10 Healthy Slow Cooker Dinners We Really Love

The slow cooker is one of the best tools for getting easy dinners on the table. I mean, what’s not to love about an appliance that practically does all the work for you? But the slow cooker does not always produce the most flavorful results — a common complaint is that things often come out tasting one-note — so a lot of recipes rely on high-fat ingredients like cream or cheese to jazz things up.

If your goals include eating more balanced meals — packed with more veggies and protein, and less fat — but you still want the convenience of cooking in a slow cooker, we’re here to help you. From chicken enchilada soup to veggie burrito bowls, there’s a recipe here for everyone.

Spinach and artichoke dip is a classic for game night, but for a healthier twist that’s more weeknight-friendly, go for this chicken instead. Made with low-sodium chicken broth, you can serve this over quinoa or brown rice for a wholesome dinner.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Spinach and Artichoke Chicken

This recipe specifically calls for brown rice, which holds up better in the slow cooker, so you’re already on your way to a meal packed with whole grains. Feel free to swap plain yogurt for the sour cream in the lime sour cream portion of the recipe.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Veggie Burrito Bowls

This soup gives you the flavor of enchiladas, but without all the cheese typically found in this Mexican dish. It starts with a base of homemade enchilada sauce, which means you can also control how much sodium and sugar make it in. Serve with plain yogurt and you’re all set.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup

This Italian-inspired rice casserole gets a double dose of protein, thanks to a combination of chicken and white beans. And since it’s also filled with tender broccoli florets, you truly have a one-bowl meal on your hands.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Broccoli Bowl

This hearty curry is vegan, but you’d never guess, thanks to its super-meaty texture and incredible flavor. Save the addition of coconut milk for the very end for a little extra richness. Serve over a bed of rice or your favorite grain with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Coconut Lentil Curry

When you need something nourishing and comforting, this vegetarian soup will be there for you. The ginger-turmeric broth and baby bok choy are light and bright, while additions like buckwheat soba noodles and cubes of tofu round things out so you’re sure to be sated.

Get the recipe: Gingery Tofu Slow Cooker Soup

If you’re staring down a glut of seasonal veggies, this is the perfect recipe to put them all to use. This simple vegan stew is great enjoyed on its own or served alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Get the recipe: Slow-Cooker Ratatouille

Another great vegan stew from the slow cooker! This one’s spiced with flavorful curry powder and made creamy with a little help from some coconut milk. Packed with veggies and chickpeas, it’s filling enough to eat on its own for lunch or with some rice or quinoa for dinner.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Curried Vegetable and Chickpea Stew

This flavorful, colorful chicken dinner is made with Trader Joe’s shortcuts. Plus it’s got protein and vegetables all in one crock!

Get the recipe: Trader Joe’s Slow Cooker Spicy Mediterranean Chicken

Simple pesto chicken can be a punchy base to bowls, pastas, and more. Here we’re serving it with vibrant tomatoes and filling brown rice.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken