10 Healthy High Protein Slow Cooker Recipes

10 Healthy High Protein Slow Cooker Recipes

We can feel the chill creeping in the air, which means it's time to get out the slow cooker and cook up a storm! 

Slow cooker meals offer a range of benefits that go way beyond just convenience. They’re a great choice for busy lifestyles and healthy eating a simple set and forget so you walk back into the kitchen and dinner is ready to serve!  

The benefits of slow cooking 

1. Time-Saving & Convenient
Set and forget: Add your ingredients, set the timer, and walk away—perfect for busy days or working families.

One-pot simplicity: Fewer dishes, less cleanup.

2. Enhances Flavour
Slow cooking develops deeper, richer flavours as ingredients have time to meld.

Tougher cuts of meat become tender and juicy over several hours.

3. Budget-Friendly
Works well with cheaper cuts of meat (like chuck, shanks, or chicken thighs) that become tender over time.

Can bulk up meals with beans, lentils, and vegetables for a cost-effective feed.

4. Healthier Meal Options
Lower fat cooking: No need for extra oils or frying.

Retains more nutrients compared to boiling or frying.

Great for whole foods-based meals like soups, stews, and curries.

5. Stress-Free Meal Prep
Prepping in the morning means less pressure at dinnertime.

Can double recipes and freeze leftovers for easy future meals.

6. Reduces Food Waste
Perfect for using up wilting vegetables, leftover herbs, or scraps for homemade stocks.

7. Energy-Efficient
Uses less electricity than an oven or stove over the same cooking period.

10 Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

Simple Pulled Beef 35g protein

6 servings

6-8 hours in slow cooker

Ingredients 

  • 1kg beef sirloin roast or chuck steak
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 5 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2 cups broth/stock
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Juice of 1 lime

Method

Throw all ingredients into a slow cooker and set on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is able to be pulled apart with a fork.

Serve with your choice of quinoa, rice, pasta, salad, or in a wrap or taco.

Benefits

This recipe is packed with herbs and spices which are great for gut and liver health plus loads of collagen and amino acids from the beef itself and the broth. 

Beef provides protein for building and repairing tissue, making hormones, enzymes and supporting overall wellbeing.

Nutritional value Per Serve

  • 301 Kcal 
  • 7g Fat 
  • 5g Carbs
  • 2g Fibre
  • 35g Protein 

Slow Cooker Turkey Spaghetti Bowl 27g protein

Serves 2

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 300g turkey mince
  • ½ diced onion
  • 1 can tomatoes, crushed (400g)
  • 1 grated carrot
  • 1 grated zucchini
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 cups rocket

Method

Pop all ingredients into a slow cooker, except rocket and set for 8 hours. Serve on a bed of rocket.

Benefits

Turkey is a great source of high quality protein. It is low in fat, a good source of B vitamins, selenium and is a source of tryptophan which may help increase serotonin levels in the brain which may improve mood. It is also a precursor to melatonin, the sleepy hormone and may help promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Nutritional value per Serve

  • 344 Kcal 
  • 27g Protein 
  • 12g Fat 
  • 35g Carbs 
  • 8g Fibre 

This slow cooker healthy lasagne recipe version will be ready to serve when you come home from a busy day at work or sporting activities.

PLUS you know you are serving your loved ones a healthy nutritious meal packed full with protein and lots of vitamins and minerals. Maybe don't tell them that though! 

Slow Cooker Healthy Lasagne Recipe 38g protein

Serves: 10
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 4-5 hours

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 450g lean ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, finely chopped
  • 1 medium capsicum, finely chopped
  • 400g can crushed tomatoes
  • 170g tomato paste
  • 1 jar (425g) low-sodium passata tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup chopped fresh spinach

For Assembly:

  • 9 whole wheat lasagne sheets, uncooked
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Method:

  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey or chicken over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the carrot, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  5. Simmer on low for about 10-15 minutes.
  6. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and chopped spinach until well combined.
  7. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker. Break the lasagna noodles to fit and create a layer over the sauce. Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
  8. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
  9. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Cut into slices and enjoy!

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 601
Protein: 38.8g
Carbohydrates: 75.9g
Fat: 16.2g
Fibre: 7.5g

Benefits:

Turkey is a lean source of protein that helps build and repair tissues, including muscles. Protein is also crucial for the production of enzymes and hormones that support various bodily functions. 

