7 High-Protein Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meal Prep

Looking to boost your protein intake without spending all day in the kitchen? These seven slow cooker recipes are here to help. Each dish is packed with protein and perfect for busy lifestyles, making healthy eating a breeze. Get ready to throw in some ingredients, set it, and let your slow cooker do the work!

Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli

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This honey garlic shrimp and broccoli recipe is a simple delight for any dinner. The shrimp cook to perfection, soaking up the sweet and savory sauce, while the broccoli adds a nice crunch. Toss it all together for a meal packed with protein and flavor!

Ingredients: 500 g raw shrimp (peeled, deveined), 2 cups broccoli florets, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 4 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1–2 tbsp water, salt and pepper, optional chili flakes, cooked rice to serve.[1]

Instructions:
1) In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, vinegar, oil, garlic, ginger, water, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.

2) Add broccoli to the slow cooker and pour half the sauce over it.

3) Cook on LOW for 2 hours until broccoli is crisp-tender.

4) Add shrimp and remaining sauce, stir, and cook on LOW 30–45 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.

5) Serve over rice and spoon sauce on top.

Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Onions

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This Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Onions is a delightful dish that combines savory and sweet flavors. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare, letting you enjoy tender meat and caramelized apples with minimal effort. It’s a high-protein meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients: 700–900 g pork tenderloin, 2 apples (sliced), 1 large onion (sliced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 120 ml chicken broth, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1–2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper.

Instructions:
1) Season pork with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary and sear in a pan with oil until browned on all sides (optional but tasty).

2) Place onion and apple slices in the slow cooker, then add garlic.

3) Lay pork on top.

4) In a bowl, mix broth, mustard, honey, and vinegar and pour over everything.

5) Cook on LOW 4–6 hours or HIGH 2–3 hours until pork is tender but sliceable.

6) Slice pork and serve with apples, onions, and some cooking juices spooned over.

Beef and Lentil Chili

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This beef and lentil chili is a hearty option that’s loaded with protein. It’s simple to make and perfect for cozy nights in. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you enjoy the rich flavors.

Ingredients: 500 g lean ground beef, 1 cup dried lentils (rinsed), 1 onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 red pepper (diced), 1 can (400 g) chopped tomatoes, 1 can (400 g) tomato sauce or passata, 500 ml beef or vegetable broth, 1 can kidney or black beans (rinsed), 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp oregano, salt and pepper, optional: corn, jalapeño, toppings (yogurt, cheese, cilantro).[1]

Instructions:
1) Brown the beef in a pan with a little oil, breaking it up with a spoon, then drain excess fat.

2) Add beef, lentils, onion, garlic, pepper, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, beans, and all spices to the slow cooker.

3) Stir well, then cook on LOW 6–8 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours until lentils are tender and chili is thick.

4) Adjust seasoning and serve with toppings.

Spicy Chicken and Quinoa Stew

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This Spicy Chicken and Quinoa Stew is perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with lean protein and flavorful spices, it’s both hearty and healthy. You’ll love how easy it is to make in your slow cooker!

Ingredients: 600–800 g chicken breast or thighs (cubed), 1 cup quinoa (rinsed), 1 onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 carrots (sliced), 1 red pepper (diced), 1 can (400 g) chopped tomatoes, 750 ml chicken broth, 1–2 tbsp tomato paste, 1–2 tsp chili flakes or chili paste, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp oregano, salt and pepper, optional: lime juice and fresh coriander to serve.[1]

Instructions:
1) Add chicken, quinoa, onion, garlic, carrots, pepper, tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, and all spices to the slow cooker.

2) Stir everything together.

3) Cook on LOW 4–5 hours or HIGH 2–3 hours until chicken is cooked and quinoa is soft and fluffy.

4) If stew is too thick, add a bit more broth; if too thin, cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes.

5) Finish with lime juice and coriander.

Herbed Turkey and White Bean Soup

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Herbed turkey and white bean soup is a warm and hearty dish perfect for any day. With tender turkey chunks and creamy white beans, it’s packed with protein and flavor. Toss in some fresh herbs for an extra kick that makes every spoonful satisfying.

Ingredients: 500–700 g cooked turkey (cubed or shredded; can use raw turkey breast but increase time), 2 cans (400 g each) white beans (rinsed), 1 onion (diced), 2–3 carrots (sliced), 2 celery stalks (sliced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1.5 liters chicken or turkey broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1–2 bay leaves, salt and pepper, optional: handful of spinach at the end, lemon juice.

Instructions:
1) Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, beans, and turkey to the slow cooker.

2) Pour in broth and add herbs, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

3) Cook on LOW 6–8 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours (if using raw turkey, ensure it is fully cooked and shreddable).

4) Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, stir in spinach until wilted and a splash of lemon if desired.

Moroccan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry

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This Moroccan chickpea and sweet potato curry is a warm hug in a bowl. It’s packed with protein from chickpeas and is super easy to make in a slow cooker. Just throw in your ingredients and let the flavors meld together for a delicious meal!

Ingredients: 2 cans (400 g each) chickpeas (rinsed), 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed), 1 onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 can (400 g) chopped tomatoes, 400 ml coconut milk, 250 ml vegetable broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked or regular paprika, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 0.5 tsp cinnamon, 0.25–0.5 tsp cayenne (optional), salt and pepper, fresh coriander to serve, cooked couscous or rice.[1]

Instructions:
1) Add sweet potatoes, chickpeas, onion, garlic, tomatoes, coconut milk, broth, tomato paste, and all spices to the slow cooker.

2) Stir well so spices are distributed.

3) Cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours until sweet potatoes are soft and sauce is thick and creamy.

4) Adjust seasoning, sprinkle with coriander, and serve over couscous or rice

Vegetable and Black Bean Enchiladas

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These vegetable and black bean enchiladas are a game changer for busy weeknights. Packed with protein and flavor, they make a hearty meal that everyone will love. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic!

Ingredients: 8–10 small tortillas, 2 cans (400 g each) black beans (rinsed), 1 cup corn kernels, 1 red pepper (diced), 1 small zucchini (diced), 1 onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 500 ml enchilada sauce (red or homemade from tomato sauce plus chili, cumin, garlic), 150–200 g grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt and pepper, fresh coriander to serve.[1]

Instructions:
1) In a bowl, mix black beans, corn, pepper, zucchini, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper with about 3–4 tbsp enchilada sauce and a handful of cheese.

2) Fill each tortilla with a few spoons of the mixture, roll tightly, and place seam side down into a greased slow cooker.

3) Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.

4) Cook on LOW 3–4 hours or HIGH 1.5–2 hours until everything is hot and cheese is melted.

5) Serve with coriander, yogurt or sour cream, and lime wedges.