Making dinner after a long day at work sucks. Cooking breakfast when you have sleep in your eyes and barely have time to make it to work also sucks. You know what doesn't suck? These slow cooker recipes. All of these recipes are simple to make and ensure you always have a healthy meal on hand.
Roasted Chicken
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Yes, it's entirely possible to roast a chicken in your slow cooker. By doing so, you'll have the makings of healthy recipes for a week!
Who says pumpkin pie is just for Fall? With pumpkin puree readily available in your grocery store, this vegan oatmeal recipe can be part of your breakfast routine all year round. It's fruity, nutty, subtly sweet, and totally satisfying.
Paleo dieters will love this beef and veggie stew, which only requires 20 minutes of preparation time before slow-cooking to perfection. Each serving is 265 calories.
Spaghetti squash can be a pain to cook, but not if you have a slow cooker! In just four to six hours, you'll have the makings of a ton of delicious spaghetti squash recipes.
Chili is one of the most common slow-cooker recipes, and this one made with ground chicken and kidney beans is sure to satisfy without breaking the calorie bank — it's only 324 calories per serving. This dish is made using a Dutch oven on the stove, but you can easily adapt this recipe to be made in a slow cooker; just keep it on low.
Take 20 minutes for prep the night before, set your slow cooker to low while you sleep, and wake up to the smell of eggs and bacon cooking in the kitchen. This easy breakfast casserole is grain-free, dairy-free, and Paleo-friendly.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Few comfort foods are quite as rich as split pea soup, but the vegetable and ham dish can be time-consuming at the best of times. Try preparing it in your slow cooker for a bubbling dinner that's ready when you get home!
While it tastes extremely decadent, this chocolate and cherry oatmeal is a healthy breakfast option. Unsweetened dark chocolate and tart cherries will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt!
You can make this on the stove much faster, but it's also a great slow-cooker recipe if you just want to set it and forget it. Made with split peas, celery, and sweet potatoes, this hearty soup is only 254 calories per serving.
Slow cookers aren't just for applesauce and stroganoff! Try something a little more exotic for your next healthy dinner — this chickpea curry is just the thing and under 400 calories when paired with coconut rice.
Though it contains all the fresh produce that a health nut could ever dream up, this nutritious chili has a warm, comforting quality that will remind you of childhood. It also makes great lunch leftovers!
Chefs swear by skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts because they provide the most flavorful, moist meat. Braising the chicken also helps retain the moisture, and it leaves you with a flavorful tomato-sage broth that can be poured over mashed potatoes or polenta.
It may sound complicated, but this seasonal slow-cooker soup only calls for eight ingredients! It offers over 14 grams of protein per 272-calorie serving.
Much like its pork predecessor, this poultry-based carnitas recipe is tender, flavorful, and comforting — however, it leaves out the traditional portions of oil and lard. Try it on tacos, salad, or nachos!
These tasty chicken fajitas practically cook themselves — perfect for busy weeknights. Did we mention you only need five ingredients for the fajitas? So easy.
If you've ever made a disastrous attempt at slow-cooker oatmeal, have no fear: steel-cut oats are here to redeem you. Let this recipe be your guide to nailing overnight oats!
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
You know those days where you have a bunch of random vegetables in the fridge? The simple solution to using them all is this vegetarian chili loaded with zucchini, tomatoes, corn, and a ton of other pantry staples.
Gluten-free, protein-rich, and under 400 calories, this breakfast casserole is great to cook up on Sunday afternoon, slice up, and enjoy all week long.