You may not realize it, but of all the gadgets and contraptions that are taking up counter space in your kitchen right now, your slow cooker (or crock pot) is probably the most useful. Whether you're prepping a meal for two, a family of six, or just meal prepping for the week ahead, a slow cooker can handle it all with ease, minimal prep and clean-up, and most importantly, in a healthier way than most other cooking methods. By keeping the food over low heat for a long period of time and keeping the moisture in, you end up getting a more flavorful final product without the use of extra oil, salt, and sugar. Plus, the added benefit of setting-and-forgetting a meal is as good a reason as any to add a slow cooker to your kitchen collection if you haven't already.
While many slow cooker recipes tend to be on the heavier side to fall in line with the comfort foods of colder months, that's not the only option out there. That's why we've rounded up 18 of our favorite healthy slow cooker recipes, covering a wide variety of proteins and dietary needs. From vegetarian chili and honey sriracha chicken to meatballs and white bean stew, these deeply flavorful and simple to make slow cooker recipes are sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Get ready to set it and forget it, guilt free.
1. Vegetarian Chili with Beans and Grains
Credit: www.countryliving.com
Chili is a slow cooker staple, so try this meat-free version that delivers on flavor without weighing you down.
8h 25m 
400 calories
Easy
Vegetarian 
Healthy
Get this now: Vegetarian Chili with Beans and Grains.
2. Slow Cooker Paleo Meatballs
Credit: www.delish.com
These meatballs are free of gluten, but not of flavor. This recipe calls for ground beef, but feel free to sub in your favorite ground protein of choice.
6h 00m 350 calories Easy
Healthy
Get this now: Slow Cooker Paleo Meatballs.
3. Coconut Quinoa Curry
Credit: www.simplyquinoa.com
You'll be amazed by how simple it is to get maximum curry flavor here -- just add all your ingredients into your slow cooker and watch (and smell) the magic happen.
4h 20m 300 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Get this now: Coconut Quinoa Curry.
4. Low Carb Lasagna
Credit: www.wellplated.com
Yes, you heard right, lasagna CAN be made in a slow cooker, and it can be really great, too. Go outside the traditional recipe with this crock pot version that is low in carbs but high in comfort.
3h 05m 275 calories Medium
Vegetarian 
Gluten Free Healthy
Get this now: Low Carb Lasagna.
5. Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies
Credit: www.damndelicious.net
Little to no prep work goes into this honey garlic chicken and veggies (except for chopping the potatoes), and once it's done, it's ready to serve.
8h 15m 400 calories Easy
Healthy
Get this now: Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies.
6. Black Bean Soup
Credit: www.gimmesomeoven.com
Wonderfully comforting and delicious, this black bean soup might just become a staple in your house all year long.
4h 10m 300 calories Easy
Vegetarian Gluten Free Healthy
Get this now: Black Bean Soup.
7. Crockpot Whole Chicken
Credit: www.thelittlekitchen.com
A whole chicken -- you read that right -- a whole chicken, can be made right in your slow cooker. Throw it in your broiler for a few minutes after cooking to achieve an extra crispy skin.
8h 10m 350 calories Easy
Healthy
Get this now: Crockpot Whole Chicken.
8. White Chicken Chili
Staying on target with your healthy eating is a breeze with the protein, beans, and veggies in this white chicken chili.
5h 15m 400 calories Easy
Healthy
Get this now: White Chicken Chili.
9. Broccoli, Ginger, and Turmeric Soup
Credit: sweetpeasandsaffron.com
This bowl of soup is so rich and comforting, you may just forget how good it is for you.
3h 00m 130 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Get this now: Broccoli, Ginger, and Turmeric Soup.
10. Thai Turkey Noodle Bowls
In the mood for some takeout tonight? Put the phone down, and make it at home with ease instead.
8h 00m 400 calories Easy
Healthy
Get this now: Thai Turkey Noodle Bowls.
11. Burrito Bowls
Credit: www.easycheesyvegetarian.com
All the warm and delicious flavors of your favorite hand-held Mexican treat without the food coma afterwards.
3h 10m 350 calories Easy
Vegetarian Healthy
Get this now: Burrito Bowls.
12. Honey Sriracha Chicken
Credit: fitfoodiefinds.com
Serve this sweet and spicy chicken with a side of steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal.
2h 10m 300 calories Easy
Healthy
Get this now: Honey Sriracha Chicken.
13. Chicken Ropa Vieja
Credit: www.budgetbytes.com
This flavorful chicken dish with stewed tomatoes and peppers is so ridiculously easy to make, it may just become a weekly favorite.
4h 15m 350 calories Easy
Healthy
Get this now: Chicken Ropa Vieja.
14. Simple Slow Cooker Yellow Dal
Credit: pickyeaterblog.com
With just a few simple ingredients, this healthy Indian staple will become a household favorite.
6h 00m 350 calories Easy
Vegetarian Gluten Free Healthy
Get this now: Simple Slow Cooker Yellow Dal.
15. Beef and Broccoli
Credit: www.wellplated.com
Make a healthier version of this standard Asian takeout dish, right in the comforts of your own home.
2h 15m 450 calories Easy
Healthy
Get this now: Beef and Broccoli.
16. BBQ Crock Pot Lentil Chili
Credit: www.cottercrunch.com
Channel the flavors and scents of a summer backyard BBQ with this delicious and gluten free lentil chili.
3h 40m 300 calories Easy
Vegetarian Gluten Free Healthy
Get this now: BBQ Crock Pot Lentil Chili.
17. Overnight Oatmeal
Credit: aspicyperspective.com
Overnight oats are a nutritious and satisfying meal to wake up to in the morning. Just get everything cooking the night before and you'll be greeted with a wholesome breakfast the next day.
9h 05m 350 calories Easy
Healthy
Get this now: Overnight Oatmeal.
18. Cajun-Spiced Stuffed Peppers
Credit: www.simplyrecipes.com
This delicious dish isn't just easy to make, it's easy to make changes to as well. Not in the mood for beef? Swap it out for ground chicken or turkey instead.
5h 00m 350 calories Easy
Healthy
Get this now: Cajun-Spiced Stuffed Peppers.
