Healthy slow cooker meals

Two bowls of split yellow pea soup, topped with leafy garnish and croutons

Looking for the right kit? Read our review of the best slow cookers on the market and get the best from your new gadget with our top tips for using a slow cooker.

Our best healthy slow cooker ideas

1. Slow cooker ratatouille

A glorious melting pot of colour, this vegan slow-cooked ratatouille is bursting with veg such as aubergines, courgettes, peppers and tomatoes. As well as being high in fibre and folate, this hearty stew delivers an impressive four of your five-a-day. It's also freezable, so you can make a large batch to keep for busy midweek days. Enjoy it with some crusty homemade sourdough for mopping up the juices.

Slow cooker ratatouille

Find more plant-based wonders in our collection of vegan slow cooker recipes.

2. Slow cooker meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs on a plate, topped with herbs

These meatballs are so packed with flavour, you won't believe they are healthy! Using turkey mince makes them leaner and the hidden veg sauce is a great way to give kids some of their five-a-day. Serve with spaghetti for a satisfying family dinner.

Slow cooker meatballs

Check out more healthy family slow cooker recipes.

3. Slow cooker spiced root & lentil casserole

Make chilly winter days that bit better by having a comforting casserole waiting for you in the slow cooker. This simple vegan one-pot is brimming with chunky root veg such as parsnips, carrots and lentils, which soak up the flavours of warming spices and bay leaves. Serve with bread, rice, or potatoes for a budget-friendly dinner, or make an extra-large batch to freeze for when you have less time.

Slow cooker spiced root & lentil casserole

4. Slow cooker vegetable lasagne

Comfort food doesn't have to be stodgy or leave you feeling bloated. We've made this classic pasta bake lighter by ditching the white sauce, using wholewheat lasagne sheets and loading up on plenty of veg. Layers of courgettes, aubergines, peppers and pasta are baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with a scattering of veggie buffalo mozzarella, making for a satisfying meat-free supper. As an extra bonus, a serving of this veggie lasagne provides all five of your five-a-day as well as being low in fat and calories.

Slow-cooked vegetable lasagne

We have plenty of vegetarian slow cooker recipes. Or, if you prefer a meaty dish, try our healthy slow cooker lasagne which uses extra-lean beef mince.

5. Slow cooker chicken casserole

Three plates of slow cooker chicken and vegetable casserole

The whole family will love our wholesome chicken and vegetable casserole, which just happens to be low-fat and full of goodness. Use boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets for maximum flavour, along with low-salt stock cubes, bay leaves and a hint of spice from Dijon mustard. With just 10 minutes prep time required, it's sure to become a favourite.

More like this

Slow-cooker chicken casserole

Browse our slow cooker chicken recipes for more flavoursome casseroles, curries, soups and stews.

6. Danish-style yellow split pea soup

Bowl of yellow split pea soup served with bread

Yellow split peas are a great storecupboard staple to have on hand and add plenty of texture to this simple Scandinavian-inspired soup. All you have to do is cook the split peas for 10 minutes, then add to the slow cooker along with an assortment of wintry veg. We've ramped up the flavour levels with herbs such as thyme, dill and oregano, whilst caraway seeds, white pepper, cloves and white miso lend a gently spicy, umami boost. This warming blend has plenty of health credentials to boot – as well as being a source of iron, it's low in fat, vegan and provides three of your five-a-day.

Danish-style yellow split pea soup

7. Squid, prawn & chickpea nduja stew

Squid, prawn and chickpea nduja stew on a plate

Seafood dishes are also well suited to slow cooking as it allows the flavours to meld together. We've used British squid in this Spanish-style stew because it's budget-friendly, sustainable and underused. However, you can easily adapt the recipe with whatever seafood you have – steamed clams, mussels and cockles could all work. Nduja or chorizo sausage also add a smoky, spicy kick and meatiness to the dish.

Squid, prawn & chickpea nduja stew

8. Slow cooker pork fillet with apples

Pork fillets and apples in a dish, served with courgettes and peas

Want a nutritious dish to impress? The classic combination of pork and apples is only enhanced by slow cooking as the meat becomes more tender and the fruit caramelises. Served in a sauce made with low-fat crème fraîche, sage and mustard, this makes for a light and elegant dinner party dish, accompanied by a plate of steamed greens. Furthermore, this is one of our quicker slow cooker recipes, requiring just four hours to cook – ideal, if you have less time.

Slow cooker pork fillet with apples

Discover more low-carb slow cooker recipes

9. Aubergine & chickpea stew

Two bowls of aubergine and chickpea stew with bread

Combine melting aubergines with chickpeas, chopped tomatoes and spices in this vibrant vegan stew. A source of vitamin C and folate, it's also low in fat and packs in three of your five-a-day. Finish the dish with a sprinkling of satisfyingly crunchy toasted pine nuts, plus fresh parsley, and enjoy it with warm pittas.

Aubergine & chickpea stew

10. Slow cooker bolognese

Every nonna knows the key to any successful meaty pasta sauce is slow cooking. This bumper bolognese recipe makes 12 portions and it can be frozen to thaw on those nights when you just can’t face cooking a meal from scratch. What’s more, its fat, calorie and salt levels are all in check. Serve with wholewheat pasta and a big side salad.

Slow cooker bolognese

See more healthy mince recipes and also check out our slow cooker shepherd's pie.