February 23, 2018 10:40 am
Published by Breanne Lovatt
One of the biggest challenges for eating well, is time management. Between a busy workweek, exercise schedule, family or kids, and social life, it is hard to manage cooking wholesome healthy meals every single day. Enter the slow cooker, or crock pot, or the now trending instant pot; a quintessential kitchen gadget that allows you to have meals that are ready when you get home (or wake up!).
In our quest for slow cooker recipes that fit the bill of high protein and nutrition alike, we have curated a variety of fare that can be frozen, meal prepped, or enjoyed straight with your loved ones.
Versatile Slow Cookers
Ingredients cooked in slow cookers need to withstand long cooking durations; that makes items like seafood and peas that cook fast, not very ideal. However, the slow cooking process doesn’t blitz nutrients and flavours, allowing you to preserve the integrity of food which in turn contributes to your health. The best part about them? It is absolutely versatile! You don’t have to fret about making pot roasts on a work night or tacos for lunch. The humble crock pot will do it all—even going so far as to cooking breakfast oats.
As for muscle building, we understand that eating is key. And these slow cooker recipes will allow you to stay on track—with an in, give-it-6, out approach.
Want even more protein minus the cholesterol? Have a look at our mega list of high protein vegan recipes.
With 21.4 grams of protein per serving, this yummy pick-it-up-with-your-fingers recipe brings together super grain quinoa with beans and fresh toppings. A twist from typical tex-mex, this recipe is ready in 4 hours and requires minimum prep time.
Layers of mushroom and pearl onions come together in this hearty dinner recipe with 31.2 grams protein per serving. Balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, rosemary, and pomegranate take you to the Mediterranean countryside immediately.
Tender and succulent, one would be surprised that this turkey didn’t come out of a regularly monitored oven. With 38 grams of protein per serving, the Italian seasonings in this dish work best with bone-in turkey breasts.
4. Slow Cooker Indian Curry Chicken
With a whopping 50.6 grams of protein per serving, this curry classic uses coconut milk and the very beneficial turmeric. Up the health quotient a notch by serving it on a delicious and skinny bed of cauliflower rice.
This healthy finger food option is loaded with sticky, fragrant goodness and it provides 48 grams of protein per serving. With pineapple juice, tapioca flour, and sesame seeds, its loaded on nutrition too. Enjoy guilt free.
Full of lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains, this Creole variation minus the traditional sausage packs in 33.6 grams of protein per serving. With celery, bell peppers, and tomatoes, this dish is tangy, spicy, and very filling.
With a seafood medley, lean chicken sausage instead of chorizos, quinoa, and sprouted rice, this healthy version of the Spanish paella provides 28 grams of protein per serving. Heavy on fibre too, this recipe ensures that hunger pangs don’t strike a few hours later.
Melt in the mouth meat, glazed veggies, and gravy would make even the most pickiest of eaters happy. Add to that, 43 grams of protein per serving and a recipe that you will not mess up. A great dinner idea for days when you start the crockpot 6 to 8 hours in advance.
Flavoured with red wine, basil, bay leaves, and oregano, this recipe has 31 grams of protein per serving. The tomato sauce base is tangy, while the beef is tender against firmly cooked polenta. The total yield of the recipe is huge though; we suggest adjusting for number of servings you need.
With hoisin, soy, and rice, each serving of these wraps provides 30 grams protein. The author suggests substituting the rice with quinoa if you want it to be more healthy. And of course, lettuce wraps always help cut refined carbs out.
This recipe freezes great and provides 30 grams of protein per serving. Made with lean ground turkey, quinoa, fire-roasted tomatoes, and healthy sweet potatoes, a bowl of this goodness with a loaf of whole-meal bread will make any busy weekday meal a breeze.
Beef, veggies, and broth… The ultimate comfort meal. This stew provides 50 grams of protein per serving and uses a mix of lean beef cuts, baby potatoes, carrots, and peas. Aromatic herbs such as bay leaves and thyme add to its flavour.
