This story has been updated since it was originally posted on 09/25/2022 to include more recipes
With winter officially in full swing (and 6 more weeks of it ahead, according to Punxsutawney Phil), you may be craving some warm, hearty meals like stews and roasts. As the weather gets colder, there’s nothing quite like preparing a simple but filling dinner that can warm you up—and takes minimal effort to whip up. That’s where slow-cookers come in! What’s better than throwing all your ingredients into one pot and letting it cook while you relax? Luckily, there are tons of slow-cooker recipes out there that are simple as ever to make and won’t pack in the calories. That means you can enjoy a whole range of soups, stews, curries, and more without having to worry about gaining weight this fall.
If you’re looking for some new healthy, low-calorie slow-cooker recipes to try out this year, we’ve got you covered. Below are some of our favorite options that will keep both your tastebuds and your waistline happy!
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1. Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas
These slow-cooker pork carnitas are a great way to bring a healthy twist to Taco Tuesday. Unlike red meat, which can lead to serious health complications (including weight gain) over time, pork is a fantastic lean protein that can help you slim down while still enjoying some delicious Mexican food. Throw in some simple toppings like cilantro, lime, and pickled onions, and you've got yourself a super-simple, super-tasty weeknight dinner—not to mention guilt-free. Yum!
Ingredients: pork roast, oranges, onion, lime juice, taco seasoning, queso fresco, pickled onions, limes, cilantro, tortillas
2. Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Diet Stew
The Mediterranean Diet is a popular diet for weight loss that prioritizes lean proteins, legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Whether or not you're following the diet, this slow-cooker stew is one low-calorie recipe you'll want to add into your weeknight rotation ASAP. It packs in tons of healthy veggies and hearty beans to keep you full without putting your weight loss goals at risk. Plus, all you have to do is throw all of the ingredients into a slow-cooker, and you're good to go!
Ingredients: diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, onion, carrot, garlic, oregano, salt, crushed red pepper, ground pepper, chickpeas, kale, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, basil leaves, lemon
3. Slow-Cooker Spicy Italian Chicken And Fennel Stew
Craving Italian but don't want to load up on carbs with pasta and bread? Look no further than this spicy Italian chicken and fennel stew. It's packed with fiber, protein, and all those veggies you need to stay satiated and energized as you crush your weight loss goals. Not to mention, this recipe is packed with flavor—so you won't have to sacrifice the taste you love just to keep your belly flat. At just under 500 calories, it's the perfect slow-cooker meal!
Ingredients: olive oil, fennel, chicken thigh, flour, garlic, long red chili, white wine, diced tomatoes
4. Slow-Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Here's another low-calorie, protein-loaded recipe that prioritizes killer flavor. No need to order greasy takeout to enjoy teriyaki chicken; this slow-cooker meal allows you to make it right from the comfort of your own home—without overloading your calorie count. The best part is that you can serve it with any veggies your heart desires, and it's so simple to make.
Ingredients: chicken breast, garlic, low sodium soy sauce, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, ginger, sriracha, scallions, sesame seeds
5. Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken
Ensuring you're fitting enough protein in your diet is a crucial part of weight loss—and choosing the right types of protein is also essential. Health experts recommend choosing lean options like fish, turkey, and chicken. That's where this lemon garlic chicken recipe comes in. Not only does it offer a hearty serving of lean chicken, but it also features gut-healthy, metabolism-boosting (not to mention delicious) garlic, along with antioxidant-rich lemon. Altogether, it's a match-made in weight loss and flavor heaven.
Ingredients: dried oregano, salt, ground black pepper, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butter, water, lemon juice, garlic, chicken bouillon, fresh parsley
