Low Carb Crock Pot Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Are you weary of the weeknight kitchen rush? Let me introduce you to the magic of low carb crock pot recipes. They’re perfect for folks who crave delectable and nutritious meals, but are short on time. Stick around as I share my favorite low carb crock pot dishes and some handy tips for fuss-free weeknight cooking.

Why Choose Low Carb Crock Pot Recipes?

In my experience, low carb crock pot recipes are ideal for busy weeknights, and here’s why.

First off, they require very little preparation time, typically just a few minutes to cut up ingredients and toss them into the pot. That means you can get everything ready in the morning, and by evening, you’ll have a fully cooked meal waiting for you, no kitchen marathon required.

Secondly, these recipes help you cut back on processed carbs and sugars, which can aid in achieving your health goals. Many, myself included, have found that a low carb diet promotes weight loss, boosts energy levels, and improves overall health.

Moreover, slow cooker meals are typically loaded with proteins and vegetables, which makes them nutritious and satisfying. Also, these recipes are easily adaptable to various dietary preferences, like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, ensuring you can delight everyone at the dinner table.

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Ten of My Go-to Low Carb Crock Pot Recipes

As a busy individual, you might often find yourself wishing for meals that are not only delicious and healthy but also require minimal hands-on time. That’s where the magic of crock pot recipes comes into play. And if you’re also mindful of your carbohydrate intake, you’re in for a treat.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the delectable world of low carb crock pot cooking with ten of my go-to recipes.

Crock Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken, a dish that harmoniously blends the citrus tang of lemon with the robust, pungent notes of garlic.

Succulent, boneless chicken breasts bask in a fragrant broth, absorbing the bright lemon and aromatic garlic’s richness while they slow cook to tender perfection.

A hint of warmth from the paprika, an underlying earthiness from the dried oregano, and a subtle kick from crushed red pepper flakes all meld beautifully within the dish, adding depth and complexity to the overall profile.

And to top it all off, a final sprinkling of fresh parsley brings a dash of freshness and color, rounding off this delectable low-carb meal that is as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.

With its simple preparation and minimal ingredients, this dish proves that a home-cooked meal can be both luxurious and straightforward.

Ingredients

1. 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. 4 cloves of garlic, minced
3. 1 lemon, juiced and zested
4. 1/2 cup chicken broth
5. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts into your slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, the juice and zest of a lemon, chicken broth, and dried thyme.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

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Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli

In this satisfying, warm dish, tender slices of beef chuck roast bask in a rich and savory sauce, layered with the subtle sweetness of low-sodium soy sauce and a hint of natural sweetness from a brown sugar substitute.

Alongside these flavors, there are the nutrient-packed broccoli florets, offering a delightful crunch and a bright green contrast to the hearty beef.

Enhancing the depth of flavors, fresh minced garlic and a drizzle of sesame oil weave an umami-filled aromatic profile into the dish.

It’s a harmony of textures and tastes that you can enjoy as is or pair with cauliflower rice for a complete, low-carb meal.

Ingredients

1. 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast, sliced into thin strips
2. 1 cup beef broth
3. 1/2 cup soy sauce
4. 1/3 cup brown sugar or sugar substitute
5. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
6. 3 cloves garlic, minced
7. 2 tablespoons cornstarch
8. 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

Instructions

1. Place the beef strips in the slow cooker.
2. Combine beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar or substitute, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a bowl, then pour over the beef.
3. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
4. In the last 30 minutes, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cooking liquid to create a slurry, then stir into the slow cooker along with the broccoli.
5. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes until the sauce has thickened and broccoli is tender.

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Crock Pot Chicken Fajita Soup

This flavorful and comforting soup captures the zest of fajitas in a delicious, warm broth.

Succulent chicken breasts slowly simmer alongside a medley of vibrant bell peppers and diced onions, absorbing the spices’ richness and aromatic goodness.

The addition of diced tomatoes and green chiles brings a tangy freshness to the dish, completing the full fajita experience in a bowl.

Topped with your favorite additions like creamy avocado or a sprinkle of shredded cheese, this soup offers a flexible, healthy, and heartwarming dinner option that truly embodies a low-carb fiesta.

