Nothing beats a warm, comforting meal when the temperature drops. When the craving for soups, stews, roasts and warm spices comes, it’s time to break out the slow cooker. Read on for a roundup of our favourite healthy slow cooker recipes.

1. Slow Cooker Naked Apple Butter from Oh She Glows

Slow Cooker Naked Apple Butter from Oh She Glows

Cinnamon makes this apple butter a fall staple, and an easy way to make your house smell amazing. This sugar-free treat is delicious spread over toast, or pancakes, or simply eaten by the spoon (we won’t judge!).

2. Slow Cooker Thai Butternut Squash Soup from Seasons & Suppers

Slow Cooker Thai Butternut Squash Soup from Seasons & Suppers

Soup season has finally arrived, and this delicious soup can be prepped in as little as 10 minutes – then let your slow cooker do all the work! The red curry, coconut milk and lemongrass give a fun, flavourful twist to a fall classic.

3. Slow Cooker Mashed Cauliflower from Detoxinista

Slow Cooker Thai Butternut Squash Soup from Seasons & Suppers

Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, and cauliflower is a great low-carb alternative to potatoes. This creamy side dish has a remarkably similar texture, and is super easy to prepare – you can cook, mash, and serve it all from the same pot!

4. Slow Cooker Beef Chili from Sweet Potato Chronicles

Slow Cooker Beef Chili from Sweet Potato Chronicles

A hearty dish that will satisfy your cravings for a home cooked meal. If you’re not a fan of red meat, swap the beef with ground chicken or textured vegetable protein (TVP is a high protein, meat-free option made from soy beans). Don’t forget some crusty bread for dipping!

5. Slow Cooker Hearty Chicken Soup from Half Baked Harvest

Slow Cooker Hearty Chicken Soup from Half Baked Harvest

You know what they say – chicken soup soothes the soul – and this hearty home cooked version is sure to do just that. It’s packed with colourful veggies, fresh herbs, and protein to keep you warm on the chilliest of days.

6. Kung Pao Chickpeas from Detoxinista

Kung Pao Chickpeas from Detoxinista

Skip the take-out and opt for this healthier, vegan, and gluten-, dairy-, and nut-free version from Detoxinista! Chickpeas are a great alternative to chicken as they’re loaded with fibre and protein, and the prep work is a breeze! Just throw the ingredients in your slow cooker in the morning and it will be ready by dinnertime.

7. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Dal from The Girl on Bloor

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Dal from The Girl on Bloor

This hearty dal is a great meatless option for any weeknight. It’s made with red lentils, chunks of butternut squash, loads of garlic, and baby spinach. It’s an easy, no-fuss, flavor-packed dinner your whole family will enjoy.

8. Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup from Simple Bites

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup from Simple Bites

Split pea soup is perfect for the colder months, and it’s a great excuse to use up ingredients you already have in your pantry. This soup saves well too, so make a double batch if you want easy lunches all week long!

9. Slow Cooker Butter Chicken from Living Lou

Slow Cooker Butter Chicken from Living Lou

Let your slow cooker really work its magic by turning simple ingredients—chicken, spices, yogurt, and coconut milk—into a flavourful dish that’s just as good as your favourite Indian take-out. Serve over rice for a full meal – the rice will soak up the sauce beautifully.

10. Slow Cooker Bone Broth from I Hart Nutrition

Slow Cooker Bone Broth from I Hart Nutrition

Bone broth is packed full of natural collagen, which provides many major health benefits! This warming elixir is super easy to make in a slow cooker – just throw in all the ingredients and walk away! Make sure you have a mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain all the bits out of your broth at the end.

Hungry for more? Check out Recipe Round-Up: 10 Healthy Instant Pot Recipes – many Instant Pot recipes can be tweaked to work in slow cookers too!