Healthy Living

When life gets busy, the slow cooker does the heavy lifting. These highly rated crockpot recipes make it easy to serve a nourishing, satisfying dinner. Just add everything to the pot, let it cook while you’re away and by the time you’re home, a cozy, family-friendly meal is waiting. From our Slow-Cooker Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta Bake to our Slow-Cooker Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Soup, these are the must-make crockpot recipes you’ll come back to all season long.

01 of 20

Slow-Cooker Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta Bake

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.

View Recipe

02 of 20

Slow-Cooker Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Soup

If you love spinach and artichokes, this is the perfect soup for you. The creamy base is packed with veggies and shredded chicken, which soaks up the broth while adding a boost of protein.

View Recipe

03 of 20

Kalua Cabbage

Re-create the steaming effect of an imu, or Hawaiian underground oven, using your slow cooker to make this hearty pork and cabbage dish. Lapsang souchong, a smoky tea, mimics the imu’s smoke while a whole banana replicates the flavor traditionally imparted by layers of banana leaves.

View Recipe

04 of 20

Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup

This comforting soup is loaded with broccoli and chicken in a creamy, cheesy base and finished off with the classic toppings of bacon and scallions. Frozen onions and rice keep their integrity and add texture to the soup, but chopped fresh onions and cooked brown rice (not frozen) can be used in their place.

View Recipe

05 of 20

Slow-Cooker Beef Curry

Long, slow cooking periods mellow flavors while bold spices, in bold amounts, will hold their own over time. That’s just what happens here with big flavors from Thai curry paste and fish sauce finished with fresh touches of cilantro and lime juice that together, draw inspiration from Thai curry. Serve over a bed of brown rice or brown rice noodles to catch all the sauce.

View Recipe

06 of 20

Slow-Cooker Three-Bean Chili Mac

Chili meets mac and cheese in this fix-it-and-forget-it slow-cooker dinner. Hot tomato sauce, a Mexican canned tomato sauce that also includes spices and chiles for heat, kicks up the flavor.

View Recipe

07 of 20

Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings

This recipe uses store-bought biscuits for dumplings that are moist and tender once stirred into the savory mixture of creamy mushrooms, chicken and veggies.

View Recipe

08 of 20

Slow-Cooker Kale & Sausage Stew

Turkey sausage gets transformed in this rich stew made with hearty winter vegetables like carrots, kale and potatoes. Perfect for meal prep or family dinners, this stew comes together easily in the slow cooker.

View Recipe

09 of 20

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

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.

View Recipe

10 of 20

Slow Cooker Chicken, Bacon & Potato Soup

This chicken potato soup is perfect for soup season, hearty yet brothy and veggie-packed so it doesn't feel too heavy.

View Recipe

11 of 20

Easy Slow-Cooker Potato-Leek Soup with Boursin

This creamy slow-cooker leek soup showcases leeks’ mild onion flavor, enhanced by plenty of fresh and dried herbs and with potatoes adding texture and body.

View Recipe

12 of 20

Kale, Wild Rice & Chicken Stew

Chicken thighs get perfectly tender in just a few hours in the slow cooker. Plus, cooking everything together low and slow infuses all the flavors together for complexity in every bite.

View Recipe

13 of 20

Slow-Cooker Potato Soup Four Ways

Be sure to use waxy potatoes, such as red or Yukon Gold, in this crockpot potato soup recipe. The result will be creamier than if you use starchy varieties like russets. Load your bowl up like a classic baked potato or see the tip below for more ways to mix it up.

View Recipe

14 of 20

Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Diet Stew

With a focus on vegetables, legumes and healthy fats, this slow-cooker stew fits the bill for those following the Mediterranean diet. Swap out the chickpeas for white beans for a different twist, or try collards or spinach in place of the kale.

