8 Deliciously Simple (and Healthy!) Slow Cooker Recipes

These slow cooker recipes make comfort food both healthy and easy.
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You need all the help you can get in the kitchen. Luckily, the slow cooker is a savior for whipping up tasty, wholesome meals that don't require too much work when you're already exhausted.

"Fall is the perfect time to dust off your slow cooker and get creative with your meals for the season," Maggie Michalczyk, RD, tells LIVESTRONG.com. "You can throw in nearly any source of protein and different veggies to get a well-rounded meal in just a few hours."

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Plus, the combinations are endless, and using this kitchen tool is a great way to ensure a healthy meal gets on the table on nights when you don't feel like cooking. Include these healthy slow cooker recipes in your next meal plan and we wager you'll look forward to dinner.

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1. Green Chile Flank Steak Taco

Consider this your full-flavored, nutrition-packed, Mexican-inspired meal with minimal work.

"I like this Mexican-inspired meal that can be made with minimal work in the slow cooker. It's packed with protein and other nutrients from the added veggies," Michalczyk says. This is definitely a weeknight staple recipe that should always be in your back pocket.

Get the Green Chile Flank Steak Taco recipe and nutrition info here.

2. Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

The tender chicken falls off the bone into a thick sauce of tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms and garlic.

Spice up your weeknights with this Italian-inspired meal. "This is a great slow cooker recipe because you're getting a good mix of protein and veggies, it's simple and will definitely keep you full," Michalczyk says. Using canned tomatoes is a great way to save time, too, she adds. Plus, you're still getting nutrition, like antioxidants, from the canned version.

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Get the Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore recipe and nutrition info here.

3. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

For those who do not have much time on their hands, the ingredients can be stored in a large freezer bag and frozen until you are ready to cook the meal.

The slow cooker is ideal for beef recipes, which are super hearty and often pack in warm spices and sturdy vegetables.

"This meal is quintessential for slow cooker season and tastes like you've been cooking it for hours when the only effort required is tossing your ingredients into the slow cooker," says Michalczyk. Plus, it's perfect for meal prepping because you can make a big batch at once and freeze some for later — and you'll get the goodness of veggies like carrots, celery and potatoes for a few days at a time.

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Get the Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe and nutrition info here.

4. Pork Tenderloin With Apricots

Lean and mild, pork tenderloin is a perfect base for a sweet and savory sauce made from dried apricots and orange juice.

"If you're tired of chicken and want to change things up, throwing pork into the slow cooker like in this recipe is a great way to do so," says Michalczyk. Pork is a great source of B vitamins, as well as zinc and potassium, she says. And the caramelized apricots pair perfectly with the lean meat.

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Get the Pork Tenderloin With Apricots recipe and nutrition info here.

5. Slow Cooker Brisket

Start this recipe the night before for a flavorful meal the next day.

If you're on keto, you can easily make low-carb slow cooker recipes at home that are delicious and full of nutrition. "Brisket typically requires much more attention, but in a slow cooker, flavors comes together easily. You could also add some potatoes and carrots to the Crock-Pot basin for a more complete meal," says Kelly Jones, RD.

Get the Slow Cooker Brisket recipe and nutrition info here.

6. Slow Cooker Osso Bucco

Osso Bucco is a Milanese specialty that highlights the beef shank.

Craving soup on a chilly evening? Get this Milanese recipe set in the slow cooker and you'll have a hearty soup waiting for you when you get home. "Osso Bucco isn't a dish commonly made at home, but the slow cooker and a few simple ingredients help it come together without much effort," says Jones.

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Get the Slow Cooker Osso Bucco recipe and nutrition info here.

7. Crock-Pot Beef Shank and Black Bean Chili

Beef shank is an inexpensive cut of meat that becomes incredibly tender when cooked in liquid.

Cook up this warming chili at your next potluck party. "Slow cooker chili is super hands-off and still packed with plenty of flavors," says Jones. It's a great option as a stew for lunch or dinner, but can also be added to potatoes, salads and even tortillas for variety, she says.

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Get the Crock-Pot Beef Shank and Back Bean Chili recipe and nutrition info here.

8. Slow Cooker Turkey Sloppy Joe

With just 269 calories per serving, you'll have this recipe on repeat.

"These turkey-based sloppy joes are packed with flavor and a great option for anyone looking to reduce their red meat intake and support heart health," says Jones. They're also filled with veggies like carrots, tomatoes and peppers for a complete meal. If you want to healthify this meal even more, make sure to pile the sloppy joe on a whole-grain roll or even a bed of greens.

Get the Slow Cooker Turkey Sloppy Joe recipe and nutrition info here.

Shake up your dinner routine with these easy and healthy comfort food recipes.
Image Credit: Graphic: LIVESTRONG.com Creative

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