If you are looking to eat healthier while saving time and money, then you’ll definitely want to get acquainted with your slow cooker. This trusty appliance lets you simply dump in ingredients, set it, and forget it. That means you can easily whip up yummy, nutritious meals that would otherwise require way too much time in the kitchen. And especially as cooler weather settles in, it’s time to add some cozy slow cooker recipes to your regular meal prep rotation. 

We’ve rounded up 35 healthy recipes you can throw together in the slow cooker to make your life easier this week. They all create a big batch, so you can whip one up on Sunday and have meals prepped for the whole week. Or freeze the rest for meals down the road! Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, paleo, dairy-free, or gluten-free, these slow cooker recipes will satisfy everyone:

If your go-to comfort meal involves a block of ramen and a seasoning packet, trust me—I love those, too. But you can elevate your basic bowl of ramen with just a little extra effort. Simply prep your ingredients, toss them in, and let the crockpot work its magic.

It can be difficult to find weeknight meals that are healthy and delicious but don’t take up too much of your precious time. This slow cooker yellow chicken curry checks all those boxes and packs in tons of flavor, too.

This recipe might just give you the juiciest, most flavorful chicken of your life—all with a hands-off approach. The herbed sun-dried tomato sauce is an irresistible addition that will have your mouth watering.

I feel like a broken record this fall because I can’t stop telling everyone how excited I am for chili season, but once you try this recipe, you won’t be able to stop raving about it either. If you love Italian food, you’ll be obsessed with this Italian twist on classic chili.

There’s no need for takeout with this tasty slow cooker Kung Pao Chicken. It offers all the convenience and is even more delicious.

This meatball orzo is the perfect choice when you can’t decide between a creamy, comforting dish and a bright, zesty dinner. It effortlessly combines both flavor profiles and is incredibly easy to whip up.

There’s nothing that will fuel you to get through the week like a filling dinner of chicken, broccoli, and potatoes. Plus, the garlic sauce in this recipe is so creamy and delicious that you’ll want to put it on literally everything you cook.

Take taco night (or burrito night or bowl night) to the next level with this smoky chicken tinga slow cooker recipe. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to serve it in various ways, all of which taste great.

This beef and broccoli packs more flavor than your typical recipe, and all the cooking happens in the crockpot, requiring minimal effort on your part.

Now that fall is officially here, it also means that cold and flu season is lurking around the corner. When everyone around you is getting sick, it’s important to have a soup recipe you love on hand to make you feel better, and this easy chicken and wild rice soup is just the thing to perk you up.

Stuffed peppers are a staple in my household. If you don’t already make them often, you’ll love how tasty, customizable, and time-saving they are, especially when you make them in the slow cooker.

The Thai green curry, coconut milk, and fresh lime juice come together to make this coconut curry chicken recipe irresistible.

Don’t be fooled—this is not your typical, bland chicken and rice. It’s so creamy that it’s hard to believe it’s healthy, but it’s made with brown rice, veggies, and chicken broth rather than the typical canned soup.

Beef bourguignon may seem like a fancy dish that would require too much effort on a weeknight, but with this recipe, it’s ready in a snap. Serve it as a stew or over some mashed potatoes for an unmatched dinner.

Whether you follow a vegan diet, are trying to eat more plant-based, or simply appreciate a good recipe regardless of whether it contains meat, you’re guaranteed to love this vegan tikka masala. Not only does it taste fantastic, but it also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping.

If you’re looking for a chicken tortilla soup with a bit of a kick to warm you up on chilly fall nights, this spicy crockpot recipe is a must-try.

We all know and love a good baked potato, but now imagine a perfectly baked sweet potato stuffed with tangy, spicy shredded buffalo chicken. Prep takes only 15 minutes, and then the slow cooker takes over from there.

As incredible as fall is, there are days when the cooler weather and shorter days can make you feel a bit sluggish. My favorite remedy for those days is a hot bowl of detox soup. This one is full of protein, fiber, and potassium—it’s just what you need to help you feel fabulous.

With this vegetarian chili, you won’t even miss the ground beef because it’s so delicious without it. It’s the perfect warm and comforting dish for fall.

