82 Low Calorie Slow Cooker Recipes Perfect For a Night In

From the Recipe Creator: This seemingly exotic dish is simple, vegan, healthy and hearty. The peanut butter blends beautifully with the sweetness of the squash and Thai seasonings. You can also serve this soup without pureeing it first. —Kayla Capper, Ojai, California

From the Recipe Creator: We love this delicious taco-style dish because of its super simple prep. Each serving is so easy to customize to everyone's individual tastes thanks to the toppings. It's become a regular when we're entertaining. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: I lightened up a friend's recipe and changed the add-ins to our tastes. This honey nut granola is now a family favorite! You can vary the recipe as you like, changing the nuts, seeds or dried fruits. —Tari Ambler, Shorewood, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: This vegetarian recipe is a tasty mashup of chicken Marsala and mushroom barley soup. It's terrific as a main dish, but it can also be served, with or without the barley, as a side. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: Being a New England native, I love apple-picking season. Grab some apples and peanut butter to make your own creamy riff on a PB&J. Of course it’s great on a sandwich, but you can dunk sliced fruit or graham crackers in it, too. —Brandie Cranshaw, Rapid City, South Dakota

From the Recipe Creator: While traveling through Morocco, my wife and I fell in love with the complex flavors of the many tagines we tried. Resist the urge to stir it­—doing so will break down the veggies. Add shredded cooked chicken in the last 10 minutes, or serve with grilled fish. —Raymond Wyatt, West St. Paul, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: I love this slow-cooker salmon recipe because it's healthy and almost effortless. The salmon always cooks to perfection! —Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York

From the Recipe Creator: Swapping ground turkey for ground beef lightens up this chili. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: This enticing dish is an entire dinner with meat, vegetables and beans, wonderful to come home to after I've run the kids around to activities all afternoon. The apple butter with the pork is yummy and perfect for fall! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: Coming home to this irresistible dessert on a dreary day is just wonderful; it’s slow-cooker easy. — Evangeline Bradford, Erlanger, Kentucky

From the Recipe Creator: My husband loves this chicken dish. It calls for only five ingredients, and we try to have them all on hand for a delicious and cozy dinner anytime. —Jennifer Seidel, Midland, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Our family is big on soup. This favorite is quick to make and very tasty, and it gives me plenty of time to have fun with my kids and grandkids while it slow-cooks. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

From the Recipe Creator: This crowd-pleasing appetizer is healthy to boot! Folks will love to eat their veggies when they can dip them in this zesty, fresh alternative to hummus. —Kelly Silvers, Edmond, Oklahoma

From the Recipe Creator: This Tex-Mex pulled beef roast is tender, slightly spicy, juicy and so delicious served over mashed potatoes or rice. The beef also makes the best soft tacos you've ever had. Save any leftover pulled beef in the liquid to prevent it from drying out. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: My sweet and chunky applesauce is a perfect snack or side dish with your favorite entree. Because it's prepared in the slow cooker, you can fix it and forget it before you and the family head out for some fun. —Susanne Wasson, Montgomery, New York

From the Recipe Creator: My family often requests this economical slow-cooker favorite. It's loaded with fresh southwestern flavors. One batch makes eight servings—but they never last long at our house! —Suzanne Caldwell, Artesia, New Mexico

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe makes a big batch of delicious, meaty gumbo. Stash some away in the freezer for days you don't feel like cooking. —Diane Smith, Pine Mountain, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: If you’re not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), don’t be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this chicken mole recipe because it’s a great one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana

From the Recipe Creator: A fresh take on traditional vegetable sides, this make-ahead dish stars zucchini, tomatoes and green pepper. Bubbly cheddar cheese adds a down-home feel. —Barbara Smith, Salem, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: A creamy Thai peanut sauce coats tender pork in this delectable dish. The recipe is from a friend in my cooking club, and it’s always a favorite. —Amy Van Orman, Rockford, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Quick to assemble, this is a simple recipe I’ve cooked many times. Stir in hot sauce if you like a bit of heat. I also like to top the finished dish with a sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese. —Cindi Hayward-Boger, Ardmore, Alabama

