If you are looking for a warm and comforting meal that is also healthy, easy to prepare, and requires minimal cleanup, then a crock-pot soup recipe is just what you need. Whether you want to whip up a batch for a quick weeknight dinner or are planning a cozy weekend in, we’ve got you covered with a selection of delicious and nutritious healthy crock-pot recipes soup. From classic chicken noodle and hearty vegetable soup to spicy chili and creamy tomato soup, these recipes are loaded with veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains to keep you feeling satisfied and nourished.
The Benefits of Healthy Crock Pot Recipes Soup
Eating healthy is essential to maintaining a healthy body and mind. One way to ensure that you are consuming nutritious and delicious food is by including healthy crock pot recipes soup in your diet. Soup made from crockpot recipes is ideal for busy people who want to eat healthily but may not have the time to cook. Here are a few reasons why you should incorporate healthy crock pot recipes soup into your daily menu:
1. Helps with Weight Loss
If you are trying to lose weight, incorporating healthy crock pot recipes soup into your diet may be beneficial. When you eat soup before your main meal, it can help you feel fuller, making you less likely to overeat during your meal. Additionally, soup is typically a low-calorie food that is packed with nutrients and vitamins that your body needs to function at its best.
Crockpot soups are easy to make and can be packed with healthy ingredients. For instance, if you are trying to lose weight, you can make a low calorie vegetable soup by adding plenty of vegetables like spinach, carrots, tomatoes, and onions to your crockpot. These ingredients are nutrient-rich and filling, making you feel full even if you have not consumed a lot of calories.
Another benefit of crockpot soups is that they can be made in large quantities and can be frozen for future use. This means that you can make a big batch of soup, divide it into portions, and freeze them. This way, you can have a healthy meal that is ready to eat whenever you need it.
2. Improves Digestion
Consuming healthy crock pot recipes soup can help improve your digestion. Soup is easy to digest, and it can help regulate your bowel movements. Additionally, homemade soup using fresh ingredients can help you avoid processed foods that may cause digestive issues.
If you are experiencing constipation, you can make a crockpot soup using fiber-rich ingredients like lentils or beans. These ingredients can help improve your bowel movements and ensure regularity.
3. Boosts Your Immune System
Another benefit of incorporating healthy crock pot recipes soup into your diet is that it can boost your immune system. Crockpot soups are typically made using fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, which are packed with antioxidants and nutrients. Antioxidants are essential to fighting inflammation, which is known to weaken your immune system.
Crockpot soups that include chicken, garlic, and ginger are particularly helpful in boosting your immune system. Garlic and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties that can improve your immune response, while chicken contains essential amino acids and vitamins that your body needs to build and repair tissues.
Conclusion
Healthy crock pot recipes soup is an excellent meal option for anyone who wants to eat healthy and nutritious food. It can help with weight loss, improve digestion, and boost your immune system. When making crockpot soups, be sure to include nutrient-rich ingredients like vegetables, herbs, and spices. Also, remember to make large batches that can be frozen for later consumption.
Tips for Making Healthy Crock Pot Recipes Soup
Crock pot recipes are known for their convenience and time-saving benefits. They can be left to cook while you’re at work, and by the time you get home, you have a delicious meal waiting for you. However, not all crock pot recipes are healthy. It’s important to choose recipes that are packed with nutrients and low in unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium. Here are some tips for making healthy crock pot recipes soup:
Select Nutrient-dense ingredients
The key to making healthy crock pot recipes soup is to use ingredients that are packed with nutrients. This includes vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean proteins. Vegetables such as kale, spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Legumes such as lentils and chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. Whole grains such as quinoa or brown rice are richer in nutrients than their refined counterparts.
Limit Processed Foods
Processed foods often contain added sugar, unhealthy fats, and excess sodium. These ingredients can contribute to weight gain, heart disease, and high blood pressure. To make your crock pot recipes soup healthier, limit the use of processed foods such as canned soup, canned vegetables, or processed meat. Instead, opt for fresh or frozen ingredients as much as possible.
Use Herbs and Spices to Add Flavor Instead of Salt
Excess salt can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease. Instead of adding salt to your crock pot recipes soup, try using herbs and spices to add flavor. Some great options include garlic, cumin, thyme, and basil. You could also experiment with different spice blends such as curry or chili powder. Not only do these spices add flavor, but they also provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can make healthy crock pot recipes soup that are packed with nutrients and low in unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium. These recipes are not only good for your health, but they are also delicious and satisfying.
Best Healthy Crock Pot Recipes Soup
If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious meal that requires minimal effort, crockpot soup is the way to go. Not only is it a comforting and filling option, but the slow cooked flavors make it one of the most versatile dishes you can make in a crockpot. Here are some of the best healthy crock pot recipes soup you can try at home:
Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is a hearty and filling option that’s perfect for chilly nights. It’s also a great source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy option for the whole family. To make lentil soup in a crockpot, you’ll need:
- 1 lb. dry lentils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rinse the lentils and add them to the crockpot with all the other ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Serve warm with a slice of bread.
