The biggest wall you hit on the keto diet (or most diets, for that matter) is finding the motivation to cook all of your meals. Sure, you’re allowed all the bacon of your dreams, bulletproof coffee, and so. much. cheese., but none of these things are obvious choices that spark ideas for simple meals when following a fairly strict diet plan. That’s where our beloved Crock-Pot comes into play. These 13 keto Crock-Pot recipes will have your high-fat, low-carb meal ready for you when you get home from a long day at work.
1. Carne Asada
Having an impromptu dinner party? You’ll be able to find all these ingredients—some of which you may already have in your kitchen—in a flash. After simply shredding most of the ingredients (no, not the steak) in the blender, you can prep the rest of the party favors (ahem, the bubbly) while the meat cooks down in that homemade sauce.
2. Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup
If you’ve got artichoke hearts, even the canned ones, you’ve got yourself an all-star soup. With chicken broth, heavy cream, spinach, artichokes, spices, and cream cheese you’ll be slurping in no time, as the recipe only takes 5 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cookin’. Be sure to ditch the flour as the blogger suggests to get this up to keto standards.
3. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
A game day without wings around is like a birthday without cake. Why bother? This low-carb recipe requires minimal effort thanks to your trusty Crock-Pot. Tip: When they’re almost done in the cooker (around hour three), broil them in the oven on a baking sheet to reach ultimate crispiness. Then prepare for ample finger licking.
4. Slow-Cooker Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash
Why yes, spaghetti squash slathered in garlic and Parmesan is as good as it sounds. All you need is butter, garlic, heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, parsley for garnish, and a one to two-pound spaghetti squash—depending on who’s joining you.
5. Healthy Slow-Cooker Chicken Chile Verde
Here’s your chance to shake up tradition and then, well, eat it. This chile verde, a dish which usually calls for pork, uses chicken thighs instead and it holds its own. You’ll need to pick up tomatillos,poblano peppers, jalapeños (if you want to bring the heat), garlic, green chiles, cilantro, lime, yellow onion, and low-sodium chicken broth. Skipping the pork makes this dish a little lighter while still being packed with protein.
6. Crock-Pot Low-Carb Lasagna
You don’t need noodles to get over your lasagna cravings. Thinly sliced zucchini and eggplant ribbons can replace pasta without letting carb lovers down. Be sure to either grill or broil the zucchini and eggplant pieces before throwing them in the slow cooker to remove water and avoid a soupy dish. Don’t skimp on the sauce quality either—make a homemade pasta sauce or spend the extra dough on a worthy store-bought pick.
7. White Chicken Chili
Rest assured, this white chicken chili can get you through even the chilliest of winters. It’s comforting—like a warm hug—and plenty creamy. In every forkful, expect flavors of chili powder, cumin, garlic, red onion, cilantro, and cheese (duh).
8. Creamy Chicken Marsala
For an easy weeknight dinner, keto and non-keto eaters alike can dig into this low-carb chicken marsala. The ingredients list is simple: chicken breasts, mushrooms, dry marsala wine, and heavy whipping cream. For added flavor, brown up the mushrooms in a smidge of butter and lightly sear both sides of the chicken breast in olive oil just before adding to the slow cooker.
9. Easy Crock-Pot Chicken Fajitas
Just because you have to skip out on Taco Tuesday doesn’t mean you have to turn your back on Mexican flavors all together. These chicken fajitas will have you forgetting all about those carbs. We suggest swapping in lettuce wraps here or just going ahead and forking it straight from the pot. Plus, you only need six things in your cart: chicken, green chiles, tomatoes, bell peppers, limes, and taco seasoning.
10. Chicken Adobo
This classic Filipino dish can easily be made keto by skipping out on the sugar. All you need is chicken (preferably thighs and drumsticks), oil, bay leaves, white vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic. Enjoy the easy dinner staple over a bed of cauliflower rice and drizzle that sauce all over.
11. Crock-Pot Beef Short Ribs With Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Short ribs can be intimidating so maybe you leave the smokehouse favorite to the professionals. But that shouldn’t be the case. This recipe only requires 5 minutes of prep time and is hands-off once fired up in the slow cooker. Your guests will be talking up your cooking skills already, but be sure to brown your beef short ribs in a skillet to caramelize them before they enter the Crock-Pot. This step will lock in the compliments during dinner.
12. Slow-Cooker Low Carb Zuppa Toscana Soup
This recipe just gave Olive Garden’s coveted soup a way healthier makeover and we’re never looking back. You’ll be swapping out potatoes for cauliflower florets, and the rest is simple and keto-friendly: hot Italian sausage, onion, garlic, heavy cream, kale, and chicken or veggie stock.
13. Chicken in Potacchio
Don’t leave this dish to your local Italian spot—you can make it from your very own slow cooker, people. The braised chicken is simple, primarily made up of tomatoes, rosemary, and garlic. You really can’t go wrong.