes will call for browning meat in a pan first before cooking as that adds extra flavour.

Is it safe to leave it on all day?

This depends on your model and what you're cooking, so you'll have to read your manual to know for sure. Most slow cookers are designed to be left on for 8 to 12 hours max.

Are slow cookers good for meal prep?

Slow cookers are great for meal prep, because you can make a big batch of something in the crockpot then set it and forget it. You can get lots done and be hands-off while the meal cooks all day.

What kind of crockpot is best?

There are lots of great models out there, but I like using this 6 quart crockpot.

Crockpot Chicken and Turkey Recipes

These poultry slow cooker recipes are amazing! Make everything from a comforting chicken noodle soup to a healthy turkey chili.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

6 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala cooks all day on low so you can enjoy a tasty curry after a long day without all the legwork!

Make this recipe

Calories: 403kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 478mg | Potassium: 315mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 450IU | Vitamin C: 2.5mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1.8mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (2)

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup {So Easy!}

8 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a super easy way to cook everyone's fave comfort food from scratch, and the chicken is so juicy and tender!

Make this recipe

Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 975mg | Potassium: 708mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3588IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (3)

6 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

This Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey Chili is the most flavourful chili that’s filled with beans, veggies and turkey, then loaded with toppings.

Make this recipe

Calories: 568kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 1548mg | Potassium: 1776mg | Fiber: 24g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 344IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 188mg | Iron: 11mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (4)

Easiest 2-Ingredient Crockpot Salsa Chicken

6 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Easiest 2-Ingredient Crockpot Salsa Chicken comes together SO easily and it can be used for so many recipes like tacos, burrito bowls, salads and more. Plus, it can be frozen!

Make this recipe

Calories: 160kcal | Protein: 24g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 132mg | Potassium: 420mg | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 1.3mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.4mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (5)

Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Rice Recipe

4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

The Creamiest Crockpot Chicken and Rice is so easy to make in your slow cooker – and no soup can is required! Just add frozen veggies, sour cream and cheese.

Make this recipe

Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 933mg | Potassium: 858mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 4900IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 180mg | Iron: 2mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (6)

5-Ingredient Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki

6 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

This Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki is made with just FIVE ingredients and cooks on low all day in the slow cooker so it's perfect for hands-off meal prep!

Make this recipe

Calories: 312kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 1008mg | Potassium: 831mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 745IU | Vitamin C: 93.2mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 1.9mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (7)

Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

8 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

These Crockpot Chicken Fajitas are so perfect for meal prep! Dump in 5 ingredients, then cook for 8 hours – this is the easiest recipe ever!

Make this recipe

Calories: 341kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 863mg | Potassium: 796mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1870IU | Vitamin C: 119.9mg | Calcium: 173mg | Iron: 2.3mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (8)

Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

7 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore is an easy set-it-and-forget-it dinner! Serve this comfort food with egg noodles for a full meal.

Make this recipe

Calories: 456kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 650mg | Potassium: 695mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 4143IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 3mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (9)

Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup

6 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

This Slow Cooker Tuscan Sausage & Kale Soup is a hearty veggie-filled dish for cold days. Dump it in the crockpot then set it and forget it!

Make this recipe

Calories: 312kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 1126mg | Potassium: 720mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 7750IU | Vitamin C: 66.8mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 4.7mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (10)

Asian Chicken Nachos via Life Made Sweeter

Asian Chicken Nachos – a simple and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties, game day or any meal you want. Best of all, easy to make ahead in the slow cooker or the Instant Pot.

Make this recipe

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (11)

Slow Cooker Chicken Cauliflower Curry via A Sweet Pea Chef

How to make slow cooker chicken cauliflower curry that is easy, healthy, and delicious! Perfect for a weeknight dinner and freezeswell, too!

Make this recipe

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (12)

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken via Melanie Makes

This flavorful, four ingredient Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken takes just five minutes to prepare. Perfect for the busiest of weeknights.

Make this recipe

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (13)

Crock Pot Butter Chicken via Kitchen Sanctuary

This Crock Pot Butter Chicken is creamy, spiced and delicious – an easy recipe that’s perfect for the slow-cooker. Slow Cooked Butter Chicken is an easy meal that the adults and kids will love! Gluten Free too.

Make this recipe

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (14)

Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Tostadas via Isabel Eats

These crispy and crunchy Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Tostadasare topped with a layer of delicious refried beans, salsa verde chicken, tomatoes, cilantro, queso fresco and avocados.

Make this recipe

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (15)

Crockpot Taco Soup via Catz in the Kitchen

This crockpot taco soup is easy, tasty, and works equally well in fall as well as summer – pair it with some simple quesadillas and you’ve got a full meal!