Capsicum, zucchini, and onions provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune function and reduce inflammation.

Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which help reduce inflammation and support heart health. 

Healthy Slow Cooker Korean Beef Recipe 30g protein

Serves: 4
Calories: 375 kcal
Protein: 30g | Carbs: 20g | Fat: 22.5g | Fibre: 1.5g

Ingredients:

  • 700g beef steak, sliced

  • 2 tbsp minced ginger

  • 2 tbsp minced garlic

  • 1 medium onion, sliced

  • 1 red chilli, sliced

  • 100ml light soy sauce

  • 100ml beef stock

  • 1/2 tbsp of honey

  • 1½ tbsp sesame oil

  • 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar

  • 1 tbsp Gochujang (red chilli paste)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Slurry: 2 tbsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp water

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds

  • 3 tbsp sliced spring onion

Method:

  1. Add all ingredients (except the cornflour slurry) into your slow cooker and stir well.

  2. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.

  3. Around 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornflour slurry to thicken.

  4. Serve garnished with sesame seeds and spring onion. Enjoy with rice, noodles, or steamed greens!


Chicken bone broth

Gut health is one of the most important things to look after for your overall health.
Broth is enormously healing, filling, and nutritious. It also gives your digestive
system some much deserved rest and time to digest and heal.
Serves 30

INGREDIENTS
• 1 good quality chicken frame (organic, free range if possible)
• 3 carrots, chopped roughly (unpeeled)
• 1 onion, cut in half (skin and all)
• 1 bulb of garlic, chopped in half through the cloves (skin and all)
• 3 stalks of celery, broken in half or enough to fit in pot (include leaves)
• 1 bunch of parsley, including stems
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh filtered water to cover the above

METHOD
  1. Put all of your ingredients in a slow cooker on low heat, and cover with water.
  2. Pop on the lid let it do its work for 6 hours or more.
  3. Chicken broth does not need as long as beef as the bones are not as hard and big.
  4. Strain and discard chicken frame and veggies.
  5. Store in airtight glass jars in the fridge and/or freezer.
Benefits
Broth is enormously healing, filling, and nutritious. It also gives your digestive
system some much deserved rest and digest time.

CALORIES + MACRO NUTRIENTS total recipe
FAT 192g
CAL 2808
PROTEIN 231g
FIBRE 14.3g
CARBS 45g

Slow Cooker Lasagne Soup Bowls 45g protein

Serve: 6

Ingredients

  • 4-6 fresh lasagne sheets
  • 600g mince beef 
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
  • 700g of passata
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp Rosemary
  • 1 tsp basil
  • 1 tsp dried chilli 
  • 1 cup beef stock  
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 450ml of chicken broth
  • 50 ml of greek yoghurt
  • 50g of Parmesan
  • 50g Mozzarella & fresh basil

Method

1. In a slow cooker, place all the ingredients listed above (except the lasagne sheets, yoghurt, basil and cheese). Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 hours. 

3. Add remaining ingredients, cut pasta sheets into 3 and cook for a further 15-20 mins. If using dried lasagne sheets double the time.

Macros Per Serving

  • Calories 665
  • Protein 45g
  • Carbohydrates 43g
  • Fats 31g
  • Fibre 4g

Health Benefits  

Mince Beef is high in protein, iron, and B vitamins for energy and muscle health.

Tomato Products (Paste, Chopped Tomatoes, Passata). Excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant supporting heart health.

Onion, Garlic, Herbs (Oregano, Rosemary, Basil, Chilli) Anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting compounds.

Beef & Chicken Broth adds flavor and nutrients with minimal calories.

Slow Cooker Chilli con Carne 30g protein

Serve: 4

Ingredients: 

  • 500g beef mince
  • 1/2 Onion, diced
  • 400g can - chopped tomatoes
  • 400g can - kidney beans, Drained and rinsed
  • 1 ½  tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup Beef stock 
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 ½  tsp Ground cumin
  • ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 20g Dark chocolate
  • 1 red capsicum, diced

Method: 

Put all of the slow cooker ingredients except capsicum and chocolate into the slow cooker and cook for 5- 6 hours on high or 8 hours on low.

