19 Healthy 5-Ingredient Recipes For Your Slow Cooker
Updated: Mar. 22, 2024
On busy nights, these slow cooker recipes make it easy for the whole family to enjoy a healthy, homemade meal.
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Spicy French Dip
If I'm cooking for a party or family get-together, I can put this beef in the slow cooker in the morning and then concentrate on other preparations. It's a timesaver that never fails to get rave reviews. —Ginny Koeppen, Winnfield, Louisiana
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Brown Sugar-Glazed Baby Carrots
These delicious glazed carrots come to the rescue when I’m preparing a special meal. They cook while I prepare the other dishes, and the slow-cooker simmering saves me precious oven space. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
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Saucy Raspberry Chicken
I first had this as a teenage babysitter, when the children’s mom prepared it for us to eat while she was out. The kids loved it, and so did I! Now I make it for my own kids.
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Easy Beans & Potatoes with Bacon
I created this recipe because I love the combination of green beans with bacon. It’s smart when company is coming because you can start the side dish in the slow cooker and continue preparing the rest of the dinner—or visit with your guests! —Barbara Brittain, Santee, California
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Slow-Cooked Swiss Steak
This is one of my favorite recipes to make because I can flour and season the steaks and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, I just put all the ingredients in the slow cooker, and I have a delicious dinner waiting when I arrive home from work. —Sarah Burks, Wathena, Kansas
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Slow-Cooker Baked Potatoes
These slow-cooker baked potatoes are so easy—just add your favorite toppings. Save any extra potatoes to make baked potato soup the next day. —Teresa Emrick, Tipp City, Ohio
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Orange Blossom Mint Refresher
I came up with this recipe because I'm not a fan of regular iced tea. This version has the perfect combination of freshness and sweetness, and the orange blossom water gives the tea a distinctive flavor. People always request the recipe. —Juliana Gauss, Centennial, Colorado
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Shredded Pork with Beans
A friend gave me this recipe, which my sons say is a keeper. For a change of pace, spoon the tasty filling into soft tortillas. —Sarah Johnston, Lincoln, Nebraska
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Buffalo Wing Potatoes
I was getting tired of mashed and baked potatoes, so I decided to create something new. This potluck-ready recipe is an easy and delicious twist on the usual potato dish. —Summer Feaker, Ankeny, Iowa
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Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
I live in Georgia, but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. I make my version in the slow cooker. After the tempting aroma fills the house, your family is sure to be at the dinner table on time! —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia
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Slow-Cooked Salsa
I love the fresh taste of homemade salsa, but as a working mother, I don't have much time to make it. So I came up with this slow-cooked version that practically makes itself! —Toni Menard, Lompoc, California
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Slow-Cooker Dressing
Here’s an easy dressing that’s perfect for Thanksgiving get-togethers. Once it’s in the slow cooker, you’re free to turn your attention to the other dishes. —Rita Nodland, Bismarck, North Dakota
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Ginger Applesauce
When it's apple-picking time, it's also time for all the delightful treats you can make with them, including applesauce. This is my favorite way to prepare it. It's simple to do and it makes the whole house smell like fall. —Renee Pajestka, Brunswick, Ohio
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Old-Fashioned Tapioca
My family loves traditional tapioca, but I don’t always have time to make it. So I came up with this simple recipe that lets us enjoy one of our favorites without all the hands-on time. —Ruth Peters, Bel Air, Maryland
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Slow-Cooked Potatoes with Spring Onions
I love the simplicity of this recipe, as well as its ease of preparation with my slow cooker. Everyone always enjoys roasted potatoes, even my pickiest child! If desired, top with shredded or crumbled cheese. —Theresa Gomez, Stuart, Florida
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Lemon Chicken with Basil
No matter when I eat it, this tangy slow-cooked chicken reminds me of summer meals with friends and family. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Java Roast Beef
Coffee adds richness to the gravy, which is perfect for sopping up with crusty bread or draping over mashed potatoes. —Charla Sackmann, Orange City, Iowa
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Overnight Cherry-Almond Oatmeal
Would you like breakfast ready for you when the sun comes up? If so, try my hot cereal. It's so simple—just place the ingredients in the slow cooker and turn it on before you go to bed. In the morning, enjoy a healthy, warm and satisfying dish. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Apple-Cinnamon Pork Loin
I love making this slow cooker pork roast with apples for chilly fall dinners with my family. The apple pork loin tastes even better served with homemade mashed potatoes. —Rachel Schultz, Lansing, MichiganOriginally Published: March 22, 2019