Ingredients

1. 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. 2 bell peppers, sliced
3. 1 onion, sliced
4. 4 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1 can diced tomatoes
6. 4 cups chicken broth
7. 1 tablespoon ground cumin
8. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts, bell peppers, and onion into your slow cooker.
2. Add minced garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and ground cumin.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Once done, shred the chicken inside the pot and stir to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Read: Scrumptious Low Carb Soup Recipes to Warm Your Soul

Crock Pot Cauliflower and Cheese Casserole

This low-carb crock pot recipe invites you to savor a rich and creamy cheese sauce gently enveloping tender, bite-sized cauliflower florets.

A symphony of flavors, the mild nuttiness of cauliflower, the creamy tang of cream cheese, the richness of shredded cheddar, awaits you in this comforting dish.

The combination of garlic and onion powder provides a subtle depth to the casserole, enhancing the cheesy goodness without overpowering the dish’s main stars.

All of these delightful elements come together in a slow-cooked, comforting casserole, offering you a satisfying, guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients

1. 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
2. 1 cup sour cream
3. 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4. 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
5. 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the cauliflower florets into your slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, mix together sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the mixture over the cauliflower.
3. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours until the cauliflower is tender and the cheese is melted.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

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Crock Pot Salsa Verde Chicken

Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts slowly cooked to perfection, bathed in a vibrant salsa verde that offers a blend of tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors.

Complementing the zesty salsa, the flavor profile is completed by the warmth of cumin, the fresh pungency of chopped onion, and the spicy kick of jalapeno.

The result is a mouthwatering dish with an ideal balance of flavors, inviting your taste buds on a delightful journey.

This fuss-free, versatile recipe can be paired with an array of sides, think steamed veggies or cauliflower rice, for a delicious, low-carb meal that easily fits into your busy schedule.

Ingredients

1. 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. 16 oz jar of salsa verde
3. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
4. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts into your slow cooker.
2. Pour over the salsa verde and sprinkle in the ground cumin.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
4. Shred the chicken in the pot and stir until well combined with the sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

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Crock Pot Low-Carb Un-Stuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage roll soup is a comforting, hearty dish that puts a spin on traditional cabbage rolls. This low-carb version offers all the flavors of the original without the fuss of stuffing and rolling cabbage leaves.

You’ll love the combination of savory ground beef, crisp cabbage, tangy diced tomatoes, and a subtle hint of paprika. This simple, one-pot dish is perfect for chilly evenings and is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

1. 1 lb ground beef
2. 1 chopped onion
3. 2 minced garlic cloves
4. 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
5. 2 cans of diced tomatoes
6. 1 cup of tomato sauce
7. 4 cups of beef broth
8. 1 tsp paprika
9. Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Begin by browning the ground beef with the onion and garlic in a pan.
2. Transfer the browned beef and onions to your slow cooker.
3. Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and paprika to the slow cooker.
4. Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to seep into each other.
5. Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

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Crock Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken

This recipe is a flavorful fusion of creamy garlic sauce, tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. It’s inspired by the flavors of Tuscany and is a fantastic low-carb comfort food.

The rich, creamy sauce is infused with Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese, providing a delectable depth of flavor. With the slow cooker doing all the hard work, this easy meal is ideal for busy weeknights but elegant enough for entertaining.

Ingredients

1. 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. 1 cup heavy cream
3. 1 cup chicken broth
4. 1 tsp garlic powder
5. 1 tsp Italian seasoning
6. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
7. 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
8. 1 cup fresh spinach
9. Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring each piece is well-covered.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
5. Add the fresh spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Crock Pot Mexican Shredded Beef

Slow-cooked to perfection, this Mexican Shredded Beef is incredibly versatile and packed with flavor. It combines a delicious blend of green chiles, onion, garlic, and spices to create a tender, pull-apart beef that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or a low-carb salad.