Make this recipe

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (16)

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (17)

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Slow Cooker Beef and Pork Recipes

The slow cooker makes meat so tender – it's hard not to use it all the time! Try an easy crockpot lasagna or make a big batch of meatballs.

Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe

4 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

This is the easiest ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe – it cooks hands-off all day and is super easy to assemble. Plus, it freezes well!

Make this recipe

Calories: 470kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 264mg | Potassium: 420mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 426IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 272mg | Iron: 2mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (18)

Creamiest Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff

8 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Healthy Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff is packed with veggies, comes together in one pot for minimal clean up and is freezer-friendly!

Make this recipe

Calories: 488kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 126mg | Sodium: 268mg | Potassium: 740mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 344IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 3mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (19)

The BEST One Pot Lasagna Soup

30 minutes minutes

This 30-Minute One Pot Lasagna Soup is freezer-friendly, and can also be made in the slow cooker or Instant Pot – it's comfort in a bowl!

Make this recipe

Calories: 305kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 725mg | Potassium: 497mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 154IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 126mg | Iron: 3mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (20)

Lighter Crockpot Swedish Meatballs

6 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

TheseCrockpot Swedish Meatballs are made lighter using half the heavy cream and extra-lean ground beef meatballs made from scratch. Serve with a side of egg noodles and broccoli for a full meal!

Make this recipe

Calories: 426kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 676mg | Potassium: 407mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 450IU | Vitamin C: 35.5mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 3.8mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (21)

Best Ever Crock Pot Baked Potatoes

3 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

These Crock Pot Baked Potatoes are WAY easier to make than oven baked – load them up with bacon, cheese, sour cream and chives for a full meal!

Make this recipe

Calories: 404kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 344mg | Potassium: 996mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 432IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 252mg | Iron: 2mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (22)

Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

4 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

This Crockpot Breakfast Casserole is a delicious make-ahead breakfast option for meal prep or for big family gatherings. Dump frozen hash browns, bacon, eggs and veggies in the slow cooker – it's so easy!

Make this recipe

Calories: 486kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 614mg | Sodium: 965mg | Potassium: 549mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2150IU | Vitamin C: 118.8mg | Calcium: 210mg | Iron: 3.8mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (23)

Crockpot Jambalaya via Kim's Cravings

This flavorful Slow Cooker Jambalaya recipe is super easy to make, and full of bold Cajun flavors that everyone will love!

Make this recipe

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (24)

The Best Easy Slow Cooker Chili via Hungry Blonde

The Only Classic Hearty Slow Cooker Chili Recipe You’ll Ever Need made with organic grass fed beef with a secret ingredient.

Make this recipe

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (25)

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs via Let's Dish

Meatballs are simmered in the slow cooker in a flavorful, sweet and spicy homemade teriyaki sauce.

Make this recipe

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (26)

Slow Cooker Pork Tacos In Green Goddess Dressing via Delightful Mom Food

Slow cooker pork tacos slowly cooked and then drizzled with a zesty green goddess dressing. An easy dinner and meal-prep with left over pork for sandwiches.

Make this recipe

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (27)

Crockpot Vegetarian Recipes

If want to incorporate more vegetarian meals in your diet, look no further! You can make everything from a flavourful stew to a classic mac and cheese in the slow cooker.

CreamiestSlow Cooker Mac and Cheese

2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

The secret to the CreamiestSlow Cooker Mac and Cheese is evaporated milk – it's ultra creamy and velvety, and cooks on low in one pot!

Make this recipe

Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 797mg | Potassium: 295mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 396IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 301mg | Iron: 1mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (28)

Slow Cooker Peanut Stew {Gluten-Free + Vegan}

4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

This Slow Cooker Peanut Stew is a hearty dish made with chickpeas, sweet potatoes and peanut butter. It's also gluten-free and vegan!

Make this recipe

Calories: 432kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 747mg | Potassium: 561mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2750IU | Vitamin C: 71mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 4.7mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (29)

Crock Pot Vegetarian Lentil Chili

8 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

This Crock Pot Vegetarian Lentil Chili with sweet potatoesis a healthy spin on comfort food – it's the perfect hands-off dump dinner!

Make this recipe

Calories: 371kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 766mg | Potassium: 926mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 12600IU | Vitamin C: 61.9mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 4.9mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (30)

Slow Cooker Lentil Curry

4 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

This Slow Cooker Lentil Curry with butternut squash, spinach and coconut milk is a delicious vegan recipe – serve with rice for a full meal!

Make this recipe

Calories: 383kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 428mg | Potassium: 1074mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 14372IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 6mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (31)

The Best Crockpot Vegetable Soup

8 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

This Crockpot Vegetable Soup is so delicious! It's made easily in the slow cooker with fire roasted tomatoes, lentils, and a mix of veggies.

