To most guys, a one-step meal is a microwaved Hot Pocket or frozen pizza—but that’s all about to change. With these healthy one-step recipes, you simply drop your favorite protein and veggies into a slow cooker in the morning, press “cook,” and come home at night to a hot, juicy chicken banquet or robust meatball stew. (Don’t have a slow cooker? Try Cuisinart’s 3-in-1 Cook Central Multi Cooker, which also lets you brown meats and sauté or steam vegetables, and has an auto “keep warm” mode so food’s still hot when you get home.)
These guilt-free dishes are packed with rich flavors but contain not an ounce of butter, cream, or fake processed food—so calories stay low while nutrients soar. There’s never been an easier—or healthier—home-cooked meal. Sorry, microwave, it was fun while it lasted.
All of the following recipes come from author and superfoods enthusiast Don Orwell’s One Pot Cookbook.
Orwell’s top tips:
1. The longer food cooks, the more intense its flavors become.
2. To speed up the week’s prep, shop for and chop up a week’s worth of ingredients and put them into separate zip-top bags for freezing. First toss in the main veggies (celery, carrots, onions, leeks, garlic, ginger) and some salt and pepper. Next, add your protein, including beans if you’re using them. Finally, add seasonal veggies like cauliflower, green beans, broccoli, and red and yellow bell peppers.
For more of Orwell’s guidelines, check out The 9 Most Basic Rules for Making Ultra-Easy Slow-Cooker Meals >>>
Meatballs with White Beans
Makes: 4-6 Servings
Ingredients
1 (26–32 oz) bag frozen meatballs
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 sprig dried thyme
1 (15 oz) can white navy beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups beef stock
1 large onion, chopped
1 bunch parsley, chopped
1 cup chopped carrots
Salt and pepper
Directions
Add all ingredients to Crock-Pot. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.
Lemon Roast Chicken
Makes: 4-6 Servings
Ingredients
5 lbs whole chicken, skin removed
2-3 cups diced carrots, turnips, or parsnips
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp minced garlic
2 tbsp coconut oil
1/4 cup water
3 sprigs rosemary
3 tbsp lemon juice (for a stronger flavor, add when cooking’s done)
Salt and pepper
Directions
Add all ingredients to Crock-Pot. Cook on low 7 to 8 hours.
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Slow-Cooked Pork Loin
Makes: 4-6 Servings
Ingredients
11/2 lbs pork loin
1 cup tomato sauce
2 zucchini, sliced
1 head cauliflower
1-2 tbsp dried basil
Salt and pepper
Directions
Add all ingredients to Crock-Pot. Cook on low 7 to 8 hours.
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Italian Beef Soup
Makes: 6 Servings
Ingredients
1 pound minced beef
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
A few large tomatoes
1 cup sliced carrots
2 cups raw beans
2 small zucchini, cubed
2 cups spinach – rinsed and torn
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. salt
Directions
Put all ingredients in slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
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Kale, White Bean, Pork Soup
Makes: 4-6 Servings
Ingredients
2 tbsp. each extra-virgin olive oil
3 tbsp. chili powder
1 tbsp. jalapeno hot sauce
2 pounds bone-in pork chops
1 tsp. salt
4 stalks celery, chopped
1 large white onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups diced tomatoes
2 cups raw white beans
6 cups packed kale
Directions
Put all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook for 8 hours on low.
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Chicken Winter Soup
Makes: 6 Servings
Ingredients
2 pounds chicken pieces with skin on
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp. minced ginger
3 bay leaves
6 cups water
½ cup sliced parsley
½ cup sliced cilantro
2 cups sliced carrots
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup sliced spring onions
2 cups sliced onions
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. salt
Directions
Put all ingredients in slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
Pot Roast Soup
Makes: 6 Servings
Ingredients
1 pound leftover pot roast
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp. minced ginger
5 cups beef broth
2 sliced tomatoes
1 cup julienned carrots
2 cups julienned zucchini
1 cup green peas
1/4 cups chopped parsley
1 cup sliced onions
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. salt
Directions
Put all ingredients in slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
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Vegetarian Chili
Makes: 4-6 Servings
Ingredients
1 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
1 cup chopped onions
3/4 cup chopped carrots
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
3/4 cup chopped celery
1 tbsp. chili powder
1-1/2 cups chopped mushrooms
3 cups chopped tomatoes
2 cups raw kidney beans
1 tbsp. ground cumin
1-1/2 teaspoons oregano
1-1/2 teaspoons crushed basil leaves
Directions
Put all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.