View Recipe

15 of 20

Slow-Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Noodle Soup

Thanks to plenty of vegetables, lean chicken breast and whole-wheat pasta, this slow-cooker soup fits nicely into the Mediterranean diet. Pair it with a salad and toasted whole-grain bread for an easy, healthy dinner.

View Recipe

16 of 20

Slow-Cooker White Bean & Sausage Cassoulet

This slow-cooker cassoulet comes together quickly without fuss. Mashing some of the beans makes the broth creamier, while a topping of toasted panko adds contrasting crunchiness. Serve with a crusty baguette to sop up every last drop of the sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired.

View Recipe

17 of 20

Slow-Cooker Barbecue Brisket Sliders

Serve these slow-cooker brisket sliders when company's coming--perhaps to watch the big game--for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish. The crisp, tangy coleslaw is the perfect pairing for the tender, rich brisket.

View Recipe

18 of 20

Slow-Cooker Herb & Mushroom Braised Beef

With its comforting flavors contributed by savory meat, mushrooms, onions, carrots and fresh herbs, this slow-cooker braised beef is a wonderful supper on cold-weather days.

View Recipe

19 of 20

Slow-Cooker Chicken with Potatoes, Carrots & Herb Sauce

Impress the in-laws, neighbors or any other dinner guests with this pretty dish. It's a slow-cooker chicken recipe that actually looks and tastes like it was oven-roasted. To save time, prep the vegetables a day ahead or in the morning, and then refrigerate until ready to brown the meat and start the slow cooker.

View Recipe

20 of 20

Slow-Cooker Turkey Thighs with Herb Gravy

Those who love tender, moist, dark meat will love these slow-cooker turkey thighs. If turkey thighs aren't available, ask your butcher to cut up a whole turkey and give you the bone-in thighs. Feel free to substitute an equal weight of chicken thighs for the turkey thighs, if desired.

View Recipe

Add a burst of flavor to your meals with these effortless veggie sides that can be made in three steps or less. From crispy roasted veggies to vibrant salads, these delicious sides complement any main course. Recipes like our Creamy Carrot Salad and our Melting Onions are a nutritious, tasty side on any table.

01 of 26

Creamy Carrot Salad

Bright, crunchy and creamy, this salad delivers a delicious balance of sweet, tangy and warm flavors. A golden turmeric-yogurt dressing adds color and anti-inflammatory benefits, while honey and plump golden raisins offer natural sweetness.

View Recipe

02 of 26

Chopped Beet Salad

This vibrant chopped salad delivers a refreshing balance of earthy, tangy and citrusy flavors in every bite. Sweet, tender precooked beets are tossed in a bright orange–champagne vinaigrette, then topped with creamy feta and crunchy pistachios. A hint of honey smooths out the acidity, while the option of fresh mint adds a cool, aromatic finish. It’s a simple side that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled fish or holiday mains, and it looks as stunning as it tastes.

View Recipe

03 of 26

Melting Onions

Sweet caramelized onions become the centerpiece of this side dish that’s inspired by “melting” potatoes, but with a fun, loaded baked-potato twist. Serve these tender onions alongside grilled steak or roasted chicken or make them the star of the plate with a crusty loaf of bread to catch every last drip.

View Recipe

04 of 26

15-Minute Broccoli Salad with Feta

Bright, crunchy and ready in just 15 minutes, this broccoli salad brings big flavor with minimal effort. A fresh lemony dressing lightly coats crisp broccoli, sweet bell pepper and cooling cucumbers. A sprinkle of feta adds creamy contrast and ties everything together.

View Recipe

05 of 26

Cabbage Salad with Bacon

This warm Cabbage Salad with Bacon turns simple ingredients into something delicious. Crisp, smoky bacon adds richness, while its rendered drippings are whisked into an apple-cider vinaigrette for a tangy, savory-sweet dressing that coats the cabbage perfectly. A touch of Dijon and honey makes each bite bright and satisfying.

