Crock pot (also known as slow cookers) recipes are a great way to cook delicious, healthy meals with minimal effort. Slow cooking is an age-old method of cooking that uses low heat to prepare the ingredients slowly, without the need for constant supervision. This method of cooking is ideal for busy individuals who want to eat healthy but have limited time to prepare meals. In this article, we will explore the top 10 crock pot recipes for easy, delicious meals and their health benefits.
1. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken
– 1 can black beans
– 1 can corn
– 1 jar of salsa
– Taco shells
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes.
Instructions:
– Combine chicken, beans, corn, and salsa in the crock pot.
– Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
– Shred chicken with a fork and stir everything together.
– Serve on taco shells with your favorite toppings.
Health Benefits:
This recipe is high in protein from the chicken and beans, and low in fat when made with skinless chicken. The ingredients are also high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this a quick and easy meal that is also packed with nutrition.
2. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs cubed beef stew meat
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chopped vegetables (carrots, onions, potatoes, and celery)
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
– Combine all ingredients in the crock pot.
– Cook on low heat for 8 hours.
– Stir occasionally, and add more beef broth if needed.
Health Benefits:
Beef is an excellent source of protein, iron, and zinc. The vegetables in this recipe add important nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. This stew is a perfect warming meal, and the slow cooked, tender beef is easy to digest.
3. Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
– 2 cups dry lentils
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 4 cups chopped vegetables (carrots, onion, celery)
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
– Combine all ingredients in the crock pot.
– Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
– Stir occasionally, and add more broth or water if needed.
Health Benefits:
Lentils are high in protein and fiber, making them an excellent source of nutrition for vegetarians and vegans. This recipe is also low in fat, and the vegetables provide important vitamins and minerals. The garlic and cumin in this recipe add great flavor and offer immune boosting properties.
4. Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken thighs
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 4 cups chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, onions)
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces egg noodles
Instructions:
– Combine chicken, broth, vegetables, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the crock pot.
– Cook on low heat for 8 hours.
– Remove chicken and shred with a fork.
– Add noodles to the soup and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes.
– Serve with shredded chicken.
Health Benefits:
Chicken soup has been long known for its healing properties and immune boosting effects. The chicken provides high-quality protein and the vegetables contribute vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This recipe is easy to make and provides comfort and nutrients when recovering from illnesses.
5. Slow Cooker Chili
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs ground beef
– 1 can kidney beans
– 1 can pinto beans
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 can tomato sauce
– 1 cup beef broth
– Chili seasoning to taste
Instructions:
– Cook beef on medium heat in a pan until browned.
– Drain and add to crockpot with beans, tomatoes, sauce, broth, and seasoning.
– Stir and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
Health Benefits:
The beans in this recipe provide fiber, protein, and vitamins, while the beef adds additional protein and high-quality amino acids needed for muscle repair. The spices used in this recipe have anti-inflammatory properties and are beneficial in reducing joint pain, gut inflammation, and improving cognitive function.
6. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Ingredients:
– 3-4 lbs pork tenderloin or shoulder roast
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 tablespoon sea salt
– 1 teaspoon cumin
Instructions:
– Combine all ingredients in the crock pot.
– Cook on low heat for 8 hours.
– Remove pork from the crockpot and shred with a fork.
– Return pork to the pot and stir together with the juices.
Health Benefits:
This recipe provides the full benefit of pork, which is rich in protein, iron, and vitamin B12. This recipe also has anti-inflammatory spices, including garlic, onion, and cumin. Apple cider vinegar, with its acetic acid, is a natural probiotic which supports gut health by killing harmful bacteria and increasing the good bacteria.
7. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato, diced
– 1 can black beans
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 can corn
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
– Combine all ingredients in the crock pot.
– Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
– Serve with your choice of toppings.
Health Benefits:
This vegetarian recipe is low in fat and high in fiber and nutrients, with sweet potatoes providing vitamins A and C and black beans offering protein and iron. The tomatoes in this recipe, with their lycopene, have antioxidant properties which protect against cellular damage.
8. Slow Cooker Quinoa and Black Bean Burrito Bowl
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked quinoa
– 1 can black beans
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 diced onion
– 2 tablespoons cumin
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: avocado, cheese, sour cream, salsa, cilantro.
Instructions:
– Combine all ingredients in the crockpot except toppings.
– Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
– Serve in a bowl with your choice of toppings.
Health Benefits:
This vegetarian recipe is high in protein and fiber, with quinoa containing all essential amino acids. The beans in this dish are a great source of protein, and the vegetables and tomatoes add vitamins and minerals. The cumin and chili powder used in this recipe are great digestive aids and can also reduce inflammation in the body.
9. Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef chuck, sliced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 4 cups broccoli florets
Instructions:
– Combine all ingredients in the crockpot except broccoli and cornstarch.
– Cook on low heat for 8 hours.
– Mix cornstarch with a little cold water until smooth.
– Add to the pot, along with the broccoli, and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Health Benefits:
This recipe provides high-quality protein from the beef and essential vitamins and minerals from the broccoli. Garlic has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, while honey is a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent.
10. Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 onion, sliced
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup tomato paste
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
– Combine all ingredients in the crock pot.
– Cook on low heat for 8 hours.
– Serve with your choice of side.
Health Benefits:
This recipe is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, with chicken providing amino acids essential for muscle growth and repair. Balsamic vinegar contains various nutrients, including dietary fiber and vitamin C which helps boost immunity, while honey has anti-inflammatory effects.
FAQs
1. Can I cook frozen meat in a crock pot?
No. It is not safe to cook frozen meat in a crock pot. Frozen meat can take longer to cook and can cause bacteria growth.
2. Can I cook dry beans in a crock pot without soaking?
Yes, crock pots can cook dry beans without soaking first. However, it is essential to make sure that the beans are covered with enough water, and that they are cooked thoroughly.
3. Can I use a slow cooker liner for easy clean-up?
Yes, slow cooker liners are a convenient option for quick and easy clean-up. They also help prevent food from sticking to the pot.
4. Can I cook rice in a crock pot?
Yes, you can cook rice in a crock pot. Combine 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of liquid, such as broth or water. Cook on low heat for 2-3 hours or high heat for 1-2 hours, depending on your crock pot.
5. What is the best size crock pot for a family of four?
A 4 or 5-quart slow cooker is an ideal size for a family of four.
Conclusion
Crock pot recipes are an excellent way to prepare delicious, healthy meals with minimal prep time. By using a slow cooker, you can create flavorful dishes that are packed with nutrition and are easy to digest. Experiment with the top 10 crock pot recipes we’ve shared, and enjoy a range of healthy, delicious meals from the comfort of your own home.