Add capsicum about 30 minutes before the end of cooking.

Add chocolate and stir to melt. Serve with rice. Garnish with coriander. 

Macros per serve

  • Calories 350
  • Protein 30g
  • Carbohydrates 15g
  • Fats 15g
  • Fibre 5g

Health Benefits  

Beef mince is high-quality protein source, rich in iron and vitamin B12 for energy and blood health.

Onion & garlic powder provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds; support immune health.

Chopped tomatoes & tomato paste packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart and skin health.

Kidney beans an excellent source of fibre, plant-based protein, and micronutrients like folate and magnesium; aid digestion and blood sugar control.

Slow cooker Marry Me Chicken 29g protein

Serve: 4

Ingredients

  • 3 chicken breasts 
  • 2 tbsp flour 
  • 1 tbsp paprika 
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp thyme 
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • Fresh basil
  • 120g Sundried tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste or pesto
  • 200ml chicken stock
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 50 ml cooking cream (light)
  • ¼ red capsicum, diced 
  • 2/3 cup cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup baby spinach

Method

1. Mix together flour, paprika, salt and pepper in a large plate. Coat the chicken and cook on a hot pan for 1-2 mins each side or until brown both sides. 

3. Transfer to a Slow Cooker with the remaining ingredients except cream and basil. 

4. Cook for 7-8 hours on low, or cook on high for 3-4 hours. 

5. Stir in cooking cream and basil for the last 10 mins. Serve with steam broccoli and brown rice or quinoa. Enjoy!

Macros Per Serving

  • Calories 305
  • Protein 29g
  • Carbohydrates 9g
  • Fats 17g
  • Fibre 2g

Health Benefits 

Chicken Breast is lean source of high-quality protein. Supports muscle maintenance and satiety.

Sundried Tomatoes are a concentrated source of lycopene, an antioxidant beneficial for heart health. Rich in vitamin C, iron, and fibre.

Garlic is known for immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Contains allicin, linked to heart health. 

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Stroganoff 26g protein

Serve: 4

Ingredients: 

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • ½ onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 100ml chicken stock
  • 50ml white wine (optional)
  • 150g button mushrooms
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ⅓ cup sour cream or cottage cheese
  • 1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 1 tbsp cold water
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method:

Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, except the sour cream, parsley and cornflour mixture, then cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving, add the sour cream and cornflour mixture to thicken the sauce. 

Garnish with fresh parsley, serve with brown rice or quinoa and enjoy!

Macros per Serving

  • Calories  300 kcal
  • Protein 26 g
  • Carbs 7 g
  • Fat 17 g
  • Fibre 5 g

Benefits

Chicken Thigh is High in protein and B vitamins, with more iron and zinc than breast.

Onion & Garlic supports immune function, contain prebiotic compounds.

Button Mushrooms are Low in calories, provide B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants.

Slow Cooked Minted Lamb Pie 30g protein

Serve: 4

Ingredients 

  • 500g lamb, mince
  • 1 red onion diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 350ml beef stock (salt reduced)
  • 2 tbsp minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp mixed herbs
  • 1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons mint sauce
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • 2 tbsp cornflour mixed with 3 tbsp water to thicken the sauce 

Potato topping: 

  • 500g potatoes (or cauliflower for lower carbs)
  • 3 tbsp light cream or greek yoghurt
  • 1 tbsp mixed herbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method: 

Add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7 hours or for 4 hours on high. 

Prepare mashed potato by boiling the potatoes until soft and transfer to a bowl. Mashing and adding in the cream, mixed herbs and salt and pepper. 

Spread on top of slow cooker (or transfer to oven safe dish) and place under the grill for 10-15 minutes or until the top is crispy. Sprinkle some fresh parsley and serve! 

Macros per serve

  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Fibre: 5 g

Benefits

Lamb provides Protein, Iron, Zinc, B12, Supports muscle repair, red blood cell production, immune function. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may aid in fat metabolism.

Red Onion are packed with Antioxidants (quercetin), fiber    Anti-inflammatory, supports gut health, and may help regulate blood sugar.

Carrots contain Beta-carotene (vitamin A), fiber. Promotes eye health, immune support, and skin health.

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