7 slow cooker meals under 500 calories

Try these simple, hearty recipes for breakfast, snacks, lunch and dinner, plus dessert.

Mar, 2026

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When chilly evenings roll in, it feels comforting to serve up warm, hearty, home-cooked meals. The good news is you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to create dishes that are tasty and nutritious. Just pull your slow cooker down from the shelf and get creative.

"Slow cookers are convenient and typically require little cleanup,” says Lauri Watson, RD, a dietitian in Summerville, South Carolina. They are also great for tenderizing tough cuts of meat and the slow, steady cooking does a great job combining the flavors of your veggies, protein, and seasonings, she adds.

These seven tasty recipes will warm you up and keep you feeling satisfied all season long.