Crock-Pots sometimes get a bad reputation for not cooking up healthy foods — maybe because they're thought of as "convenient." But in reality, using a slow cooker is not only an easy way to prepare a delicious meal, it can also be an incredibly healthy way to feed the whole family. The key to making clean eating recipes in a slow cooker is to use whole foods as ingredients. That way, everyone avoids processed foods and gets the nutrients and vitamins they need in one dish.
We've rounded up plenty of tasty recipes that can easily be prepped with fresh veggies and lean meats — all made in a crock-pot. Their flavors range from naturally zesty to innately sweet; some are more seasoned specialties for those that love strong flavors. And even though many of these dishes go without unneeded sugars and processed foods, they are still beloved by kids of all ages. Plus, several of these recipes also adhere to Whole30 and Paleo diet plans, and many of them are also gluten-free.
Every vegetable and meat idea on this list has been carefully considered to bring only the most delightful dishes to the table. We're going to guess that at least one of these recipes (if not quite a few of them) will become a family favorite. Clean eating that's easy, tasty, and family friendly? We're in.
Whole30 Crock-Pot Chili
Chili may be one of the most popular dishes to make in a Crock-Pot. Whole30 chili by Tasty Thin takes this fave to a whole other level of goodness.
Seasoned Chicken, Potatoes, & Green Beans
Healthy and easy are two words that aren't always paired together but they both describe this slow cooker chicken dinner from The Magical Slow Cooker. We also like to call this one "magically delicious."
White Chicken Chili With Sweet Potato
Both Paleo- and Whole30-friendly, this white chicken chili recipe from Paleo Runnin Momma is full of flavor. Take this dish over the top by adding some avocado and extra cilantro after cooking.
Barbecue Pulled Pork
This pulled pork recipe by The Pike Place Kitchen uses peaches and applesauce to deliver an incredible sweet-and-savory flavor. Plus, it's gluten-free and Whole30 approved (if you serve it sans bread, of course).
Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala
Chicken marsala is the kind of dish some may feel is too challenging to make at home. But with Wholesome Delicious's slow cooker recipe, not only does it capture the restaurant-style taste, but it's easy to make. It's gluten-free, too.
Zuppa Toscana
Sweet Italian sausage paired with kale delivers an out-of-this-world taste, making Farmstead Chic's zuppa Toscana a clean-eating and dairy-free Crock-Pot recipe the whole family will love.
Beef Barbacoa
Ever eat something in a restaurant and later attempt to make it and it doesn't quite taste the same? What a disappointment. Never fear, Wholesome Yum has got an incredible Paleo beef barbacoa recipe that's perfectly made at home in a Crock-Pot.
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Low on carbs and satisfying Paleo and Whole30 diet plans, these Crock-Pot unstuffed cabbage rolls by Fit Slow Cooker Queen are without the fuss of rolls. But they aren't without great taste.
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
With red peppers, onions, and olives, Crock-Pot Mediterranean chicken by Creme de la Crumb is packed with a lot of flavor and it's healthy, too.
Slow Cooker Carnitas
Paleo and clean eatin' tacos? Yes, please! These slow cooked carnitas from Unbound Wellness are exactly what should be on the table on taco Tuesdays.
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Quinoa Bowls
Yummy teriyaki chicken tastes amazing with quinoa and scores major healthy points. Make a giant Crock-Pot of this dish from Project Meal Plan and have chicken teriyaki quinoa bowls as leftovers all week.
Slow Cooker Poached Salmon
Steam some veggies to go with this slow cooked salmon by Mom of the Year, and it's a healthy dinner. It's perfectly seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper, and a bit of mustard.
Alaska Cod Fish Tacos
Healthy tacos can be a reality thanks to 365 Days of Crockpot's recipe for slow cooker Alaska cod. We love the garlic lime sour cream addition, plus fresh tomatoes, too.
Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Salmon
Salmon and dill taste amazing together and this Instant Pot recipe from The Natural Nurturer has that perfect combination. It's also free of gluten and diary, making those with dietary restrictions happy.
Spicy Slow Cooker Beef & Bell Peppers
For the meat lover and Paleo eaters, we recommend this slow cooked beef and pepper dish from Let the Baking Begin. It packs a bit of sweet heat thanks to the bell peppers and dash of sriracha.
Crock-Pot Mashed Cauliflower
Potatoes are delicious but not the lightest food to consume. The solution? Mashed cauliflower. This Crock-Pot recipe by Mallory Maddox is perfection and pairs well with lean protein.
Paleo Turkey Meatballs
Made with almond meal instead of breadcrumbs, these turkey meatballs by Wholesomelicious are a crowd-pleaser. They're served up well with spaghetti squash or gluten-free pasta.
Crock-Pot Low-Carb Veggie Lasagna
This cheesy eggplant lasagna recipe by Well Plated is easy to make thanks to the Crock-Pot. Leave out the cheese to make it cleaner eating, but as written, the recipe is low carb — yep, there are no noodles!