From the Recipe Creator: Capers, golden raisins and fresh basil give this dish a sweetly savory flavor. And what's better than that? The kids LOVE it. —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: This classic combination of peas and carrots is enriched with a handful of flavor enhancers. Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld for maximum richness. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California

From the Recipe Creator: I love this beef barbacoa because the meat is fall-apart tender and the sauce is smoky, slightly spicy and so flavorful. It’s an amazing alternative to ground beef tacos or even pulled pork carnitas. It’s also versatile. You can have a soft taco bar and let people make their own—or offer mouthwatering Mexican pizzas or rice bowls. —Holly Sander, Lake Mary, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: This filling rice dish, full of big chunks of butternut squash and sweet potatoes, is a standout combination of sweet and savory flavors. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: I had never made or eaten this dish before meeting my husband here in Kentucky. Now I make it at least once a week. I serve it with some homemade sweet cornbread. Delicious! —Christine Duffy, Sturgis, Kentucky

From the Recipe Creator: The slow cooker is our summertime go-to for cool kitchen cooking. After swim lessons and outdoor activities, it's so nice to come back to a tasty, light dinner. If you can't find Bibb or Boston, green leaf lettuce is less sturdy but can work in a pinch. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: This satisfying soup with a hint of cayenne is brimming with vegetables, chicken and noodles. The recipe originally came from my father-in-law, but I made some changes to give it my own spin. —Norma Reynolds, Overland Park, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: Our family always has such a wonderful time at the annual Salt Lake City Greek Festival. One of my favorite parts is all the awesome food. This meal is a good way to mix up our menu, and my kids are big fans. —Camille Beckstrand, Layton, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: I practically grew up in my Polish grandmother's kitchen, watching Babci cook and listening to her stories. I made her cabbage roll recipe healthier with whole grains and turkey, but kept the same rich flavors I remember. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: These spuds do a slow simmer with carrots and onion for a comfort side that bucks up any entree. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of chives. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: It looks impressive, but this mouthwatering chicken and mushroom sauce comes together in no time. I think its flavor rivals that of many full-fat entrees found in fancy restaurants. —Jennifer Pemberton, Muncie, Indiana

From the Recipe Creator: Comforting soups that simmer all day long are staples on cool, busy days. For a heartier version of this vegan cabbage soup, stir in canned beans, such as cannellini or navy beans. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Legend has it that the recipe for country captain chicken was brought to Georgia in the early 1800s by a British sea captain. Although it's traditional to serve this over rice, it's also delicious with noodles or mashed potatoes. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: Pomegranate, pear and orange go together so well that I decided to use them to prepare a Middle Eastern-themed tagine with lamb. This tastes delicious served over couscous, polenta or cauliflower mashed with feta cheese. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: Our children call these “Gramby Meatballs” because the recipe came from my dear mother-in-law. It’s a great way to make spinach palatable. I usually make a triple batch, bake them all and freeze the extras for a quick meal later. —Mimi Blanco, Bronxville, New York

From the Recipe Creator: Everyone will enjoy these fork-tender, slow cooker pork chops with a creamy, light gravy. Serve with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes and coleslaw or a salad. These are the best healthy slow cooker pork chops. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: Make the most of leftover turkey with this down-home soup. Creating a broth by roasting the turkey, garlic and vegetables adds richness and depth to the flavor without the need for additional fats. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: This healthy Crockpot recipe is a marvelously spicy combo that’s perfect for cooler fall weather and satisfying after a day spent outdoors. —Monica Osterhaus, Paducah, Kentucky