No matter what your favorite soup is, you have to admit that none has mass appeal like chicken noodle soup. This recipe takes it up a notch with the addition of buffalo sauce.

This recipe proves you don’t need noodles to create a showstopping lasagna. It has just the right amount of sauce and cheesiness, and on top of that, it’s low-carb and high in protein.

This recipe allows you to make a vegetarian Mexican casserole with quinoa, black beans, and taco seasoning entirely in the slow cooker. Who doesn’t want a 10/10 meal that only requires 2/10 effort?

This slow cooker honey garlic chicken is bursting with flavor and makes a fantastic fridge staple for topping rice, sandwiches, quesadillas, and any other dish that could use a boost of protein.

If you’re looking for a no-frills chicken soup recipe that might just make the best bowl you’ve ever had, look no further. This recipe also freezes well, so you can enjoy it whenever you need an extra dose of comfort.

The only thing better than getting takeout is enjoying the same dish without having to leave your home at all. That’s exactly what this crockpot creamy cashew chicken recipe with rice and naan offers.

With fall comes football season, and this healthier version of sloppy joes is just the thing to eat while tailgating or hosting a watch party. You can even make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer, then reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

If turkey sloppy joes aren’t your thing, this slow cooker pulled chicken recipe is a great alternative that tastes just as good. Or, make both!

I’m obsessed with creamy tomato soup, and honestly, I didn’t think it could get any better—until I came across this recipe that adds cheesy tortellini. After trying it, you’ll never want tomato soup without it again.

When you need something hearty, healthy, and easy, this slow cooker recipe never fails. Just put everything in the crockpot, and once the Mexican quinoa is done, add toppings like sour cream, salsa, and avocado.

This recipe isn’t your traditional chili—it swaps the typical beans for sweet potatoes and is completely paleo. It’s a unique twist on chili that tastes amazing.

This recipe makes butter chicken easier to cook, healthier, and more delicious. Served alongside naan and rice, it’s the perfect slow cooker meal.

One thing about me: I love a meatball. On a sub, with pasta, by itself as an appetizer—name a meatball-focused dish, and I’m a fan. Make this recipe in a crockpot and add it to any dish of your choice for an easy, delicious dinner.

This vegetarian soup is a nutritious meal packed with plant-based protein. It’s delicious as is, but if you’d like to add some meat, shredded chicken pairs wonderfully as well.

Seafood lovers, meet your new favorite slow cooker recipe. This jambalaya is bursting with bright Cajun flavor, featuring sausage, chicken, shrimp, rice, vegetables, and a bold blend of seasonings.

To make this honey sriracha, you only need five ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time. Then, you’ll have a mouthwatering dinner ready to enjoy.

If one thing epitomizes the fall season, it’s the cult-favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte. It’s the comforting drink we wait all year for because there’s nothing quite like sipping on warm, pumpkin-spiced goodness to lean into the slower autumn days. But there’s one caveat: The traditional Starbucks PSL is flavored with not-so-great-for-you ingredients like added sugar and “natural flavors” (flavoring agents that can be highly processed and contain preservatives and chemical additives). Combined with caffeine, you’re in for a blood sugar crash soon after the initial energy boost.

But we all want to lean into the best parts of the season without sacrificing our health or creating negative symptoms. Wellness girls need their PSL fix, too! So, I picked the brains of doctors and dietitians to create the ultimate healthy PSL, whether you’re DIYing at home or ordering at your local coffee shop. And if you just can’t part with your beloved PSL in its truest (sugary) form, I’ve got a few health tips for you, too. Read on for seven ways to hack your way to a nutritious, gut-friendly, hormone-friendly, all-around healthier PSL. Your fall latte will never be the same again—for the better. 

Hacks to “Healthify” Your PSL Order

Reduce the caffeine 

It may be the pick-me-up that most of us can’t function without first thing in the morning, but coffee can be a trigger for GI symptoms like heartburn and bloating, and it might also interfere with the balance of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Additionally, caffeine can cause your body to produce excess cortisol (AKA the stress hormone), which can result in inflammation. Dr. Erin Hendriks, a board-certified physician and functional medicine practitioner at Salvo Health, recommended choosing decaffeinated coffee or using less coffee in your PSL (like ordering half-caf) if you have gut or hormonal conditions. If you’re not quite ready to cut your caffeine in half, you can try two espresso shots and one decaf espresso shot (even a little bit makes a difference). 