Mediterranean Beef Stew with Rosemary & Balsamic Vinegar
Those who are carb-conscious can look no further than this low-carb Mediterranean beef stew by Kaylyn's Kitchen. Perfectly seasoned with balsamic vinegar and rosemary, this dish is hearty yet really healthy.
Slow-Cooker Moroccan Chicken and Olive Tagine
This fragrant Moroccan chicken dish by Skinny Taste includes carrots, prunes, and olives to create an incredible mix of flavors. It's so decadent, it's almost hard to believe it's healthy.
Slow-Cooker Beef Bone Broth
Bone broth is an incredible superfood that checks off all the diet-friendly boxes, including Paleo and gluten-free. This recipe by The Healthy Foodie is majorly good for our bodies and isn't too hard to make.
Crock-Pot Italian Zucchini Casserole
It's all about the zucchini in this healthy casserole by Mostly Homemade Mom. Seemingly hidden amongst the delicious ground beef, the veggies here may actually make all kids happy.
Crock-Pot Honey Pork and Apples
Granny Smith apples take center stage in this scrumptious Crock-Pot honey pork and apple recipe by Stockpiling Moms. Super clean eating can be super yummy, too.
Red Beans and Rice in the Slow Cooker
A Pinch of Healthy serves up this zesty slow-cooker beans and rice recipe. Make this vegetarian or add in andouille sausage.
Slow Cooker Parmesan Herb Chicken
This Crock-Pot Parmesan herb chicken recipe by Creme de la Crumb is healthy and perfectly seasoned, and it can be perfectly paired with seasonal veggies. Sub out the orzo for cauliflower rice to keep it clean-eating.
Healthy Taco Casserole
Crockpot Gourmet's taco casserole is easily made in a Crock-Pot and has one incredible ingredient to take it to the side of healthy — collard greens! With all the goodness, skipping the cheese to make it truly a "clean eating" dish won't even be noticeable.
Slow-Cooker Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts don't have to be something the kids complain about. In fact, Damn Delicious's Crock-Pot recipe gives the veggies a salty tangy taste everyone will likely love.
Slow-Cooker Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce wraps might be a sneaky way to get kids to eat leafy greens, but no one will feel duped with this fantastic slow-cooker recipe for Asian-style chicken to put in those wraps from The Comfort Kitchen.
Lentil & Spinach Soup
This vegetarian lentil and spinach soup is sure to make carnivores and veggie lovers happy. The Crock-Pot recipe by Tads and Tidbits proves that a bit of spice goes a long way.
Crock-Pot Cashew Chicken
In Sally Cooks' Crock-Pot cashew chicken recipe, yummy veggies take the dish to next level goodness.
Slow Cooker Deep-Dish Cheese Pizza with Cauliflower Crust
Everybody loves pizza, but every body doesn't always do well with it. Give pizza a low-carb overhaul with this healthy cauliflower crust recipe by Slow Cooker Gourmet. Going dairy-free? Try a nut cheese or lactose-free cheese as a substitute. And yes, it's made in a Crock-Pot!
Slow Cooker Lo Mein
Snap peas, broccoli, and carrots are a stunning combination in this Crock-Pot lo mein recipe by Damn Delicious. Try substituting in carrot noodles or zucchini noodles to make this dish even healthier. Plus, it's almost as easy as ordering take-out.
Slow-Cooker Shepherd's Pie
It's all about the cauliflower mash here. That, along with the veggies make this Shepard's pie recipe by Fit Slow Cooker Queen so incredibly tasty and healthy. This dish is low-carb, Paleo, and Whole30-friendly.
Healthy Crock-Pot Beef and Broccoli
Low in sugar and sodium, The Skinny Fork's beef and broccoli recipe gets high marks for being much healthier than takeout. This colorful dish delivers what the body needs. And it's high on taste too.
Slow-Cooker Kale and Turkey Meatball Soup
Everyone raves about the health benefits of kale, but not everyone is in love with the taste of it. This Crock-Pot kale and turkey meatball soup recipe by Foodie Crush complements the green with much-loved carrots and turkey meatballs to make it more crowd-pleasing.
Slow-Cooker Mexican Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers in particular are full of nutrients, so stuff them up with the guidance of this incredible Crock-Pot stuffed peppers recipe from Chef Savvy. It includes lean meat, avocado, and black beans for a southwestern spin.
Slow-Cooker Zoodles with Meat Sauce
Eating clean but don't want to give up pasta night? Try serving zucchini noodles with meat sauce using this Crock-Pot recipe from Fit Slow Cooker Queen. No need to carb up.
Crock-Pot Sausage, Spinach, & White Bean Soup
Damn Delicious really delivered with this Crock-Pot sausage, spinach, and white bean soup recipe. Best of all, this healthy goodness only requires 10 minute prep time.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Whole30 and Paleo-friendly, Tasty Thin's Crock-Pot chicken tikka masala recipe is served up with cauliflower rice. Genius!
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken
With avocado oil, thyme, artichoke hearts, and red peppers, this Crock-Pot Greek chicken dish satisfies Whole30 and Paleo diets. Want to go super healthy? Skip the potatoes and feta and serve it with cauliflower rice instead.