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Superfoods Chili
Makes: 6 Servings
Ingredients
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
2 onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef
3/4 pound beef sirloin, cubed
2cups diced tomatoes
1 cup strong brewed coffee
1cup tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp. cumin seeds
1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. salt
6 cups cooked kidney beans
4 fresh hot chili peppers, chopped
Directions
Put all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.
Chicken Cacciatore
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
4 pounds of chicken thighs, with skin on
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1 sliced onion
1/3 cup red wine
1 sliced red or green bell pepper
8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms
2 sliced garlic cloves
3 cups peeled and chopped tomatoes
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. dry oregano
1 tsp. dry thyme
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 tbsp. fresh parsley
Directions
Put all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.
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Beef Stew with Peas and Carrots
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups chopped carrots
1 cup chopped onions
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
1-1/2 cups green peas
4 cups beef stock
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
4 pounds boneless chuck roast
Directions
Put all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.
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Green Chicken Stew
Makes: 6-8 Servings
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup chopped celery stalks
1 cup sliced leeks
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
1-1/2 cups green peas
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
4 pounds boneless skinless chicken pieces
Directions
Put all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.
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Chicken, Mushroom & Olive Stew
Makes: 6 Servings
Ingredients
4 pounds chicken with skin on
1-1/2 cups chopped carrots
1 cup chopped onions
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 cup black olives
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 cup fresh parsley
Directions
Put all ingredients in the crockpot, cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
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Ratatouille
Makes: 4-6 Servings
Ingredients
2 large eggplants, sliced
2 medium onions, sliced
2 red or green peppers, sliced
4 large tomatoes, sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
1 tbsp. fresh basil
Salt and freshly milled black pepper
Directions
Put all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.
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Beef Stew with Red Beans
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
3 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 lb lean cubed stewing beef
2 tsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. ground turmeric (optional)
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon (optional)
2 1/2 cups water
5 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
3 tbsp. snipped chives
2 cups cooked kidney beans
1 lemon, juice of
1 tbsp. almond flour
salt and black pepper
Directions
Put all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.
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Beef Bourguignon
Makes: 8-10 Servings
Ingredients
4 pounds cubed lean beef
1 cup red wine
1/3 cup coconut oil or olive oil
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. black pepper
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 onion, diced
1 pound mushrooms, sliced
1/3 cup almond flour
Directions
Marinate beef in wine, oil, thyme and pepper for few hours at room temperature or 6-8 hours in the fridge. Add beef with marinade and all other ingredients to a Crock-Pot. Cook on low for 7-9 hours.
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Italian Chicken
Makes: 6-8 Servings
Ingredients
1 skinless chicken, cut into pieces
1/4 cup almond flour
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 tsp. paprika
1 zucchini, sliced into medium pieces
ground black pepper
parsley to garnish
Directions
Season chicken with 1 tsp. salt. Combine flour, pepper, remaining salt, and paprika. Coat chicken pieces with this mixture. Place zucchini first in a crockpot. Pour broth over zucchini. Arrange chicken on top. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until tender. Turn control to high, add mushrooms, cover, and cook on high for additional 10-15 minutes. Garnish with parsley and ground black pepper.
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Pork, Zucchini, Tomato & Corn Stew
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups cooked corn
1 cup chopped onions
1-1/2 cups sliced zucchini
1-1/2 cups chopped tomato
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
2 tbsp. chopped garlic
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground pepper
4 pounds cubed pork
Directions
Put ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.
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Beef Ratatouille
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups sliced zucchini
1 cup chopped onions
1-1/2 cups sliced eggplant
1-1/2 cups sliced red peppers (or tomato)
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
2 tbsp. chopped garlic
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground pepper
4 pounds cubed beef
Directions
Put ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.
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Mediterranean Crock-Pot Turkey Roast
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
1/2 cup Kalamata olives
1/2 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chopped onions
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
4 pounds turkey breast
Thyme, salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Put ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.
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Chicken, Black Bean & Brown Rice Stew
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
1 cup brown rice
1 cup chopped onions
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
1 cup uncooked black beans
Salt, ground black pepper and ground cumin to taste
4 cups chicken stock
4 pounds chicken breast meat cut into strips
Directions
Put ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.
