7 Clean Eating Slow Cooker Recipes That Let You Enjoy All the Fall Comfort Foods You Want (2024)

When it comes to kitchen appliances I rarely use, my slow cooker ranks right up there with the sandwich press, popcorn maker, and electric can opener. It's just so clunky, and far too ugly to earn a countertop spot next to my juicer and blender. Plus, most of what I've used it for in the past have been heavy, cheesy meals that mask the flavor of the organic ingredients I spend serious bucks on at the farmers' market. Which is why it remains stashed in the far reaches of my pantry, only to be pulled out and dusted off once, maybe twice, a year.

This is about to change.

Enter these slow cooker dinners that are as healthy as they are tasty. With clean ingredients (read: no refined sugar, flour, or superprocessed components) and easy instructions, it seems my stack of take-out menus is about to collect the dust.

Vegetable Curry with Tofu
For most of us, a craving for curry means calling the Indian restaurant for reservations or takeout. Who's got time to create this authentic, flavor-filled meal at home? But thanks to the registered dietitian and whole foods enthusiast behind the blog Hummussapien (get it?!), this simple, slow-cooker curry will make you feel like you can DIY.

MORE: No-Cook Dinners: Veggie Noodles with Tofu

Flank Steak Fajitas

Taco night is about to get a healthy makeover thanks to Lisa Leake, New York Times best-selling author and the brains behind the blog 100 Days of Real Food. This recipe calls for simple spices, like coriander and cumin, which will have you wondering why you ever cheated with those pre-packaged taco spice packets.

If enchiladas are one of those Mexican dishes that seem far too complicated to attempt at home, take heart: "These are chicken meets salsa meets corn meets beans meets slow cooker," says the blogger behind the site Pinch of Yum. "Then roll it up in a corn tortilla and top it with melted cheese, avocado, crema, and more Cotija."

MORE: Healthy Gluten-Free Fried Chicken

Garlic Cauliflower Mashed "Potatoes"

From pizza crust to mashed "potatoes," cauliflower is having a moment in the clean eating world. To get in on turning this superveggie into a healthy comfort carb, try this recipe from 365 Days of Slow Cooking. You'll never again look at a bowl of mashed potatoes with the same kind of lust you usually do.

MORE: Crispy Cauliflower "Chips" with Tahini-Yogurt Dressing

Turkey White Bean Pumpkin Chili

There's nothing quite like putting a pot of chili on the stove when the weather turns and the winter sweaters come out of storage. Yet for most of us, spending the time prepping—and cooking—chili means it's a Saturday afternoon affair. This slow cooker recipe from Skinny Taste is so easy, chili is about to make an appearance on the menu during your busiest work weeks.

Spinach and Mozzerella Fritatta
Breakfast for dinner is easy and fun—and typically means something simple, like scrambled eggs or a simple stack of pancakes. Behold this slow cooker frittata by Skinny Ms., which involves a lot less fuss than traditional frittatas without sacrificing any taste.