The slow cooking process allows the beef roast to absorb all the wonderful flavors, resulting in a succulent and aromatic main dish that’s a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

1. 3 lbs beef roast
2. 1 can diced green chiles
3. 1 chopped onion
4. 2 minced garlic cloves
5. 1 tsp cumin
6. 1 tsp chili powder
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the beef roast in the slow cooker.
2. Add the diced green chiles, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder.
3. Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 8-10 hours.
4. Once the beef is cooked and tender, shred it using two forks.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

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Crock Pot Bacon and Cheese Brussels Sprouts

Upgrade your side dish game with this easy and flavorful recipe. Brussels sprouts, a powerhouse of nutrients, pair up with crispy bacon and melty cheddar cheese to create a savory delight.

The buttery, nutty notes of the Brussels sprouts mingle perfectly with the smoky, crisp bacon and rich, creamy cheese, creating a balance of flavors that’s hard to resist.

This slow cooker recipe makes serving a wholesome, low-carb side dish a breeze, saving you time without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

1. 2 lbs Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
2. 6 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
3. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4. 1/4 cup butter
5. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts in the slow cooker.
2. Add the crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and butter.
3. Stir the ingredients to combine.
4. Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 3-4 hours, until the Brussels sprouts are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

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Crock Pot Spinach Artichoke Chicken

In this sumptuous, slow-cooked delight, tender chicken breasts become the canvas for a crowd-favorite duo: creamy spinach and artichoke.

Nestled in the slow cooker, the chicken gets gradually enrobed in a blend of rich cream cheese, melted mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan, creating a velvety, cheesy cocoon.

Layered within this cheese medley, you’ll discover delightful pockets of chopped artichoke hearts and tender spinach, their flavors melding perfectly with the savory and garlicky backdrop.

The result is an indulgent, hearty chicken dish that has all the flavors of a favorite restaurant dip but in a healthier, low-carb form.

This dish is perfect to enjoy on its own or served atop cauliflower rice, offering a level of comfort and sophistication that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

1. 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
3. 1 package (10 oz) frozen spinach, thawed and drained
4. 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
5. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
6. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
7. 4 cloves garlic, minced
8. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts into your slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped artichoke hearts, drained spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic.
3. Spread the spinach and artichoke mixture evenly over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the cheeses are all melted and combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Enjoy this creamy dish straight from the pot or served over cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.

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Crock Pot Cooking Tips for Busy Weeknights

To make the most out of these low carb crock pot recipes, I’ve got a few tips to share for a smooth and time-efficient cooking experience.

Use a Slow Cooker Liner

Cleanup is easy if you use slow cooker liners for your low carb crock pot recipes. These disposable bags not only save time on washing your crock pot but also prevent your dish from sticking to the pot, ensuring every bite is enjoyed.

Plan Ahead for Meal Prep

Planning ahead is key for busy weeknights. Prepping and portioning ingredients on weekends makes assembling weeknight meals quick and hassle-free. Consider chopping vegetables, marinating meat, and measuring out spices in advance. And don’t forget to label and date everything for easy meal assembly.

Utilize Frozen Vegetables

Don’t overlook the convenience of frozen vegetables in your low carb crock pot recipes. They’re a great time-saver and offer a similar nutrient profile to fresh veggies. Just toss them in the crock pot without the need for chopping or trimming.

Adjust Recipes to Your Schedule

Depending on your schedule, you may need to adjust cooking times. Many recipes have both a low and high cook time option, so choose the one that fits best with your day. Generally, cooking on low takes about twice as long as cooking on high. However, remember that every slow cooker heats slightly differently, so consider this when adjusting cooking times.

Invest in a Programmable Slow Cooker

A programmable slow cooker can be a game-changer for busy households. You can set it to start cooking at a particular time, switch to a warm setting once cooking is complete, or even stop cooking entirely. This will prevent your food from overcooking if you’re running late and can’t get home to switch off the crock pot.

Consider Batch Cooking and Freezing

If you find a low carb crock pot recipe you really love, consider making a double batch and freezing half for another day. This means you’ll have a ready-to-go meal when you’re short on time. Just make sure the recipe is suitable for freezing, creamy dishes or those with a lot of dairy can sometimes separate when thawed and reheated.

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Conclusion

Low carb crock pot recipes are a lifesaver for those busy weeknights. Not only are they healthy and delicious, but they also make meal prep a breeze. Try out some of these tasty recipes and cooking tips to make your weeknight dinners stress-free and enjoyable!