10 Holiday Slow-Cooker Recipes Under 400 Calories (2024)

Holidays are a joyous time for family and friends to gather. That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 easy, healthy slow-cooker recipes so you can just set it and forget it. Less time in the kitchen, plus more time with your special ones? It’s a win-win scenario!

SIDES& STARTERS

1. SLOW COOKER ITALIAN TURKEY MEATBALLS | SKINNYTASTE

Want the secret to making the juiciest turkey meatballs ever? Add shredded zucchini. Rather than frying or baking the meatballs first, this recipe cuts down on prep time by plopping the meatballs right into the sauce and lets them slow-cook together. Recipe makes 6 servings at 4 meatballs and 2/3 cup sauce each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 235; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 104mg; Sodium: 471mg; Carbohydrate: 10g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 22g

2. CROCK POT PUMPKIN RED LENTIL CHILI | KITCHENTREATY

Thick and hearty, this vegetarian chili radiates comforting vibes with every spice-infused bite. For the cherry on top, this hassle-free recipe requires only 10 minutes of prep! Cooking Tip: Use reduced-sodium ingredients whenever possible, so that you can control the amount of salt in your dish. Recipe makes 6 servings.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 221; Total Fat: 1g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 304mg; Carbohydrate: 40g; Dietary Fiber: 12g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 13g

Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes | Damn Delicious

3. SLOW COOKER GARLIC PARMESEAN POTATOES | DAMN DELICIOUS

MAIN DISHES

4. SLOW COOKER HOLIDAY POT ROAST | EVERYDAY GOOD THINKING

It’s easy to see why slow-cooker meats are popular weekday entreées — just dump ingredients into a pot and come back in a few hours. This holiday season, make a holiday roast that’s as easy as any weekday dinner, but with all the thoughtful touches that makes the season special. Recipe makes 8 servings.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 396; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 6g; Cholesterol: 100mg; Sodium: 302mg; Carbohydrate: 36g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 23g; Protein: 34g

5. SLOW COOKER GARLIC CHICKEN | COOKING LIGHT

This pan-fried garlic chicken is slow-cooked to perfection in wine, cognac and thyme. Don’t let those creamy cloves of garlic go to waste — spread them on chunks of crusty baguette or mix into brown rice and soak up the fabulous sauce as you enjoy every morsel of this super-tender chicken. Recipe makes 5 servings at 4 ounces chicken, 3 tablespoons sauce and 8 garlic cloves each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 265; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 80mg; Sodium: 264mg; Carbohydrate: 12g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 30g

6. CROCK POT QUINOA PILAF | COTTER CRUNCH

DESSERTS

7. CLEAN EATING SLOW COOKER BROWNIES | THE GRACIOUS PANTRY

If you didn’t think desserts could be made in a slow cooker, check out this recipe. Chocolaty brownies take a clean-eating turn with simple pantry staples and fruit, a perfect respite from the sugar overload of the season! Recipe makes 32 servings.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 95; Total Fat: 4g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 25mg; Carbohydrate: 17g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 10g; Protein: 3g

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake | Amy’s Healthy Baking

8. SLOW COOKER PUMPKIN STREUSEL COFFEE CAKE | AMY’S HEALTHY BAKING

A moist, tender pumpkin coffee cake with a thick cinnamon oat streusel topping? And made without refined flour or sugar? Yes, please! Serve this comfort food with tea at your next holiday gathering — you won’t have any leftovers. Recipe makes 12 servings.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 171; Total Fat: 4g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 8mg; Sodium: 169mg; Carbohydrate: 31g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 4g

DRINKS

9. CREAMY CROCKPOT HOT CHOCOLATE | PRACTICAL STEWARDSHIP

Creamy, rich hot chocolate is a must during cold weather. Skip the packaged hot cocoa packs for this easy-peasy slow-cooked holiday drink that’s made with less fat, sugar and additives. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, top your hot cocoa with marshmallows and chocolate chips. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1 cup each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 124; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 5g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 41mg; Carbohydrate: 21g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 16g; Protein: 1g

10. SLOW COOKER PUMPKIN LATTE | FAMILY FRESH MEALS

Forgo the classic PSL at Starbucks, and save yourself 14 grams of sugar with this recipe. A warm cup of homemade spiced pumpkin latte certainly hits the spot during the holidays! If you’re on a strict sugar limit, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by one-third (it doesn’t ruin the taste). Recipe makes 10 servings at 1 cup each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 119; Total Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 24mg; Sodium: 48mg; Carbohydrate: 12g; Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugar: 12g; Protein: 4g

About the Author

MyFitnessPal’s Recipes

Healthy, delicious and simple: That’s what we’re about at MyFitnessPal! We make ourrecipes in our own test kitchen or our registered dietitian hand-selects them personally. Look for nutrition information at the bottom of the recipe or log it directly to MyFitnessPal through the “Log-It” button. Check out our entire collection or explore: low-carb,high-protein • high-fiber • gluten-free • dairy-free • vegetarian • vegan • low sodium

10 Holiday Slow-Cooker Recipes Under 400 Calories (2024)

FAQs

How do you cook small amounts in a large slow cooker? ›

Size Matters: Choose an oven-safe bowl that fits inside your slow cooker. This bowl should be big enough to hold your meal but small enough to allow space around it. Filling Right: Aim to fill the oven-safe bowl two-thirds to three-quarters full to ensure even cooking.