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Go for a dark roast

The variety of roasts you see at your local coffee shop means more than just how coffee connoisseurs order their ideal cup; they vary in caffeine, acid levels, and antioxidants. While the differences are slight, dark roast coffee contains less caffeine and more antioxidants than light or medium roast coffee, so the former is better if you’re trying to cut back on caffeine intake. What’s more, darker roasts tend to be lower in acidity, making them easier on your stomach and less likely to cause heartburn or indigestion. TL;DR: Kindly ask your barista to use their dark roast Espresso Roast versus their lighter roast Blonde Espresso Roast when making your PSL.

Opt for a small size

When you want to go all in and indulge in a PSL as it comes (in all its pre-sweetened, pumpkin-flavored syrup delicious glory), drink it as is because joy is a nutrient, too. But on those days when you’re just looking to satisfy a seasonal flavor craving? Go for a small (AKA a Starbucks “tall”) so that you’re consuming less added sugar and preservatives that come with the pumpkin spice syrup and whipped cream.

Ask for 1-2 pumps of pumpkin syrup

In the Starbucks PSL, baristas add three pumps of pre-sweetened pumpkin-flavored syrup in a tall latte, four in a grande, and five in a venti (six if it’s an iced venti because the drink is four ounces larger). Instead, specify one to two pumps of syrup to get the flavor without as much added sugar (and toxins). In other words, to still get that fall-in-a-cup flavor with less added sugar, take the less is more approach.

Opt for unsweetened, plant-based milk

Condensed milk (think: non-organic, processed cow’s milk that has had most of its water removed and sugar added) is the common base of America’s favorite seasonal beverage. “Dairy is a common trigger for gut symptoms, as the lactase enzyme declines with age, and most adults have lost at least some ability to digest dairy,” Dr. Hendriks explained. If dairy doesn’t make you feel great, ditch it. Instead, request a plant-based option like almond, cashew, or soy (preferably with no sugar added). You’ll not only avoid dairy and sugar, but because plant-based milks are alkaline in nature, you’ll also balance the pH of your coffee, giving you a much less acidic cup of coffee. Whichever you choose, you can still expect the familiar flavor and frothy, creamy texture of the conventional PSL.

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Not all non-dairy alternatives are created equal though. “Oat milk is higher on the glycemic index, which further disrupts your blood sugar regulation,” warned Dr. Lana Butner, a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist. “When blood sugar is dysregulated, it has a negative effect on cortisol production and secretion, leading to further inflammation within the body.” If nut milk isn’t your thing, opt for coconut milk, which contains healthy fats.

Add a dash of cinnamon

Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, including polyphenols, which offer anti-inflammatory effects to the body. It can also help keep blood sugar levels balanced, which is not only beneficial on its own but can also help lessen the burden of the added sugar from pumpkin syrup on blood sugar. Plus, it adds more to the unique seasonal flavor. 

Skip the whipped cream

Perhaps the easiest and most obvious hack of all is forgoing the whip altogether on your PSL if you’re simply craving the pumpkin sweet treat and can do without whipped cream. You’ll save yourself from unwanted additives like preservatives and stabilizers, not to mention stomach issues if you have digestive disorders or lactose intolerance. But remember if you’re intentionally indulging and want the whipped cream, let yourself indulge guilt-free. The point is all about intention; if it’s something you could do without, it’s an easy hack to make your PSL a little less stressful on the body.

Tips to DIY a PSL at Home

Use 100 percent real pumpkin puree

The essence of the PSL that gives its distinct taste most often comes from pumpkin flavoring or syrup (code for sugar-dense syrup or powder artificially made to taste like pumpkin)—unless you make your own version at home. Reach for canned or fresh pumpkin puree as the main ingredient, which will deliver the signature pumpkin flavor and some major health benefits, too. “Like most veggies and fruits within the red, yellow, and orange hues, pumpkin is rich in vitamin A and lycopene,” Dr. Butner said. “Both of these nutrients are fantastic for eye health due to their antioxidant status, which helps with the prevention of cellular degradation. The concentration of fat-soluble vitamins (A, E) in addition to vitamin C, iron potassium, and manganese also make pumpkin a fantastic food for boosting immune function.” Dr. Hendriks added that pumpkin is packed with fiber, which improves digestion by acting as food for good bacteria in the gut. 