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Beef, Leeks & Mushrooms Stew
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
2 cups chopped carrots
1 cup chopped onions
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
1 cup chopped leeks
Salt & ground black pepper to taste
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup sliced tomatoes
4 pounds beef meat cut into strips
Directions
Put ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.
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Chicken & Brown Rice Stew
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
2 cups brown rice
2 cups chopped onions
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
1 cup chopped carrot
Salt, ground black pepper, and ground cumin to taste
4 cups chicken stock
4 pounds chicken pieces with skin on
½ cup chopped parsley and 8 kalamata olives
Directions
Put ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.
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Chicken, Garlic & Tomato Stew
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
3 cups tomatoes
2 cups chopped onions
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
1 garlic clove, cut across
Salt, ground black pepper and ground cumin to taste
1 tbsp. minced garlic
4 pounds chicken breast meat cut into strips
Directions
Put ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.
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Slow-Cooked Red Peppers, Zucchini and Eggplant
Makes: 4 Servings
Ingredients
2 chopped carrots
1 1/2 cup chopped onions
1 1/2 cup sliced red peppers
4 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
1 cup sliced zucchini
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. oregano
2 pounds sliced eggplant
1 cup tomato paste
Directions
Put all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.
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Beef, Eggplant, Celery & Peppers Stew
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
1 cup cubed eggplant
2 cups chopped onions
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
1 cup sliced celery
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 cup sliced red peppers
4 pounds beef meat cut into strips
Directions
Put ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.
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Venison & Green Peas Stew
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
2 cups green peas
2 cups chopped onions
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
1 cup chopped carrot
Salt, ground black pepper and ground cumin to taste
2 cups beef stock
4 pounds venison meat
Directions
Put ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.
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Beef, Cauliflower & Carrot Stew
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
2 cup chopped carrots
2 cups chopped red onions
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
2 cups cauliflower florets
Salt, ground black pepper and ground cumin to taste
2 cups beef stock
4 pounds cubed beef meat
Directions
Put ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.
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Slow-Cooked Pork & Leeks
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
1 cup brown rice
2 cups chopped carrot
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
3 cups chopped leeks
Salt, ground black pepper and ground cumin to taste
2 cups beef stock
4 pounds cubed pork meat
Directions
Put ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.
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Italian-Style Beef
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
2 cups red peppers, sliced
2 cups chopped onions
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
Salt, ground black pepper and ground cumin to taste
2 cups beef stock
4 pounds beef chuck (rump) roast
2 bay leaves, 2 tbsp. chopped garlic, 1 tsp. oregano, dried basil and dried parsley each (optional)
Instructions
Put ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 9 hours.
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Mustard Chicken
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped leeks
1 cup chopped mushrooms
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
Salt, ground black pepper
2 tbsp. mustard seeds (white and brown or black seeds)
1 cup chicken stock (3 cups if adding optional rice)
4 pounds cubed chicken meat
1 cup brown rice (optional). Rice will soak some liquid.
Directions
Put ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.
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Oxtail Stew
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
2 cups broccoli
1 cup green beans
2 cups chopped onions
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
Salt, ground black pepper and ground cumin to taste
2 bay leaves
2 tbsp. chopped garlic
2 cups beef stock
2 cups tomato paste
4 pounds oxtail cut into 2-inch chunks
Directions
Put ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 9 hours.
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Osso Bucco (Veal) with Shredded Veggies
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
2 cups shredded carrots
2 cups chopped leeks
2 cups chopped celery
Salt, ground black pepper to taste
2 bay leaves
2 tbsp. chopped garlic
2 cups beef stock
1 cup white wine
4 pounds veal (osso bucco)
Directions
Mix all veggies and spices and put half at the bottom of the slow cooker dish. Put osso bucco on top, add the rest of the mix and pour liquid. Cover, and cook on low for 9 hours.
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Tuscan Pork & White Beans
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
1 cup tomatoes, sliced
2 cups chopped onions
2 cups kale or spinach
2 cups dry navy beans
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
Salt, ground black pepper and ground cumin to taste
2 bay leaves
2 tbsp. chopped garlic
2 cups beef stock
2 cups water
4 pounds pork shoulder meat
Directions
Put ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 9 hours.
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Slow-Cooked Carnitas
Makes: 8 Servings
Ingredients
2 cups chopped onions
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil
Salt, ground black pepper to taste
2 pounds pork shoulder
2 pounds pork neck
1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (to taste)
2 tbsp. minced garlic.
1 tbsp. ground cumin.
Directions
Put ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
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