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Does the size of the slow cooker affect the cooking time? ›

Size of your Slow Cooker

The size of your crockpot can affect the outcome of your meal. If your crockpot is smaller than what we recommend, you may need to cook your meal a little longer. If it's larger than what we recommend you may need to shorten the cooking time.

Learn More Now ›

How much liquid in slow cooker recipes? ›

How much liquid do I add? Water or liquid is necessary to create steam. When cooking meat or poultry, the water or liquid level should cover the ingredients to ensure effective heat transfer throughout the crock. Some manufacturers of slow cookers recommend adding liquid to fill the stoneware 1/2 to 3/4 full.

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What happens if you eat 400 calories a day? ›

Eating only 400 calories per day would be considered an extremely low-calorie diet and could have serious consequences for your health. At such a low calorie intake, your body would not be getting enough nutrients to function properly. You would likely feel fatigued, weak, and experience difficulty concentrating.

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What is the most filling low calorie meal? ›

Lunch and dinner options:

Salad with lean poultry or beans, vegetables, and quinoa.
Beef or lentil soup or stew with vegetables, peppers, and rice.
Whole grain sandwich or wrap with lean protein, leafy greens, and low-fat cheese.
Grilled or baked salmon with roasted vegetables and potatoes.

More items...

Nov 6, 2023

What is the smallest capacity slow cooker? ›

What is the smallest slow cooker I can buy? Most mini slow cookers have a 1- to 3-quart capacity. However, there are some slow cookers and food warmers with a capacity less than 1 quart at just . 65 quarts.

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Can you overdo a slow cooker? ›

Slow cookers are specially designed to cook food for long periods of time, but yes, you can still overcook in a slow cooker if something is left on the wrong setting for longer than it's supposed to be.

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What size slow cooker for most recipes? ›

For a family of three to five or a leftover-obsessed couple, a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker is the perfect size. It will fit almost all recipes, including typical roasts. If you've got a big family and plenty of storage room, go for the big 7 or 8-quart models.

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Why do you put a tea towel under the lid of a slow cooker? ›

Soak up the condensation

Taste user Jenny says she puts a tea towel under her crockpot lid to catch water and stop it thinning too much. This technique is also a favourite with taste's food editor Miranda.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

Why put paper towel under CrockPot lid? ›

The hack is easy enough: Simply place a sheet or two of paper towel between the lid and the pot, ensuring the seal remains tight. The paper towel will absorb excess moisture and prevent any condensation from dripping back onto the food.

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What vegetables should not be added to a slow cooker? ›

Vegetables such as peas, asparagus and peppers can become a flavorless, mushy mess in a slow cooker.

Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker? ›

Yes, you most certainly can cook raw meat in the slow cooker! You put it in “cold”, with whatever liquid your recipe calls for, turn it on either “low” or “high” depending on your recipe (I usually start it on “high” for a couple hours, then turn it to “low”), and in 6–7–8 hours, it's now COOKED meat!

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What should I eat at 400 calories a day? ›

Recommended Foods

Fruit, vegetables, chicken, turkey, beef, eggs, shrimp, nuts, olives, avocado, hummus, pasta, bread, rice, reduced-fat cheese, skim milk.

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What snack is 400 calories? ›

The following 400-calorie snacks are options you can enjoy wherever you are, from the vending machine to happy hour, and everywhere in between.

Popcorn Party Trail Mix. ...
Chocolate-Vanilla Twist Ice Cream.
Mediterranean Munchies. ...
Brownie Bites + Milk. ...
Peanut Butter Break.
Cheese Lover's Snack. ...
Beer + Nuts At The Bar.

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Jan 29, 2015

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Is 400 calories enough for a meal? ›

Every day, to lose weight, you should eat between 200 and 400 calories for breakfast, 500-700 calories for lunch, and 500-700 calories for dinner. You should also incorporate a morning and evening snack for a total of about 400-500 more calories.

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Is 400 calories a lot for a meal? ›

Although every person's daily caloric intake is individual, based on their personal goals and needs, nutrition experts estimate that average daily consumption at each meal should be broken down as follows: 300 to 400 calories for breakfast, and 500 to 700 calories each for lunch and dinner.