From the Recipe Creator: I created this recipe years ago, and it has become such a favorite that the wonderful aroma of it cooking makes my family instantly happy. It is hearty, flavorful and easy to prepare, and uses the long, slow cook time that truly defines this healthy comfort food. —Sally Pahler, Palisade, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: The spiced lamb in these stuffed pita pockets goes perfectly with cool cucumber and yogurt. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: I make chana masala, the classic Indian dish, in my slow cooker. Browning the onion, ginger and garlic first really makes the sauce amazing. —Anjana Devasahayam, San Antonio, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: The slow cooker is our summertime go-to for cool kitchen cooking. After swim lessons and outdoor activities, it’s so nice to come back to a tasty, light dinner. If you can’t find Bibb or Boston, green leaf lettuce is less sturdy but can work in a pinch. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: We love squash, but I got tired of fixing just plain squash and cheese. I decided to jazz it up a bit. This healthy Crockpot recipe was a huge hit with the family. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: This delicious pork tacos recipe is my copycat version of the most excellent Mexican food we ever had, when we were visiting Flagstaff, Arizona. The original recipe used beef instead of pork, but this comes mighty close to the same taste. —Ariella Winn, Mesquite, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: I live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. I make my version in the slow cooker. After the tempting aroma fills the house, your family is sure to be at the dinner table on time! —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: I love walking into my home after a long day and smelling this lovely pot roast cooking in my Crock-Pot. You can add potatoes and carrots to round out the meal, and the leftover meat makes a comforting soup for the next night. —Susan Burkett, Monroeville, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: I’ve enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing up in the Southwest. When friends call to ask me for healthy Crockpot recipes to try, I suggest these flavorful fajitas. It’s wonderful to put the beef in the slow cooker before church and come home to a hot delicious main dish. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: This dish is definitely a year-round recipe. Sweet potatoes, orange zest and baking cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

From the Recipe Creator: Since my husband works full time and attends school, I do a lot around the house, including wrangling our three kids. I’m always looking for no-fuss recipes, so I was thrilled to find this healthy slow cooker dish. The juicy teriyaki-seasoned pork roast has become a family favorite. —Roxanne Hulsey, Gainsville, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: When there's a chill in the air, nothing beats this beef stew. Seasoned with thyme and dry mustard, the hearty slow-cooker beef stew is chock-full of tender carrots, potatoes and meat. —Earnestine Wilson, Waco, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: We love to eat turkey, and on hot summer days, here's how we get our fix. For golden-brown turkey, broil for a few minutes before serving. —Margaret Bracher, Robertsdale, Alabama

From the Recipe Creator: Rely on your slow cooker to help prepare this moist pot roast. I thicken the juices to make a pleasing apple gravy that's wonderful over the beef slices and onions. —Rachel Koistinen, Hayti, South Dakota

From the Recipe Creator: My favorite kitchen appliance is the slow cooker, and I use mine more than anyone else I know. It does a great job with this healthy, good-for-you dish. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska

From the Recipe Creator: My family is crazy about this healthy slow cooker recipe because it uses ingredients you don’t usually find in chili. Believe it or not, I discovered that pumpkin is what makes the dish so special. Cook up a big batch and freeze some for later; it tastes even better reheated. —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: I put this slow cooker recipe together in the morning before I leave for work. In the evening, the amazing aroma greets me when I open the door. All I have to do is quickly cook some rice, and dinner is served. —Deborah Puette, Lilburn, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: Even on busy days, I can start this chicken in a slow cooker and still get to work on time. When I come home, spinach salad and crescent rolls round out a healthy menu. —Heidi Rudolph, Oregon, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: Try this comforting stew that's easy to put together, but it tastes like you've been working hard in the kitchen all day. It's even better served over polenta, egg noodles or mashed potatoes. —Nancy Elliot, Houston, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: If you’re looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It’s brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and is fancy enough to be an elegant, healthy meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire

From the Recipe Creator: Enjoy all the flavors of Italian sausage sandwiches with this healthier alternative. —Lia Dellario, Middleport, New York