Make this recipe

Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 2083mg | Potassium: 1082mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 12554IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 5mg

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (32)

One Pan Mexican Quinoa Casserole (Slow Cooker) via Food Faith Fitness

This easy vegan One Pan Mexican Quinoa Casserole is made in the crock pot and loaded with flavor! Healthy & perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Make this recipe

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (33)

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (34)

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More slow cooker recipes

  • 15 Healthy Dump Dinners for Your Crockpot

  • 35+ Easy Crockpot Freezer Meals

  • Healthy Crockpot Chicken Recipes {5 Ways}

See more related recipes

Meal Prep Tools

  • A crock pot(in case you still need one!).
  • If you're making some freeze ahead recipes, get this Ziploc bag holder.
  • Slow cooker linersare awesome for helping you avoid a huge mess.
  • Tongs come in handy when you're removing meat to shred.
  • Don't forget meal prep containersto store everything – these are microwave-friendly for reheating food.
  • A rice cookerwill help cut down on time if you're looking for grains to pair with whatever meat you've cooked in your slow cooker.
  • Speaking of meat, I order my grass-fed beef and poultry from Butcher Box!
  • **Get my full list of tools here**

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (38)

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep

These 30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes are the best way to get ready for the work week – just dump everything in the crockpot and you're set! Here's a recipe for a foolproof crockpot lasagna!

5 from 3 votes

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Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 470kcal

Author: Taylor Stinson

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours hours

Total Time: 4 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray
  • 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper
  • 2 (650mL) jars tomato sauce (I used Classico's sweet basil marinara sauce)
  • 1 lb lasagna noodles (can use either oven ready or normal) uncooked
  • 1 (475g) tub ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  • In a large frying pan, brown the ground beef over med-high heat. When beef is almost cooked through, add onions, garlic, salt & pepper and 1 jar of tomato sauce, then stir to combine.

  • Spray slow cooker with cooking spray, then layer in a bit of meat sauce. Add the uncooked lasagna noodles (you may need to break some into pieces to make them fit), then add some ricotta and mozzarella cheese, and more of the meat sauce. All layers should be about 1 inch thick. Repeat until the slow cooker is full – usually 3 layers total.

  • Pour the other jar of tomato sauce overtop of lasagna, then add mozzarella cheese to the top. Pour water in on the sides. Cook on high for 3 hours, or on low for 6 hours.

  • Garnish lasagna with basil and/or parsley, then serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Add in more fillings like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, kale, broccoli or cauliflower.

Serve your lasagna with a side salad and some warm garlic bread.

Assemble your lasagna ahead of time then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, pull it out of the fridge, set it and forget it!

Store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in the oven for 20 minutes at 350 F.

Freeze this recipe for up to 3 months cooked or uncooked. Reheat or cook from frozen.

Nutrition

Calories: 470kcal (24%)Carbohydrates: 46g (15%)Protein: 32g (64%)Fat: 17g (26%)Saturated Fat: 10g (63%)Cholesterol: 84mg (28%)Sodium: 264mg (11%)Potassium: 420mg (12%)Fiber: 2g (8%)Sugar: 3g (3%)Vitamin A: 426IU (9%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 272mg (27%)Iron: 2mg (11%)

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Created by Taylor Stinson

Hey there, my name's Taylor! I’m the founder of The Girl on Bloor, a food blog where I share healthy meal prep recipes for busy people. I'm a busy city girl living in downtown Toronto on (you guessed it!) Bloor Street. I've got 10 years experience meal prepping, along with a Master's degree in journalism, and you can find my work across the internet featured on publications such as Buzzfeed, HuffPost, Women's Health, Reader's Digest and more. I also run the awesome 5-Day Meal Prep Challenge, which is a free email course and Facebook group where I share my meal planning strategies and easy meal prep tips and recipes. Be sure to check out my free beginner’s guide to meal prep and follow me on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram to get my latest recipes and meal prep tips!

Reader Interactions

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Maria V Arnold says

    Hi Taylor,
    Any thoughts on how to do crockpot meals when I am away from my house for 9-10 hours? Nothing needs to cook for that long and I do not think mine has a timer function. Would love to use it especially as it’s getting colder here in Upstate NY 🙂

    Reply

    • Taylor Stinson says

      Hi Maria, I really wish I could help but I’m not sure what the best solution would be for food safety. I think you could probably keep it on warm for an extra hour (I would not push it to 10 hours) but I would encourage you to do your own research about whether it’s safe.

