High-Protein Crockpot Recipes to Bring Fall Right Into Your Kitchen
By Kayley George, RDN, LD, and Emma Campbell, Dietetic Intern
There is nothing better than cozying up with a warm meal after a long, fall day. With the busyness of this season, why not break out your crockpot to take the burden of cooking dinner away? Better yet, these recipes are packed with protein to keep you fuller for longer and contribute to your weight loss goals. Here are 15 delicious, yet so simple, high-protein crockpot meals that will fill your kitchen with fall magic!
Why use a Crockpot?
Crockpots have been a staple in the kitchen for a long time, but if you have yet to master using one, it may seem very daunting. Luckily for you, crockpots are much easier to navigate than they seem. Most crockpot recipes are as simple as combining every single ingredient into the crockpot bowl, choosing a heat setting, and then letting the crockpot work its magic. That means there is only one setting that you need to change: the cooking temperature.
A good rule of thumb:
If you are cooking your recipe for around 6-8 hours, set the crockpot to low.
If you are cooking for around 4-5 hours, set the crockpot to high.
Once your meal is cooked to perfection, you can set the crockpot to the warm setting until your family is ready for meal time! As you can see, crockpots are much less overwhelming than you may have expected, and with some practice, you will be a pro in no time! Be sure to pay attention to each recipe for its unique aspects, such as not adding certain ingredients immediately or adjusting the heat settings. Once you master these recipes, your family will be begging for crockpot meals every night!
Why is High-Protein Important?
One of the most important factors when trying to lose weight is your protein intake. Consuming adequate protein during each meal will contribute to your satiety, which will prevent further mindless snacking. Protein is also essential for the growth and preservation of muscle mass during weight loss. Muscle mass is important, not only for the strength needed for activity, but for its calorie-burning qualities as well. With the preservation of muscle mass, your body will convert to burning fat mass. Fat mass is a common determinant of chronic disease and lower physical fitness, so decreasing fat mass is incredibly important in your weight loss and overall health journey. For weight loss, most people will benefit from aiming for 100+ grams of protein daily, with 80 grams being the minimum. Getting at least 30 grams of protein at each meal and 10 grams per snack will allow you to meet these goals! Working with a Healthy Weight Loss RD dietitian can help you customize the protein needs for your exact situation.
Be Mindful of Carbs During the Holidays
While fall is an exciting time to be surrounded by loved ones and share memories over a meal, it is also when high-carb options are more readily available. Though carbohydrates are a great source of energy in our diet, excess carbohydrates can cause a spike in blood sugar and feelings of hunger soon after eating. It is important to be aware of the carbs you may be eating during this season and to reach for lower-carb or complex-carb options when possible. These recipes will bring you the same fall flavor you love while staying mindful of your carb intake.
Balance is Key
We understand that navigating constant opinions and advice about weight loss can be overwhelming. Remembering to eat high-protein meals, watching your carbs, getting enough exercise, and drinking your water, all while having to put food on the table for your family, is a lot. At the end of the day, weight loss is all about figuring out what works best for you and your body. To help keep your blood sugar balanced while not having to ditch the carbs altogether, aim for the same amount of protein and carbs at each meal.
For example:
4-5 ounces of chicken = 30 grams of protein
⅔ cup of rice = 30 grams of carbohydrates
Small steps towards increasing your protein intake are a great place to start to keep things balanced during the holidays. With this ratio in mind, these 15 high-protein crockpot recipes are the perfect balanced meals to eat while making the most of the holiday season!
