15 High Protein Low Carb Crockpot Meals That Fuel You Up

Let’s be real. You want to eat food that makes you feel amazing—full of energy, satisfied, and maybe even a little smug about your healthy choices. But you also have, you know, a life. The idea of spending your precious evening slaving over a hot stove after a long day is about as appealing as a lukewarm salad.

Enter your crockpot, the unsung hero of your kitchen counter. This magical appliance does all the heavy lifting while you’re out conquering the world (or just conquering your inbox). It transforms simple ingredients into mouthwatering, tender, flavor-packed meals with almost zero effort. And no, we’re not talking about those sad, mushy recipes your grandma used to make.

We’re talking about high-protein, low-carb masterpieces that will fuel your body, crush your cravings, and make your weekly meal prep an absolute breeze. So, grab that coffee (or wine, no judgment here), and let’s get ready to fall in love with your slow cooker all over again.

1. Salsa Verde Chicken Bliss Bowls

Why It’s Awesome: This is quite possibly the easiest recipe on the planet. It requires roughly two minutes of prep and tastes like you fussed for hours.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 (16 oz) jar of your favorite salsa verde
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken in the bottom of your crockpot.
2. Sprinkle the chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper over the top.
3. Pour the entire jar of salsa verde over everything.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
5. Shred the chicken directly in the pot with two forks. Serve with a shower of fresh cilantro and a big squeeze of lime.

Why You’ll Love It

The tangy, slightly spicy salsa verde creates the most incredible sauce that soaks into the tender chicken. I love piling this over cauliflower rice for a truly effortless, restaurant-quality bowl. It’s my go-to for crazy-busy days.

2. “Set It and Forget It” Italian Beef

Why It’s Awesome: This recipe gives you that legendary, fall-apart tender roast beef with the most incredible au jus, perfect for loading up on a plate with zero guilt.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lb beef chuck roast
• 1 packet of dry Italian dressing mix
• 1 (16 oz) jar of pepperoncini peppers, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 large onion, sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the sliced onion and smashed garlic in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Set the beef chuck roast on top of the onion bed.
3. Sprinkle the entire packet of Italian dressing mix over the roast.
4. Pour in the beef broth and the entire jar of pepperoncini peppers (juice and all!).
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
6. Shred the beef in the juices and serve.

Why You’ll Love It

The pepperoncini juice and Italian seasoning create a flavor that is out-of-this-world good. It’s tangy, savory, and so satisfying. Pro tip: Save the leftover juice and use it to cook shredded cabbage for a next-level side dish.

3. Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken

Why It’s Awesome: It tastes decadent and indulgent, but it’s totally packed with protein and fits your low-carb lifestyle. Who needs pasta when you have this rich, creamy sauce?

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then place them in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, and minced garlic.
3. Pour the cream mixture over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.
5. 30 minutes before serving, stir in the Parmesan cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let it cook until the spinach has wilted and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Why You’ll Love It

This feels like a cheat meal, but it’s the real deal. The sauce is so luxurious, and the sun-dried tomatoes give it a wonderful sweet and tangy punch. IMO, chicken thighs work best here because they stay incredibly juicy.

4. Firecracker Meatballs

Why It’s Awesome: These are sweet, spicy, sticky, and so much better than takeout. They’re perfect for meal prep and will become a weekly obsession.

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs: 2 lbs ground chicken or turkey, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 cup almond flour, 2 green onions, chopped, 1 egg.
• For the Sauce: 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s), 1/2 cup low-sugar ketchup, 1/3 cup coconut aminos (or soy sauce), 1/4 cup erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp grated ginger.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix all the meatball ingredients until just combined. Roll into 1-inch balls.
2. Lightly brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat (optional, but it gives them a better texture).
3. Place the meatballs in the crockpot.
4. Whisk all the sauce ingredients together and pour over the meatballs, gently tossing to coat.
5. Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, until cooked through.

Why You’ll Love It

The sauce is the star here—it caramelizes on the meatballs and creates this sticky, finger-licking-good glaze. Serve them over zucchini noodles and thank me later.

5. No-Bean Texas Chili

Why It’s Awesome: This is a hearty, manly-man (or womanly-woman!) chili that proves you don’t need beans to feel satisfied. It’s all meat and flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 is best for flavor)
• 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into small chunks
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef and stew meat in a skillet, then drain off any excess grease.
2. Transfer the meat to the crockpot and add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and all the spices.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the stew meat to become tender.

Why You’ll Love It

This chili is robust, smoky, and deeply satisfying. Top it with some shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced jalapeños for the full experience. It’s a game-day (or any-day) staple.

6. Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus

Why It’s Awesome: Yes, you can cook fish in a crockpot! This method keeps the salmon impossibly moist and infuses it with a bright, buttery lemon-garlic sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
• 1 lb fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried dill or 1 tbsp fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon slices for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer on the bottom of the crockpot to create a “bed.”
2. Place the salmon fillets on top of the asparagus, skin-side down.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the sauce evenly over the salmon and asparagus.
5. Place a few lemon slices on top of the salmon.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 1.5 – 2 hours. Do not overcook! Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s an elegant, healthy dinner that requires almost zero cleanup. The asparagus steams to perfection in the buttery juices underneath the salmon. It’s a surefire way to impress without stress.

7. Korean BBQ Pulled Pork

Why It’s Awesome: This pork is sweet, savory, gingery, and garlicky all at once. It’s a flavor explosion that will have you going back for seconds (and thirds).