From the Recipe Creator: I find that pork is the secret to a good black-eyed peas recipe. A double dose of ham for flavor and slow, gentle cooking creates this perfect side dish. —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: It's easy to make a whole chicken in a slow cooker. We save the shredded chicken to use during busy weeks. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: It was an abundance of dill in my garden that led me to try this. My family liked the taste so much that, from then on, I made my old-fashioned cabbage rolls recipe with dill. This is how to make easy cabbage rolls. – Florence Krantz, Bismarck, North Dakota

From the Recipe Creator: While living away from Texas for a while, my boyfriend and I grew homesick for the spicy flavors of home. We’ve made this slow cooker recipe a few times now, and it goes really well with homemade flour tortillas. We love it over rice, too. —Kelly Evans, Denton, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: These slow-cooked beef tips remind me of a childhood favorite. I cook them with mushrooms and serve over brown rice, noodles or mashed potatoes. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota

From the Recipe Creator: This hearty and healthy slow cooker recipe will warm your family right down to their toes! Serve this stew with cornbread or rolls to soak up every last morsel. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: With the help of a slow cooker, you can prepare a down-home dinner any day of the week, not just on Sundays. The roast turns out tender and savory every time. —Brandy Schaefer, Glen Carbon, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: After a long day working in our greenhouse raising bedding plants, I enjoy coming in to this hearty slow-cooker pepper steak for supper. It's one of my favorite meals. — Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Garlic, oregano and lemon juice give spark to this memorable, healthy dish. It’s easy to fix—just brown the chicken in a skillet, then let the slow cooker do the work. I like to serve this dish to company. —Walter Powell, Wilmington, Delaware

From the Recipe Creator: I'm always getting recipe inspiration from newspapers and magazines. Here’s a tender roast with aromatic spices that give it a Moroccan feel. —Karen Burdell, Lafayette, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: This chicken cacciatore recipe makes a good Sunday dinner, since the recipe is so simple to prepare. It's inexpensive besides and loaded with lots of vegetables. —Barbara Roberts, Courtenay, British Columbia

From the Recipe Creator: A friend had success with this recipe, so I tried it. When my husband told me how much he loved it, I knew I’d be making it often.—Vivian Warner, Elkhart, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: Of all the recipes I make in my slow cooker, this is my favorite. If you like your barbecue sweet with a little spice, this will be your new favorite, too. —Yvonne McKim, Vancouver, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: The classic flavors of herbes de Provence, apples and dried plums make this easy slow-cooked pork taste like a hearty meal at a French country cafe. For a traditional pairing, serve the pork with braised lentils. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: I love to have my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren over for this supper. They make me so happy with their compliments or just by going to fill up their bowls again. It’s a healthy, good-for-you hit. —Pam Corder, Monroe, Louisiana

From the Recipe Creator: My mom used to make this wonderful dish, and I’ve always enjoyed it. The gravy is especially dense and flavorful.—Deanne Stephens, McMinnville, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: I fell in love with the spicy aromas in this slow cooker lentil stew. Add whatever other healthy ingredients you have on hand, like zucchini, spinach, kale and corn. —Heather Gray, Little Rock, Arkansas

From the Recipe Creator: My mother often had these cabbage rolls simmering in her slow cooker when my family and I arrived at her house for weekend visits. The mouthwatering meatballs tucked inside made these stand out from any other cabbage rolls I’ve tried. —Betty Buckmaster, Muskogee, Oklahoma

From the Recipe Creator: Coffee adds richness to the gravy, which is perfect for sopping up with crusty bread or draping over mashed potatoes. —Charla Sackmann, Orange City, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: It’s crazy how just a few ingredients can make such a difference. Using finely chopped rotisserie chicken in this recipe makes it perfect for a busy weeknight meal, but you can leave the chicken out if you prefer. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: I’m a stay-at-home mom, and the slow cooker helps me create dishes like this pork with a curry and cumin rub. I add a splash of coconut milk. —Beverly Peychal, Waukesha, Wisconsin