Skinny Slow Cooker Recipes Under 400 Calories

These lighter dinner recipes put your slow cooker to work! Chow down on delicious new favorites like fajita chowder, lamb pitas and more.

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Slow-Cooker Country Captain Chicken

Legend has it that the recipe for country captain chicken was brought to Georgia in the early 1800s by a British sea captain. Although it’s traditional to serve this over rice, it’s also delicious with noodles or mashed potatoes. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

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Mexican Turkey Meat Loaf

Total Time 3 hours 25 min
Servings 1 loaf (6 servings)
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a zesty, flavorful meat loaf you can really sink your teeth into! Pair this with black beans, rice, green salad with lime vinaigrette or any of your favorite Tex-Mex sides. —Kristen Miller, Glendale, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 335 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 149mg cholesterol, 1109mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
3/41

Chicken Spring Rolls

Total Time 4 hours
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is just like any other Asian wrap but with more flavor, a healthy twist and the convenience of a slow cooker. Instead of ordering Chinese, try making these yourself. —Melissa Hansen, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 wrap with 1 teaspoon sauce: 195 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
4/41

Chickpea and Potato Curry

Total Time 6 hours 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I make chana masala, the classic Indian chickpea curry, in my slow cooker. First browning the onion, ginger and garlic really makes the sauce amazing. —Anjana Devasahayam, San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups chickpea mixture: 240 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 8g protein.
5/41

Lamb Pitas with Yogurt Sauce

Total Time 6 hours 35 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The spiced lamb in these stuffed pita pockets goes perfectly with cool cucumber and yogurt. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 2 filled pita halves: 383 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 766mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
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Chicken Fajita Soup

Total Time 4 hours 20 min
Servings 10 servings (about 3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This south-of-the-border chowder is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes, and it's a winner at family dinners and potlucks alike. We like ours topped with fresh avocado, shredded cheddar cheese and chili cheese corn chips. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 269 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1069mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
7/41

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Total Time 3 hours 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I got the idea for these sliders from my mom and dad, who’d made a similar recipe for a family get-together. To make it special, I sometimes use several types of Buffalo sauce and let my guests mix and match their favorites. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 2 sliders: 396 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 873mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
8/41

Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa

Total Time 6 hours 25 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I've made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can't beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we've had—and we've tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! Yum. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 282 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
9/41

Chicken Taco Salad

Total Time 3 hours 10 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We use this super-duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love to help measure the seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups lettuce with 3 ounces cooked chicken: 143 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 516mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
10/41

Tandoori Chicken Panini

Total Time 3 hours 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The tandoori-style spices in this chicken give it a bold flavor that’s so hard to resist. It tastes incredible tucked between pieces of naan, then grilled to make Indian-inspired panini. —Yasmin Arif, Manassas, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 sandwich: 351 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat.
11/41

Slow-Cooked Mesquite Ribs

Total Time 6 hours 40 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When we're missing the grill during winter, these tangy ribs give us that same smoky barbecue taste we love. They're so simple, and fall-off-the-bone delicious too! —Sue Evans, Marquette, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 314 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.

12/41

Vegetable Lentil Soup

Total Time 4 hours 45 min
Servings 6 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a healthy slow-cooker soup that's ideal for vegetarians and those watching their weight. Butternut squash and lentils make it hearty, while herbs and other veggies round out the flavor. —Mark Morgan, Waterford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 217 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 685mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.

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Slow-Cooker Carnitas

Total Time 8 hours 25 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We shared these flavor-packed tacos with friends from church who came over to help us move. They're so good, I put them on my blog, manilaspoon.com! The slow cooker makes this recipe extra easy, and I love that whenever I make it, I'm reminded of the wonderful people back in Michigan. —Abigail Raines, Hamden, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 393 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 757mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
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Chile Verde Pork

Total Time 5 hours 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My family loves this versatile pork dish. We like to have it over a serving of cheesy grits, but it also goes well with rice or potatoes. Leftovers make an excellent starter for white chili. —Val Ruble, Ava, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup (calculated without grits and sour cream): 349 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 872mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.
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Broccoli-Cauliflower Chicken Casserole

