Over the years, the slow cooker has gained a reputation for being a must-have kitchen appliance, and we couldn’t agree more! If you’re looking for inspiration on slow cooker recipes to try, these dishes are great choices. Since they’re lower in saturated fat and sodium, these dishes meet our heart-healthy parameters and can help decrease your risk of heart disease. From veggie-packed chilis, like our Slow-Cooker Chicken Chili, to warm and comforting porridges, like our Slow-Cooker Overnight Farro Porridge, there are plenty of tasty dishes on this list that’ll help you get the most out of the versatile piece of cookware.
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Slow-Cooker Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta Bake
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell
This simple vegetarian pasta bake is rich in protein and comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker, for a convenient one-pot meal. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, sun-dried tomato pesto and plenty of veggies delivers a mix of sweet and savory flavors with every bite.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Chili
Jason Donnelly
This simple slow-cooker chili features plenty of veggies and shredded chicken breast simmered in a smoky broth of chipotle chiles and tomato. The chili is finished with shredded cheese, avocados and cilantro, but feel free to add your own favorite toppings to jazz it up!
Slow-Cooker Chicken & Brown Rice with Roasted Corn & Black Beans
With plenty of spice from ground cumin, cayenne and paprika, and the bit of char that frozen roasted sweet corn brings to the dish, you won’t miss the browning step in this easy load-and-go recipe.
Slow-Cooker Kale & White Bean Stew
Warm up to a hearty bowl of soup made with winter vegetables and protein-rich white beans. Comforting spices like oregano and thyme build flavor, while Parmesan provides an irresistibly savory finish.
Slow-Cooker Baked Beans
Typically made with bacon, these vegetarian slow-cooked beans are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Molasses and brown sugar provide sweetness, while tomato, mustard and Worcestershire sauce add savoriness. Serve these beans as a side at any potluck or barbecue.
Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Jason Donnelly
If you like Buffalo wings, you’ll love the flavors in this warm, hearty chili that comes together easily in the slow cooker. Sour cream helps cut the heat, but you could also use plain strained yogurt.
Slow-Cooker Overnight Farro Porridge
This cozy porridge features a delicious grain called farro. Originally from Mesopotamia, farro is a type of wheat with a wonderful nutty flavor and toothsome texture. It’s packed with plant-based protein, niacin, magnesium and zinc.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Marsala
This slow-cooker chicken Marsala recipe gets its full flavor from plenty of mushrooms and fragrant shallots. Whole-wheat pasta soaks up the rich sauce. Round it out with a simple green salad for a comforting healthy dinner.
Slow-Cooker Jambalaya
This hearty jambalaya is bursting with chicken, smoked turkey sausage and shrimp. It takes just 25 minutes to prep in the morning, and then your slow cooker will work its magic and deliver a tasty meal at the end of the day.
Shredded Chicken Tacos
This taco recipe is a great choice for midweek dinners, even if it’s not Taco Tuesday! Instead of beef, we use moist, boneless chicken thighs and, to make things easier for you, the taco filling is cooked in a slow cooker, so you can prepare it in the morning and come home to a delicious meal.
Pork & Green Chile Stew
Let your slow cooker work—while you’re at work!—and come home to a delicious bowl of hearty stew for dinner. Full of potatoes, hominy, green chiles and chunks of pork sirloin, this filling stew recipe takes just 25 minutes to prepare in the morning.
Slow-Cooker Chicken & White Bean Stew
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
This load-and-go slow-cooker chicken recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve this Tuscan-inspired dish with crusty bread and a salad for an ultra-satisfying meal.
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