Zoodles, or zucchini noodles are a great way to enjoy spaghetti, minus all the calories and gluten. This recipe, with 49 grams of protein per serving uses smoked paprika for an impactful punch. Chicken breast, tomatoes, white wine, and Italian herbs finish it off.
Skinny rarely tastes this good, with this soup made in the slow cooker at 26.2 grams of protein per serving. With turkey breast, butternut squash, fresh green beans, and fragrant Thai red curry paste, this soup is great as a meal in itself.
Pepper steak is one of those Chinese-American inventions, and a quick way to satiate your taste buds. This slow cooker version with 55 grams of protein per serving ensures that the beef is melt in your mouth, and the umami flavours spot on.
A healthy yet lazy version for the chicken filling, this fajita recipe has 30.1 grams of protein per serving. Serve in healthy tortillas for a quick and satiating lunch. The chicken itself can be paired with a side of veggies if you like.
A dish with a true twist of cuisines, this delicious lasagna recipe has 31.2 grams of protein per serving. And with ingredients such as coconut sugar, ricotta cheese, rice vinegar, sriracha, and water chestnuts, it is a dream come true for medley lovers.
With 32.9 grams protein per serving, this recipe blending easy ingredients with New Orleans’ flavours is great served on beds of skinny rice and veggies. Made with Andouille sausage and chicken breasts, it has great scope for adding custom ingredients of choice.
Yes. It is possible to produce these results in a slow cooker. And with 53 grams of protein a serving too. Enjoy this deliciously juicy turkey with garlic, thyme, and rosemary even on a busy worknight. The recipe has a gravy suggestion too.
Crave some Indian takeaway minus the calories? This just as delicious vegan and skinny hack contains 18 grams of protein per serving, and plenty of yum tricks up its sleeve. Cooked in coconut oil and milk, and completely dairy-free, this recipe is best served with naan or rice.
With a crispy crust outside and fluffy bite inside, this meatloaf with lean ground beef, Dijon mustard, and tomato paste hits the right spots. Each serving has 27.1 grams of protein and the leftovers will make a great sandwich after.
With 34 grams of protein per serving, this creamy and mushroom-rich beef stroganoff made in the crockpot won’t ever disappoint. Little substitutions, such as whole-wheat pasta and Greek yogurt keeps the recipe healthy.
Fancy a spot of street Japanese? Make this recipe, with chicken thighs, fresh ginger and garlic, and Asian sauces. At 36 grams of protein per serving, it makes for a fulfilling meal served on a bed of rice with a sprinkling of sesame.
This crock pot version of the classic pasta soup is packed with fibrous veggies, lean protein, and whole grains. And with 28 grams protein for a starter serving, it targets your fitness goals in the right manner. Good clean eating epitomised.
Homemade sausages are always a great idea for weekend projects; that way, you control what goes into them. This recipe, using turkey sausages has 25 grams of protein per serving. The whole wheat spaghetti is prepared in a tangy sauce.
Serve these with charred corn and a salad, and game night never looked this good. With 44 grams of protein per serving, the ribs use a homemade ‘Memphis’ rub that is versatile enough to go on all your meat adventures.
Great for weekly meal prep, this slow cooker recipe is fresh, and loaded with nutrient-dense ingredients. The flank meat used raises the protein content to 44 grams per serving, while the fresh summery dressing adds ample amounts of zing.
These meatballs might be a little high on the calorie side of things, but the hidden surprise inside, and 32.2 grams of protein in just one sixth of the recipe make it worthwhile. Also, the ingredients used are wholesome and clean.
White chili’s one of those dishes that are trending in the food blogging world. And this healthy version has a total of 32 grams of protein per serving. Made with a variety of white beans and lean chicken breasts, this recipe also freezes easy.
Light and fresh with ingredients such as cucumbers and fresh dill, this slow cooker salmon risotto has 25 grams of protein per serving. Sugar and trans fat free, this will be great to incorporate into your clean-eating meal plan.
With 57 grams of protein per serving, the lamb shanks in this recipe has meat that falls right off the bone! Cooked in beef broth with a handful of aromatics like black pepper and rosemary, this 5-ingredient dish is absolutely fuss free.