View Recipe

06 of 26

Maple-Mustard Green Beans with Crispy Shallots

Tangy and crisp-tender, these maple-mustard green beans offer a fresh twist on a classic side dish. The beans are tossed in a glossy dressing of maple syrup, Dijon and vinegar for a perfect balance of sweetness and zing. Crispy shallots add crunch, making the dish feel special enough for entertaining, yet it’s simple enough for a weeknight. The flavors work perfectly with roasted meats or holiday mains.

View Recipe

07 of 26

French Onion Mashed Potatoes

These French Onion Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate holiday upgrade to classic mashed potatoes. Creamy Yukon Golds get a boost from caramelized onions, cooked low and slow until jammy and sweet. The result is a side dish that’s perfect for pairing with roasts, poultry or festive vegetarian mains.

View Recipe

08 of 26

Garlic-Parmesan Melting Sweet Potatoes

These garlic-Parmesan sweet potatoes melt in your mouth, just as the name implies! After browning in a hot oven, thick slices of sweet potato simmer in a garlic-infused broth, soaking up savory flavor. A finishing sprinkle of cheese adds a golden, crisp edge. This easy dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pork and makes a wonderful holiday side.

View Recipe

09 of 26

Maple-Mustard Roasted Vegetables

These maple-Dijon roasted vegetables combine sweet, tangy and savory flavors in one easy sheet-pan side dish. A mix of veggies are tossed in a maple syrup and Dijon mustard glaze before roasting. The high heat caramelizes the edges, bringing out natural sweetness, while the mustard adds a zesty punch. It’s a versatile side that works well with everything from roasted chicken to grain bowls.

View Recipe

10 of 26

Cheesy Sautéed Cabbage

This cheesy cabbage is a comforting side dish that turns shredded green cabbage into something special. Creamy havarti cheese melts onto the warm cabbage, creating a rich, velvety texture. A layer of crispy panko breadcrumbs adds just the right amount of crunch. This easy dish pairs well with roasted meats or fish.

View Recipe

11 of 26

Balsamic-Rosemary Melting Beets

These Balsamic-Rosemary Melting Beets are an elegant way to showcase the delicious flavor of roasted beets. Roasting brings out their earthy depth, while a mixture of broth, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard and honey adds brightness and complexity. Fresh rosemary infuses the dish with aromatic warmth, and a final swirl of cold butter creates a silky finish.

View Recipe

12 of 26

Cheesy Baked Tomatoes

Baked tomatoes with cheese are a simple side dish that highlights the natural sweetness of summer-ripe tomatoes. We top halved tomatoes with a layer of melted mozzarella and tangy feta cheese, creating a deliciously gooey, golden crust. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a fresh note, but any fresh herb will pair perfectly with these warm juicy tomatoes.

View Recipe

13 of 26

Sour Cream & Onion Melting Potatoes

This simple potato side dish uses onion powder, dried and fresh chives and garlic to re-create the classic flavor of sour cream and onion chips. Each potato is tender, with a creamy texture on the inside that truly melts in your mouth. You can substitute red bliss potatoes if you have them on hand.

View Recipe

14 of 26

High-Protein Creamy Cucumber Salad

This high-protein cucumber salad features cottage cheese as its creamy base, replacing the traditional mayonnaise or sour cream. Crisp cucumber slices are folded into the mix for a light yet satisfying texture packed with protein. This salad makes a perfect cooling side dish for summer meals.

View Recipe

15 of 26

Ranch-Roasted Cabbage Wedges

These ranch-roasted cabbage wedges give a savory twist to cabbage, bringing bold ranch flavor to every bite. Brushed with olive oil and a sprinkle of ranch seasoning straight from the packet, they roast until perfectly caramelized. A drizzle of creamy ranch dressing completes this ranch-lovers’ dream. These wedges make the perfect sidekick to grilled chicken or burgers.

