Healthy Slow-Cooker Recipes

Warm up with a slow cooker favorite: beef stew! Onions, sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, and a few surprises (ever tossed dried apricots in your beef dishes?) make for a tongue-tingling dinner that requires just 25 minutes of hands-on time.

Slow cooker time: 7 to 8 hours on low heat

Divide juicy garlic-seasoned beef brisket, onion slices, and peppers among whole grain baguettes for a family favorite. Our version is low in fat and cholesterol.

Slow cooker time: 9 to 10 hours on low heat

A sauce made from chicken broth, soy sauce, fresh ginger, and other pantry staples simmers with turkey breast tenderloins in this 222-calorie dinner entree.

Slow cooker time: 5 to 6 hours on low heat

Whip together this six-ingredient slow cooker dish with half an hour of prep time and a day of passing up the urge to stir the pot. Chili beans and a bit of cheese ensure that this meatless dish still provides you with ample protein to keep you going.

Slow cooker time: 6 to 6-1/2 hours on low heat

Sumptuous ingredients, including portobello mushroom caps, dry white wine, Dijon mustard, and fresh rosemary sprigs, make this chicken dish a sophisticated favorite. And because it's just 209 calories, you don't have to worry that you're overindulging.

Slow cooker time: 5 to 6 hours on low heat

Great-tasting ribs with just five ingredients? Chipotle chiles make it happen by lending a tasty balance of sweet and hot flavors to the meat.

Slow cooker time: 6 to 7 hours on low heat

Sassy and lively, just like the classic cocktail, this sensational steak is easy-to-fix -- and it works well in a heart-healthy diet.

Slow cooker time: 8 to 9 hours on low heat

Low-fat chicken or turkey meatballs take on a tangy flavor when they're simmered in this snappy cranberry-flavored barbecue sauce.

Tip: Stick an instant-read thermometer in your meatballs and make sure they're 165 degrees inside.

Slow cooker time: 2 to 3 hours on low heat

This full-flavored barley and vegetable soup is super-low in fat and calories. Pair it with a favorite sandwich for a heart-healthy (and delicious) meal.

Slow cooker time: 8 to 9 hours on low heat

Orange marmalade and mustard team up in a glistening sauce to top chops and squash slices. Steam green beans or asparagus to serve on the side of this heart-healthy meal.

Slow cooker time: 5 to 6 hours on low heat

Wild rice adds an earthy note to this low-fat soup, which gets a boost from lemon and rosemary.

Slow cooker time: 6 to 6-1/2 hours on low heat

To keep this luscious pork sandwich heart-healthy, look for a barbecue sauce low in fat and sodium.

Slow cooker time: 6 to 7 hours on low heat

Garbanzo beans are rich, hearty legumes that make it easy to go meatless, especially when paired with potatoes and savory spices.

Slow cooker time: 9 to 10 hours on low heat

This pork stew has only mild Cajun seasoning -- a good introduction for folks new to the flavor. Hot rice sops up the pork's savory sauces, making this heart-healthy meal tasty and satisfying.

Slow-cooker time: 7 to 8 hours on low heat

When baked ham or roast pork are on the menu, cook a batch of these fruity maple-glazed sweet potatoes to spoon alongside. Let your slow cooker do the work for this tasty side that'll satisfy your sweet tooth without loading you up on calories.

Slow cooker time: 5 to 6 hours on low heat

This mild sweet-sour chicken is made with mango chutney and chili sauce. Serve rice alongside to soak up every drop of this heart-healthy entree. No one will believe you made it in a slow cooker!

Slow-cooker time: 5 to 6 hours on low heat

With a light licorice flavor and celery-like texture, fennel brings flavor to this hearty (and healthful) soup.

Tip: When purchasing fennel, look for firm, smooth bulbs without cracks or brown spots. Stalks should be crisp and leaves a fresh bright green.

Slow cooker time: 6 to 7 hours on low heat

Garlic, onion, tomatoes, and meat are the basic picadillo quartet. This sassy pita dip takes on Mediterranean flair by mingling with heart-healthy olives, almonds, and raisins.

Slow cooker time: 6 to 8 hours on low heat