Slow Cooker Comfort Food Recipes

Yes, you can make a mean cheesesteak in your slow cooker that even manages to pack the veggies.

Image Credit: bhofack2/iStock/GettyImages Even though slow cookers are super convenient any time of year, there’s something about the fall and winter that makes us want to pull out this effort-saving gadget.

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 For the most part, there is little to no prep work involved and you can plop all the ingredients in the pot, set the timer and go about your day. It's a great solution to having dinner ready in time when you have a busy, non-stop workweek. And what's even more satisfying after a long day of work and deadlines? Indulging in comfort food, of course.

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  That's why we tapped dietitian Cara Harbstreet, RD, LD of Street Smart Nutrition to share some slow cooker comfort food recipes that come in under 500 calories (you know, so you don't have to splurge too much).

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 1. Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
 
This no-boil mac and cheese is a dump-and-go meal that will save you tons of time.

Image Credit: mphillips007/iStock/GettyImages

Calories: 493 calories Protein: 26 grams

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 Macaroni and cheese is a childhood favorite that never gets old. This recipe calls for cooking the noodles in broth for extra flavor. "Since most of us get plenty of sodium in our diets, opting for low-sodium options when cooking with broth or stock is always a good idea," Harbstreet says. She also suggest experimenting with reduced-fat or skim milk to reduce calories and fat content even more. If you're serving this as a meal, try tossing in small broccoli florets or cauliflower to get in some veggies.

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  Get the Crock Pot Mac and Cheese recipe and nutrition info from Family Food On The Table.

Slow Cooker Ribs
You’ll be shocked at how tender these ribs are with very little active cooking time. Image Credit: Buns In My Oven

Calories: 302 calories Protein: 21 grams

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 "Pork is a good source of protein and an excellent source of thiamin, niacin, phosphorus and vitamin B6," Harbstreet says. And by cooking your ribs in a slow cooker, you're guaranteed tender, fall-off-the-bone meat that is succulent and juicy. To make this into a well-balanced meal, try serving with a side of vegetables and a whole grain like brown rice or quinoa.

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  Get the Slow Cooker Ribs recipe and nutrition info from Buns In My Oven.

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup
Caramelized onions, gooey cheese and a toasty crouton make this bowl of soup irresistible. Image Credit: Diethood

Calories: 468 calories Protein: 18 grams

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 There is so much to love about this soup and the truth is, it can be customized to be even lower in calories if that's what you're after. Harbstreet says soups are a filling and savory option when you're craving comfort food because they can truly fill you up. This warm bowl of cheesy, onion-y goodness pairs perfectly as a first course for any meal or it can be used as the main dish itself when paired with a side salad or vegetable-rich sandwich.

Get the Slow Cooker French Onion Soup recipe and nutrition info from Diethood. 4. Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks

This East-coast favorite can be recreated in your very own home thanks to this easy-to-follow recipe.

Image Credit: Half Baked Harvest

Calories: 301 calories Protein: not listed

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 When it comes to steak, the key is choosing a cut that is on the leaner side to avoid excess calories and saturated fat. Harbstreet says this recipe does just that and allows you to enjoy the beefy flavor without loads of fat. "If you don't have buns, you can try serving these open-faced style with your favorite bread," she suggests. And if you want to go low-carb, you can place this hot and cheesy beef and peppers on top of a bed of greens.

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  Get the Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks recipe and nutrition info from Half Baked Harvest.

Mom’s Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Potatoes, tomatoes and hearty beef are slow cooked in dry wine and beef broth for a rich and indulgent dinner. Image Credit: Ambitious Kitchen

Calories: 410 calories Protein: 39.6 grams

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 There's something about a slow cooker stew that screams "eat me!" come the cold-weather seasons. "This recipe doesn't skimp on veggies with the classic potato, carrot, onion and peas included," Harbstreet says. If you want to make it even more veggie-full, she suggests adding mushrooms or bell peppers. You can serve this hearty stew over a bed of brown rice or mashed cauliflower.

Get the Mom’s Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe and nutrition info from Ambitious Kitchen. 6. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Succulent pork is marinated with a dry rub and slow cooked until it's melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Image Credit: Kim’s Cravings

Calories: 239 calories Protein: 39 grams

The possibilities are endless with this tender pulled pork. You can add it onto a sandwich, salad or tacos. Harbstreet says her top choice is to serve it barbecue-style over a fresh green salad. The best part is that this is truly a dump-and-go meal so it’s perfect for busy days. Get the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe and nutrition info from Kim’s Cravings. 7. Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs

Making this family favorite as a one-pot meal will make your life a whole lot easier.

Image Credit: Slow Cooker Gourmet

Calories: 359 calories Protein: 27 grams

If you’re looking for a family crowd-pleaser, you can’t go wrong with spaghetti and meatballs. You can make simple swaps like using whole-grain pasta instead of white pasta and opting for lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Harbstreet recommends boosting the fiber by using oats as the meatball binder instead of breadcrumbs. You can even sneak in bite-sized veggies like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini or eggplant to increase the vitamins in this dish. Get the Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe and nutrition info from Slow Cooker Gourmet.

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Yes, you can make a mean cheesesteak in your slow cooker that even manages to pack the veggies.

Image Credit: bhofack2/iStock/GettyImages

This no-boil mac and cheese is a dump-and-go meal that will save you tons of time.

Image Credit: mphillips007/iStock/GettyImages

Get the Crock Pot Mac and Cheese recipe and nutrition info from Family Food On The Table.

You'll be shocked at how tender these ribs are with very little active cooking time.

Image Credit: Buns In My Oven

Get the Slow Cooker Ribs recipe and nutrition info from Buns In My Oven.

Caramelized onions, gooey cheese and a toasty crouton make this bowl of soup irresistible.

Image Credit: Diethood

Get the Slow Cooker French Onion Soup recipe and nutrition info from Diethood.

This East-coast favorite can be recreated in your very own home thanks to this easy-to-follow recipe.

Image Credit: Half Baked Harvest

Get the Crockpot Philly Cheesesteaks recipe and nutrition info from Half Baked Harvest.

Potatoes, tomatoes and hearty beef are slow cooked in dry wine and beef broth for a rich and indulgent dinner.

Image Credit: Ambitious Kitchen

Get the Mom’s Slow Cooker Beef Stew recipe and nutrition info from Ambitious Kitchen.

Succulent pork is marinated with a dry rub and slow cooked until it's melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Image Credit: Kim’s Cravings

Get the Slow Cooker Pulled Pork recipe and nutrition info from Kim’s Cravings.

Making this family favorite as a one-pot meal will make your life a whole lot easier.

Image Credit: Slow Cooker Gourmet

Get the Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe and nutrition info from Slow Cooker Gourmet.