      Reply

30+ Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for Meal Prep - The Girl on Bloor (2024)

FAQs

Are slow cookers good for meal prep? ›

That's why easy crock pot recipes are such a mainstay for meal prepping—low effort, delicious rewards! And the good news: You aren't just stuck with slow-cooked meats as meal options when it comes to easy crock pot recipes.

Are slow cookers healthy? ›

A slow cooker can help with eating healthily, as this way of cooking doesn't need much (if any) fat, which can help to lower the calorie content. It also intensifies flavours – which is helpful when cutting down on salt.

What size slow cooker for meal prep? ›

Recommended Slow Cooker Sizes
Number of PortionsRecommended Slow Cooker Size
One PortionUse a 2-3 quart slow cooker. 2 quarts is the optimal size.
Two PortionsUse a 3-4.5 quart slow cooker. 4 quarts is the optimal size.
Three PortionsUse a 4-6 quart slow cooker. 5 quarts is the optimal size.
2 more rows

How do you make slow cooker meals taste better? ›

If you take an extra 10 minutes to sauté the aromatics before scraping them into the slow-cooker, the finished dish will have deeper flavor and better texture. (And some new slow-cookers allow you to sauté right in the insert, so you don't have to wash a separate skillet.)

What foods should not go in a slow cooker? ›

10 Foods You Should Never Make in a Slow Cooker
  • Raw Meat.
  • Seafood.
  • Pasta.
  • Rice.
  • Delicate Vegetables.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
  • Dairy.
  • Wine and Other Liquor.
Jan 19, 2024

What is the healthiest meat to slow cook? ›

common lean roasts found in the grocery store
  • chuck tender roast. A lean roast that requires slow cooking to tenderize.
  • shoulder roast. An inexpensive chuck cut with good flavor and good for roasting or slow cooking.
  • rump roast. A boneless and lean cut ideal for slow cooking.
  • eye of round roast.

Is a slow cooker good for weight loss? ›

We're talking about the trusty slow cooker. It's a kitchen companion that can simplify your meal preparation in a way that can speed up your weight loss goals. Effortless Meal Preparation: One of the key challenges when it comes to eating a healthy diet is the time and effort required for meal preparation.

What vegetables should not be added to a slow cooker? ›

Tender vegetables

Vegetables such as peas, asparagus and peppers can become a flavorless, mushy mess in a slow cooker.

Are vegetables still healthy when slow cooked? ›

Slow cookers cook food at a low temperature (usually around 93c) for anywhere between 4-8 hours. Because of the lower temperature, the nutrients in the food remain more stable than other methods of cooking.

What size slow cooker for 2 adults? ›

If you're cooking for yourself or for only two people, a 2 1/2 to 3 1/2-quart slow cooker might be large enough.

What is too full for a slow cooker? ›

To ensure proper cooking, it is important to fill your slow cooker with the appropriate amount of food. Aim for between half and two-thirds full. If the cooker is too full, the food may not cook evenly and could end up being undercooked. On the other hand, if the cooker is not full enough, the food may overcook.

What is the best size crockpot for 2 people? ›

The Small-Batch Queen: 2- or 3-quart slow cooker

If you're most often cooking for one or two people, opt for a 2- or 3-quart slow cooker. These are great for small-batch cooking, as they prep just enough food for a couple of people.

Do potatoes go on top or bottom of meat in a crockpot? ›

Place firm, slow-cooking root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the crock and pile the meat on top. Set the heat level: A general rule of thumb is that cooking on the low setting (170 degrees F for most models) takes about twice as long as cooking on high (280 degrees F on most models).

What meat is best for a slow cooker? ›

The best cuts of meat for slow cooking
  • Chuck steak.
  • Round steak.
  • Blade steak.
  • Topside.
  • Silverside.
  • Skirt steak.
  • Shin (gravy) beef.
  • Sausages.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

How long can you leave a meal in a slow cooker? ›

Most appliances will automatically shut off after 20 or so hours on this setting, but you shouldn't leave food in a slow cooker for an extended length of time. The general rule of thumb is that 2-4 hours is the maximum length of time you can leave food in a slow cooker on warm.

Can you put raw food in a slow cooker? ›

"Raw meat is a slow-cooker staple, but you may need to add it to the pot before adding other ingredients like green vegetables," she shared. "Browning meat in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker has been a game-changer for my slow-cooker meals.

Is it safe to leave food in a slow cooker overnight? ›

Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on overnight? The short answer: Yes. slow cookers are made to cook food for extensive periods of time (some can be left up to 24 hours). But, of course, follow safe practices outlined in your instruction manual, and keep the appliance on low or warm, as opposed to high, overnight.

Are slow cookers safe to eat from? ›

The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking and steam created within the tightly-covered container combine to destroy bacteria and make the slow cooker a safe process for cooking foods.

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