Don’t have a tagine pot? No problem! You can recreate the deliciously heady flavours of a good African tagine in your slow cooker. This recipe is healthy—has everything from ras al hanout to turmeric—and provides 36 grams of protein per serving.
Another great meal prep idea for a busy workweek, you will be surprised how this recipe uses everyday ingredients to create aromatic Thai flavours. Each serving has 33.4 grams of protein, and is easy to stack up in the fridge for later.
This taco lentil soup is both vegan and gluten free. Made with a mix of bell peppers, black beans, and lentils, each serving has a total of 37.4 grams of protein. In fact, the saturated fat content is also only at 1.9 grams! Eat to your heart’s content.
Somehow, broccoli always finds its way into meaty healthy-eating recipes! And this one’s no different. Using lean cut beef along with sauces such as soy, sriracha, and oyster, this dish has a total of 43 grams protein per serving.
This is one of those share platters that you enjoy with 5 other people. Moderate snacking can in fact help keep your fitness foals aligned, and this recipe provides 27+ grams of protein and plenty of plant fibre per serving.
At 291 calories, this recipe won’t make a calorie dent in your meal plan. Providing 30 grams of protein, the honey, vegetable broth, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce render the pork chops juicy and moist.
Greens can be comforting in food. And beautiful green pesto, peas, and asparagus play central in this dish with 22.4 grams of protein per serving. This cooks easy in 4-5 hours on low—with minimal prep and maximum deliciousness.
With over 22 grams of protein per serving, and a large size, this casserole is your answer to putting breakfast on, before going to bed. With eggs, hash browns, bacon, and broccoli—think of it as classic breakfast dishes put together in one!
Another no fuss number, the slow cooker-made pulled chicken is steeped in flavour and can be a versatile component to sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more. This whole wheat hamburger version has 28 grams of protein per serving.
Chicken, quinoa, and chickpeas are cooked in cumin, garlic, and peppers for a long time to create this comforting eat-straight out of the bowl recipe. Each serving has a total of 37.3 grams of protein and has the choice of many different toppings.
A stew-style dish with the warming flavours of corned beef and pickling spice, this recipe has a low salt content because of no brining. At 54 grams of protein per serving, it will keep you going strong for many tough hours.
This recipe divided into 6 servings has over 50 grams of protein in each. A traditional Greek style dish, it provides a wholesome plethora of flavours through anchovies, Mediterranean herbs, and meat that falls right off the fork.
Lentils are a great source of plant protein minus bad fats, and this recipe provides 16 grams of it per serving. It also has a high fibre content at 13.7 grams. Mustard, garlic, cayenne, and soy create the delicious flavour profile.
Sweet potatoes and strawberries—a flavour combination worthy of fine dining, right at home. With 27 grams of protein per serving, this recipe uses simple ingredients, but the end result is nowhere simple. Tender, and tangy pork.
Lean meat, tacos, and a homemade seasoning? Definitely yes! With 30 grams of protein per serving, this recipe prepared in olive oil, and served with plenty of fresh toppings are great for brunches, lunches, or whenever hunger strikes.
Another one of those recipes that prove slow cookers are a win-win for whole roasts, this recipe has a whopping 72.6 grams of protein per serving. With classic British roast flavours of lemon, garlic, thyme, and pepper to boot.
Shawarmas are a crowd pleaser and have a one up on donners! Perfect to eat as is with a side of cous cous or in pita wraps, this recipe produces deliciously tender and fragrant lamb. Each serving also has a huge 68 grams of protein.
Made with spicy Italian sausage, these loaded sweet potatoes provide 39 grams of protein per serving. Easy to whip up for a busy weekday, the base recipe itself can be served in three different types of meals. Convenient and tasty!
And for our final recipe, here’s another one of those self-assemble casual eats loaded with delicious tzatziki sauce. These chicken gyros wraps provide 27.1 grams of protein, and flavours reminiscent of open skies and summer vacations.
Categorised in: Protein Recipes
This post was written by Breanne Lovatt