Total Time 4 hours 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A chicken, broccoli and rice casserole is one of our favorite comfort foods. I make my easy variation in the slow cooker. You can easily substitute whatever cheese you prefer. I sometimes use dairy-free cheese to create a more paleo-friendly dinner. The dish is also delicious sprinkled with a simple bread crumb topping. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 314 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 611mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
16/41

North African Chicken and Rice

Total Time 4 hours 10 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I'm always looking to try recipes from different cultures, and this one is a huge favorite. We love the spice combinations. This cooks equally well in a slow cooker or a pressure cooker. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 386 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 556mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
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Asian Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Total Time 7 hours 14 min
Servings 18 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My Asian pulled pork is a happy flavor mashup of Vietnamese pho noodle soup and a banh mi sandwich. It's one seriously delicious slow-cooker dish. —Stacie Anderson, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 350 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
18/41

Slow-Cooker Beef Tostadas

Total Time 6 hours 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I dedicate these slow-simmered tostadas to my husband, the only Italian man I know who can’t get enough of Mexican flavors. Pile on your best toppings. —Teresa DeVono, Red Lion, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 2 tostadas: 372 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
19/41

Root Beer Pulled Pork Nachos

Total Time 8 hours 50 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I count on my slow cooker to do the honors when I have a house full of summer guests. Teenagers especially love DIY nachos. Try cola, ginger ale or lemon-lime soda if you’re not into root beer. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 391 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
20/41

Cubano Pork Sandwiches

Total Time 9 hours 45 min
Servings 24 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When a hungry crowd is coming over, we plan to make our juicy pork a day ahead. I call the sauce "Mojo" because it’s loaded with zingy flavors. —Theresa Yardas, Sheridan, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 368 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 648mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein.
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Shredded Beef Tacos

Total Time 7 hours 20 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Make a taco bar or burrito bar for your next party! Set out the beef in the slow cooker on warm, along with tortillas, bowls of shredded cheese, salsa and sour cream, plus chopped lettuce, jalapenos, onions and tomatoes. For a variation, I mix in a can of refried beans into 3 or 4 cups of cooked beef filling. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 379 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 509mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
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Slow-Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

Total Time 5 hours 15 min
Servings 12 servings (4-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: I tweaked a recipe I got from one of my best friends, and I couldn't believe how much this soup really does taste like stuffed green peppers! With beef and brown rice, slow-cooker stuffed pepper soup makes a hearty meal on a cold day. —Gina Baxter, Plainfield, IL
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 141 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 852mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
23/41

Moroccan Cauliflower and Almond Soup

Total Time 6 hours 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This soup tastes rich and decadent but is really very healthy! Bonus—it is vegan and also makes your house smell amazing! —Barbara Marynowski, Hutto, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 116 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 835mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
24/41

Char Siu Pork

Total Time 5 hours 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The Asian influence here in the Hawaiian islands inspired my char siu recipe. It’s tasty as is, in a bun or over rice. We make it often so we have leftovers to add to fried rice, ramen and salads. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts: 4 ounces cooked pork: 392 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 981mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.

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Contest-Winning Pizza Soup

Total Time 45 min
Servings 10 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This robust soup is a family favorite, and it's a big hit with my canasta group as well. I top each bowl with a slice of toasted bread and cheese, but you can have fun incorporating other pizza toppings such as cooked sausage. —Jackie Brossard Kitchener, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 303 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 884mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.

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Cabbage Roll Soup

Total Time 5 hours 25 min
Servings 8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: A head of cabbage seems like it never ends. Here's a delicious way to use it up. My husband is this stew's biggest fan. —Pamela Kennemer, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups cabbage mixture: 195 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 564mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein.
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Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Melts

Total Time 4 hours 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: After tasting a similar recipe at a sandwich shop, I knew I had to try my own version at home. Personally, I like mine even more! I like to mix equal parts salsa and ranch dressing to make a tasty sauce for these sandwiches. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 2 open-faced sandwiches: 377 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1082mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
28/41

Buttermilk-Mushroom Pork Chops

Total Time 3 hours 55 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I went through several variations before creating the pork chops my family considers perfect! I wanted something rich, delicious and tasty that was still relatively healthy. This is a delicious Sunday dinner idea because you can pop it in the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook while you are at church! I suggest serving it with salad or grilled asparagus. —Kristin Stone, Little Elm, Texa
Nutrition Facts: 1 chop with 3/4 cup sauce (calculated without noodles): 376 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 836mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
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Carrie’s Cincinnati Chili