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Be intentional about your coffee (or matcha?)

Coffee can be a major superfood, but it’s also one of the most sprayed crops. Choose a high-quality brand that is organic and fair trade, as low-quality beans are heavily processed and can be high in toxins and pesticides. Also look for beans from Brazil, Sumatra, Vietnam, or Nicaragua, as well as Robusta beans (over Arabica beans), espresso beans, or chicory blends, as they are less acidic to your body. For a coffee substitute, Dr. Butner suggested matcha because who says pumpkin spice has to be reserved for coffee: “One teaspoon of matcha contains 70 milligrams of caffeine compared to a cup of coffee, which contains roughly 140 milligrams. Matcha is also rich in the polyphenol EGCG, which has potent health protective effects, and L-theanine, which has been shown to improve mood and cognition and reduce stress and anxiety.” (I promise, it still works in your PSL!)

Swap artificial sweeteners for natural alternatives 

While Starbucks doesn’t reveal the components of their signature pumpkin-flavored syrup, Carly Knowles, MS, RDN, LD, PCD, a registered dietitian and cookbook author of The Nutritionist’s Kitchen, let us in on what’s behind the curtain: “These pumped flavorings not only add a significant amount of sugar to your diet, they often contain artificial flavoring and coloring which some have been linked to issues like kidney damage or cognitive problems.” She suggested using a natural sweetener like monk fruit extract, raw honey, or maple syrup to control the level of sweetness and reduce or eliminate the sugar content entirely, depending on your taste preferences.

Don’t forget the spices 

The PSL wouldn’t be the PSL without the “S,” and luckily, spices also pack powerful health benefits. The usual suspects you’ll find in the PSL are cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. “Go heavy on the herbaceous spices for the extra seasonal flavor,” Dr. Butner advised. She broke down the benefits of each:   

• Cinnamon: blood sugar-balancing, allows for insulin to escort glucose into the cells to use as energy (as opposed to remaining in the circulating bloodstream for too long, eventually causing damage to tissue and organs)
• Nutmeg: a powerful antioxidant that is great at squelching free radicals, decreasing inflammation in the body, and helping with cerebrovascular circulation
• Ginger: an antimicrobial antioxidant that helps regulate blood glucose levels, and as a potent herb, it also helps to increase circulation
• Clove: an anti-inflammatory antioxidant shown to increase circulation and nerve transduction to the pelvic floor and reproductive organs

• 8 ounces freshly brewed coffee
• 1 cup milk of choice
• 2-3 tablespoons organic pumpkin puree
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (or another sweetener of choice)
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions: Make coffee, pour it into a glass or mug, and set it aside. Pour milk into a saucepan and heat over medium-low until warm (do not let it come to a boil). Then, transfer milk to a blender and add pumpkin puree, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Blend until well combined. Pour the mixture into the glass of coffee and sprinkle with a dash of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon, and enjoy! 

Experts Consulted

DR. ERIN HENDRIKS

Dr. Erin Hendriks is a board-certified physician and functional medicine practitioner at Salvo Health. She’s a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and American Board of Lifestyle Medicine and an Institute of Functional Medicine certified practitioner.

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DR. LANA BUTNER, ND

Dr. Lana Butner is a board-certified naturopathic doctor (ND) and licensed acupuncturist (LAc). She earned her ND at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine where she completed hundreds of hours learning about conventional and alternative medicine therapies, botanical medicine, and general and genetic-specific nutrition.

CARLY KNOWLES, MS, RDN

Carly Knowles is a master’s-educated registered dietitian, health coach, and cookbook author of The Nutritionist’s Kitchen. She has been featured in global media such as SHAPE magazine, CNN, FOX News, Yahoo, and mindbodygreen, and she’s worked in partnership with healthy food brands such as Organic Valley and NOW Foods.