Ingredients

• 3-4 lb pork shoulder (pork butt)
• 1/2 cup coconut aminos
• 1/4 cup sugar-free ketchup
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
• 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (like Sriracha)
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the pork shoulder in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, ketchup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili garlic sauce.
3. Pour the sauce over the pork, turning to coat.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.
5. Remove the pork, shred it, and return it to the pot to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Why You’ll Love It

This is my absolute favorite way to make pulled pork. It’s so much more exciting than the standard BBQ version. Serve it in lettuce cups for the ultimate low-carb experience.

8. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Why It’s Awesome: We’re taking the classic flavors of buffalo chicken dip and turning it into a full-blown, protein-packed meal. Genius, right?

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, but highly recommended)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 stalk celery, finely diced

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
2. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and diced celery until well combined.
3. Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into the bell pepper halves.
4. Place the stuffed peppers in the crockpot. You might need to stack them carefully.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, until the peppers are tender.
6. Sprinkle with blue cheese and green onions before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s all the fun of game-day food, but in a neat, healthy, edible package. The cream cheese balances the heat of the buffalo sauce perfectly. These are a massive hit with kids and adults alike.

9. Hearty Sausage & Cabbage Soup

Why It’s Awesome: This soup is comforting, filling, and tastes like it simmered on a stove all day. It’s the ultimate cozy blanket in a bowl.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Grated Parmesan for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Place the chopped cabbage, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
3. Top with the browned sausage.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Add the Italian seasoning and stir.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s incredibly simple, but the flavors are deep and complex. The cabbage becomes sweet and tender, soaking up the savory broth. This soup freezes like a dream, so make a double batch!

10. Greek Lemon Chicken & Artichokes

Why It’s Awesome: This dish is bright, zesty, and fresh—a welcome break from heavier slow-cooker fare. It’ll transport your tastebuds straight to the Mediterranean.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
• 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill and Kalamata olives for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the onion slices at the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add the chicken thighs, artichoke hearts, and garlic.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Sprinkle the oregano, salt, and pepper over everything.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.
5. Garnish with fresh dill and olives before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

The lemon and oregano create a classic Greek flavor profile that is just so clean and delicious. I love serving this with a simple side salad for a light yet completely satisfying dinner.

11. Carnitas-Style Pulled Pork

Why It’s Awesome: Get that crispy, juicy, authentic carnitas texture and flavor without having to babysit a pot of hot lard. Your crockpot does all the work, and your oven finishes it off for that perfect crunch.

Ingredients

• 4 lb pork shoulder (pork butt)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 orange, juiced
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chopped onion and garlic in the crockpot.
2. Rub the pork shoulder all over with the cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place it on top of the onions.
3. Pour the fresh orange juice over the pork.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours.
5. Shred the pork in the pot. For authentic crispy carnitas, spread the shredded pork on a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes until the edges are crispy.

Why You’ll Love It

The orange juice adds a subtle sweetness that cuts through the richness of the pork. The broiling step is a non-negotiable game-changer—it adds incredible texture.

12. Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Why It’s Awesome: This recipe feels fancy and involved, but your crockpot makes it foolproof. You get a beautiful, juicy chicken breast with a delicious, melty center.

Ingredients

• 4 large chicken breasts
• 5 oz fresh spinach, chopped
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Kitchen twine or toothpicks

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the chopped spinach, feta, garlic, and oregano.
2. Carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Stuff each breast with the spinach and feta mixture. Secure the opening with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
4. Place the stuffed breasts in the crockpot and pour the chicken broth around them (not over the top).
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s a showstopper. The chicken stays incredibly moist, and the feta and spinach filling is savory and delicious. Pro tip: Don’t skip the sear! Quickly browning the outside of the stuffed breasts in a hot skillet before slow cooking adds fantastic color and flavor.

13. Moroccan Lamb Stew

Why It’s Awesome: This stew is a warm, aromatic adventure for your palate. The blend of warm spices like cinnamon and cumin with tender lamb is pure comfort food magic.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs lamb stew meat, cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped (optional for a slightly lower-carb version, but they add great flavor)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the lamb, onion, carrots, and garlic in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and all the spices.
3. Pour the liquid mixture over the lamb and vegetables.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, until the lamb is fork-tender.

Why You’ll Love It

Your kitchen will smell incredible all day. The cinnamon adds a warm, unexpected depth that makes this stew feel exotic and special. It’s a wonderful way to break out of a dinner rut.

14. Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

Why It’s Awesome: It’s like a zesty, creamy spa treatment for chicken. The result is unbelievably moist, flavorful meat in a sauce you’ll want to drink with a spoon.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Juice and zest of 2 limes
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken and onion in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, lime juice and zest, garlic, and cumin.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.
5. Stir in the fresh cilantro right before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

The sauce is bright, herbaceous, and creamy all at once. It’s a perfect flavor combination that feels both light and indulgent. I love serving this over zucchini noodles to soak up every last drop.

15. Bacon-Wrapped BBQ Turkey Tenderloins

Why It’s Awesome: Because everything is better with bacon. This recipe wraps lean turkey in a smoky, salty bacon blanket and bastes it in a tangy BBQ sauce. Need I say more?

Ingredients

• 2 turkey tenderloins (about 1.5 lbs total)
• 6-8 slices of sugar-free bacon
• 1/2 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the turkey tenderloins with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Wrap each tenderloin in bacon slices, overlapping them to cover the turkey.
3. Place the bacon-wrapped tenderloins in the crockpot.
4. Brush with half of the BBQ sauce.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.
6. 30 minutes before serving, brush with the remaining BBQ sauce.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s a low-carb, high-protein homage to your favorite BBQ joint. The turkey stays incredibly moist, and the bacon infuses it with smoky flavor. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.