Total Time 6 hours 20 min
Servings 6 servings (1-1/2 quarts).
From the Recipe Creator: Every time we have a gathering or company, folks request this. My husband convinced me to enter it in a local chili contest, and I won third place! It's quick and easy. If I don't have fresh garlic, I use minced garlic from a jar. —Carrie Birdsall, Dallas, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 315 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 23g protein.
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Caribbean Curried Chicken

Total Time 4 hours 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Having grown up in the Virgin Islands, I've eaten my fair share of authentic curried chicken. This recipe hits the mark with big, bold flavors. It's delicious served over rice. —Sharon Gibson, Hendersonville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken thigh with 6 tablespoons sauce: 249 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
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Slow Cooker Jerked Short Ribs

Total Time 6 hours 15 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Sweet and spicy jerk seasonings give these saucy ribs an unforgettable taste! They're great in the summer because they don't heat up the kitchen. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 short rib with 3 tablespoons sauce: 265 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 330mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
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Slow-Cooked Chicken Marbella

Total Time 4 hours 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is sweet, briny, savory and herbal, and it packs a big punch of garlic. The Mediterranean flavors make me think of dinner on the patio with family or friends. — Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 372 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 845mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
33/41

Thai Chicken Noodle Soup

Total Time 6 hours 20 min
Servings 8 servings (5 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This slow-cooker soup is a semi-homemade version that coaxes all the flavor out of a rotisserie chicken. The prep work for this can be done the day before so you can toss it into the slow cooker with ease. —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 2-1/2 cups (calculated without optional toppings): 398 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 1321mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.
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Moo Shu Lettuce Cups

Total Time 3 hours 25 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I took ordinary ground beef and turned it into a new classic with sweet and savory flavors that make this dish a new dinnertime favorite. We love them served in flour tortillas too! —Christine Keating, Norwalk, California
Nutrition Facts: 3 filled lettuce cups: 311 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 744mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.

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Chicken with Garlic Sauce

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Chicken with garlic sauce is a popular dish on Chinese takeout menus. This version is so easy you can have it ready on your dinner table in less time than it takes for delivery. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 339 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1008mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.

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Brisket Tacos

Total Time 8 hours 15 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Birthday parties back home were big gatherings of cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and anyone else we considered family. As soon as guests arrived, hot pans of shredded brisket, or carne deshebrada, appeared, along with huge bowls of salads, frijoles, tostadas and salsas. Brisket was the one dish we always counted on because it could be made in the oven or a slow cooker. —Yvette Marquez, Littleton, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 278 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 947mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
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Honey and Ale Pulled Chicken Sliders

Total Time 6 hours 20 min
Servings 12 sliders
From the Recipe Creator: Score big with your guests with a little bit of sweet heat! This recipe works well for a football party—the extra liquid in the slow cooker keeps the chicken nice and juicy all day long. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts: 1 slider: 224 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.

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Huli Huli Chicken

Total Time 30 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I lived in Hawaii, I got this recipe for chicken marinated in a ginger-soy sauce from a friend. Huli means "turn" in Hawaiian and refers to turning the meat on the grill. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts: 2 chicken thighs: 391 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 151mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 43g protein.

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Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 14 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: I'm originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance and is very popular in recipes. This creamy chicken wild rice soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for years. To save time, I cook the chicken and wild rice and cut up the vegetables the day before. —Virginia Montmarquet, Riverside, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 154 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.

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Minestrone Soup

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 11 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This minestrone soup recipe is special to me because it’s one of the few dinners my entire family loves. And I can feel good about serving it because it’s full of nutrition and low in fat. —Lauren Brennan, Hood River, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 180 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 443mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat.

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Sausage Potato Soup

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I rely on this thick, chunky Sausage Potato Soup on busy weeknights when I'm too tired to spend a lot of time preparing dinner. The whole family enjoys the wonderful flavor of the smoked sausage. —Jennifer LeFevre, Hesston, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 377 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 817mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.