Chicken Tortilla Soup
There is no better meal on a cool fall evening than a hearty soup. This recipe is not only full of protein, but it also has a variety of delicious vegetables!
https://realfoodwholelife.com/recipes/crockpot-tortilla-soup/
Protein: 35 grams Carbohydrate: 39 grams
Tuscan Chicken with Orzo
Hosting a friendsgiving or holiday get-together? This recipe is an incredibly easy meal that your guests won’t believe is homemade!
https://therealfooddietitians.com/crockpot-tuscan-chicken/
Protein: 31 grams Carbohydrate: 32 grams
Crockpot Lasagna
This is the simplest comfort meal that makes for great leftovers. Substitute the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option, cook some green beans for a side dish, and you will have a well-rounded meal that took no time at all!
https://therealfooddietitians.com/crockpot-lasagna-recipe/
Protein: 30 grams Carbohydrate: 31 grams
White Chicken Chili
This meal is the perfect cozy fall dinner, packed with both protein and flavor. You won’t be able to get enough of it!
https://jenneatsgoood.com/high-protein-white-chicken-chili/
Protein: 58 grams Carbohydrate: 37 grams
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Fall is the season of football watch parties with friends and family! This buffalo chicken dip will make you the life of the party while staying committed to your weight loss journey.
https://skinnyfitalicious.com/healthy-buffalo-chicken-dip/
Protein: 18 grams Carbohydrate: 3 grams
Beef Curry
This Thai-inspired meal will warm you up and leave you satisfied with its savory flavors and fresh vegetables.
https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/8028388/slow-cooker-beef-curry/
Protein: 27 grams Carbohydrate: 11 grams
Chicken and Dumplings
A take on the classic Southern comfort meal. You will be surprised at how easy this meal is, and how good it makes you feel, with lots of leftovers to enjoy multiple days in a row!
https://www.eatingwell.com/crockpot-chicken-and-dumplings-8387080
Protein: 33 grams Carbohydrate: 36 grams
Turkey Goulash
This is a simple, savory meal that the whole family will love! It can be personalized with your kids (or your) favorite noodle shape, for an exciting addition to dinner time.
https://sugarandsnappeas.com/slumgullion/
Protein: 30 grams Carbohydrate: 31 grams
Pumpkin Chili
You can’t have a fall recipe article without some pumpkin! This fun, seasonal meal will fill you right up and put you in the holiday spirit.
https://realfoodwholelife.com/recipes/slow-cooker-pumpkin-paleo-chili/#recipe
Protein: 33 grams Carbohydrate: 5 grams
Taco Dip
This recipe is another shareable game day snack! Pick your favorite tortilla or corn chips, throw these ingredients in the crockpot, and you will have a perfect party snack.
https://realfoodwholelife.com/recipes/crockpot-taco-dip/#recipe
Protein: 12 grams Carbohydrate: 2 grams
Spicy Cabbage Soup
Get your veggies in with this cabbage soup! This tender, savory meal will turn this fall dish into a staple at your house.
https://realfoodwholelife.com/recipes/spicy-cabbage-soup/#recipe
Protein: 29 grams Carbohydrate: 23 grams
Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup
Full of veggies and lean meat, this is the perfect warm meal for a chilly fall day!
https://realfoodwholelife.com/recipes/crockpot-mini-turkey-meatball-vegetable-soup/
Protein: 36 grams Carbohydrate: 12 grams
Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Such a simple, yet flavorful dinner! Sweet potatoes are a great, nutrient-dense alternative to a tortilla with your enchilada meat.
https://preventionrd.com/slow-cooker-chicken-enchilada-stuffed-sweet-potatoes/
Protein: 28 grams Carbohydrate: 31 grams
Beef Pot Roast
What’s a crockpot recipe article without a classic pot roast? This recipe is hearty, warm, and delicious for dinner with the whole family!
https://therealfooddietitians.com/slow-cooker-pot-roast/
Protein: 37 grams Carbohydrate: 22 grams
Teriyaki Chicken
An easy, healthier alternative to your favorite takeout food! Perfect for when you want to cozy up on the couch after a long day of work.
https://joyfoodsunshine.com/slow-cooker-teriyaki-chicken/
Protein: 26 grams Carbohydrate: 23 grams
For more weight loss diet guidance from a registered dietitian, you can book a FREE discovery call with us today!
Here’s to great fall food, staying consistent with our health goals, and mastering crockpot cooking this year!
Happy Eating!