View Recipe

16 of 26

Broccoli Crunch Salad

From the crunchy nuts and Parmesan crisps to the chewiness of sun-dried tomatoes, this broccoli salad has a satisfying medley of textures. The red-wine vinaigrette brings a briny flavor that is balanced by the nuttiness of the cheese. Serve this salad as a side or turn it into a meal-prep-friendly lunch—just leave the Parmesan crisps out until serving so they don’t get soggy. Look for Parmesan crisps in the dressing aisle near croutons.

View Recipe

17 of 26

Carrot-Cucumber Salad

Carrot salads are refreshing, and this one—with cucumber, red onion and a zesty cilantro-chile vinaigrette—is sure to become a new favorite. It’s excellent served with grilled fish.

View Recipe

18 of 26

Arugula, Beet & Feta Salad

Peppery arugula and tender, sweet beets are balanced by a simple vinaigrette and briny bits of feta cheese in this salad. Using cooked, peeled beets helps make prep a breeze.

View Recipe

19 of 26

Spiced Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These roasted sweet potatoes are pleasantly spiced with a subtle kick of heat from Aleppo pepper and smoked paprika. Roasting the potatoes on two baking sheets ensures they have enough room to get crispy. Serve these spiced potatoes as a side dish for roasted chicken or use them in a breakfast hash.

View Recipe

20 of 26

No-Cook Chickpea, Beet & Quinoa Salad

This easy no-cook chickpea salad comes together in minutes. Look for precooked beets in the produce section of the grocery store. Leftover quinoa is great in this salad, but you could also use microwaveable quinoa to save on time. With a bright lemony-garlic dressing, this salad is the perfect side to accompany grilled chicken or roasted salmon.

View Recipe

21 of 26

Marry Me Broccoli

We know you’ll fall for this skillet Marry Me Broccoli after the first bite. This creamy broccoli dish takes after the popular Marry Me Chicken and features broccoli coated in a velvety, sun-dried tomato–infused sauce with a hint of garlic and Parmesan. Perfect as a side dish or a vegetarian main, this recipe is made with simple ingredients. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or over whole grains, it’s sure to win your heart!

View Recipe

22 of 26

Melting Carrots with Maple Butter

This recipe is a side dish that combines the natural sweetness of roasted carrots with the rich flavors of maple syrup. To bring on the flavor, carrots are roasted with a combination of melted butter and oil before a sweet and savory broth is added for the carrots to absorb, giving them their signature “melting” texture. The final touch is a sprinkle of fresh dill, or give them your own twist with your favorite chopped fresh herb.

View Recipe

23 of 26

Garlic-Parmesan Green Beans

These garlic-Parmesan green beans are a quick and easy side dish made in just one skillet. They pair beautifully with anything from roasted chicken to grilled steak, baked salmon or stuffed portobello mushrooms. They’re quick enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to serve at a gathering.

View Recipe

24 of 26

Roasted Carrot Salad

Sweet roasted carrots are the star of this salad, with some reserved for blending into a creamy, vibrant dressing. The carrot-based dressing—brightened with orange juice, whole-grain mustard and rice vinegar—adds a cohesive flavor to the salad. This roasted carrot salad works wonderfully as a side dish or as a main dish served with roasted chicken, salmon or tofu.

View Recipe

25 of 26

Roasted Lemon-Feta Broccoli

This lemon-roasted broccoli side dish is the perfect weeknight side. It’s quick and packed with vibrant flavors that complement any meal. We love to garnish this dish with fresh mint and oregano, but if you want to skip the fresh herbs, an extra pinch of dried herbs sprinkled over the top will work well too.

View Recipe

26 of 26

Cacio e Pepe Winter Squash

This cacio e pepe winter squash recipe is the ultimate cool-weather side dish. This twist on the classic Roman pasta brings the cheesy and peppery flavors of Cacio e Pepe to sweet acorn squash, making it a cozy, flavorful addition to any fall or winter meal. For a simple variation, give this easy recipe a try with another winter squash like delicata or butternut.

View Recipe