Chicken Vegetable Soup
Chicken vegetable soup is a classic favorite that never gets old. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover chicken in your fridge. To make chicken vegetable soup in a crockpot, you’ll need:
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Add all the ingredients to the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Remove the chicken breasts and shred the meat, then add it back into the soup before serving.
Vegetable Chili
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable chili is a perfect choice. It’s packed with healthy vegetables and filling beans that will keep you satisfied for hours. To make vegetable chili in a crockpot, you’ll need:
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Add all the ingredients to the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top.
Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a healthy and flavorful option that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It’s packed with fresh vegetables and delicious herbs that will leave you feeling satisfied. To make minestrone soup in a crockpot, you’ll need:
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Add all the ingredients to the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Serve with a slice of fresh bread.
Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato basil soup is a comforting and delicious option that’s perfect for a cold winter day. It’s also a great source of vitamin C and other essential nutrients. To make tomato basil soup in a crockpot, you’ll need:
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Add all the ingredients to the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Before serving, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin soup is a healthy and flavorful option that’s perfect for the fall season. It’s also a great source of vitamin A and other essential nutrients. To make pumpkin soup in a crockpot, you’ll need:
- 2 cans pumpkin puree
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Add all the ingredients to the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Before serving, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
How to Meal Prep with Healthy Crock Pot Recipes Soup
Crockpot soups are a great way to prepare healthy meals that can be enjoyed throughout the week with some advance planning. With minimal effort, you can batch cook a large quantity of soup to be enjoyed for lunch or dinner on the go. Here are some tips to help you meal prep with healthy crock pot recipes soup:
Crock Pot Soup Recipes to Try
You can experiment with various soup recipes, such as chicken noodle soup, vegetable soup, or a hearty beef stew. The beauty of crockpot cooking is that you can throw all of the ingredients in and let it cook without much supervision. Here’s an easy chicken noodle soup recipe to get you started:
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of water
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 chopped carrots
- 2 chopped celery stalks
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 tsp of dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of pasta
Place the chicken, broth, water, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Remove the chicken breasts and shred with a fork. Add the pasta to the slow cooker and cook on high for 15 minutes. Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and serve hot or store in containers for meal prep during the week.
Portion Control Containers for Meal Prep
Using portion control containers is a great way to ensure that you don’t overeat during mealtime and it’s a perfect tool for meal prep. You can portion your soup into these containers for a quick and easy lunch or dinner on the go. They also make it easy for you to track your calories if you’re trying to watch your intake. Here are some popular portion control containers:
- 1. Fitpacker Meal Prep Containers
- 2. Freshware Meal Prep Containers
- 3. MealPrep King Meal Prep Containers
- 4. Glasslock Meal Prep Containers
Freezing Soup for Meal Prep
If you’ve cooked a large batch of soup and don’t think you’ll be able to eat it all within a week, freezing it is a great option. Freezing your soup in small containers makes it easy to reheat for a quick and healthy meal. You can also use resealable freezer bags for soups, which are great for saving space in the freezer. Here is how to prepare your soup for freezing:
- Allow the soup to cool down before transferring it to freezer bags or portion control containers.
- Fill the container leaving about half an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes.
- Label the containers with the date and contents.
- Store the containers in the freezer for up to six months.
Creating a Meal Prep Routine with Crockpot Soup Recipes
Creating a meal prep routine is essential if you want to avoid last-minute meal planning and eating unhealthy fast food options. By planning your meals in advance, you’ll be able to sustain a healthy diet with minimal effort. Here are some tips:
- Plan your meals for the week
- Shop for groceries over the weekend
- Cook large batches of crockpot soup recipes
- Portion control your soup into containers
- Freeze leftovers for future meals
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a healthy eating routine that works for you. Crockpot soup recipes are an excellent option for meal prep, and with some advance planning, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious and healthy meals throughout the week.
How to Store and Reheat Healthy Crock Pot Recipes Soup
Healthy crock pot recipes soup is a great way to stay warm and healthy during the winter months. However, it can be challenging to store and reheat soup properly. Here are some tips and tricks to help you store and reheat your healthy crock pot recipes soup:
Allow the soup to cool to room temperature
Before storing the soup, it is essential to let it cool to room temperature. Putting hot soup in the refrigerator can cause it to spoil faster because it will raise the temperature of the fridge. Soup that is not cooled to room temperature can also become a breeding ground for bacteria, which is harmful to your health.
Choose the right container
Choosing the right container is essential when storing soup. Glass, plastic, and metal containers with tight-fitting lids are the best for storing soup. Avoid using containers that are not made for food storage, as they can contaminate the soup. It is also important to label the container with the date you made the soup, so you know when to consume or dispose of it.
Store the soup in the fridge or freezer
Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, you can store it in the fridge or freezer. You can store soup in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to store the soup for an extended period, the freezer is an excellent option. You can keep your soup in the freezer for up to three months. Be sure to freeze soup in small serving containers, so you don’t have to defrost the entire pot when you’re only looking for one serving.
Reheating on the stovetop
The stovetop is an excellent way to reheat soup. Pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium-low heat. Stir the soup frequently to help distribute the heat evenly. Once the soup reaches the desired temperature, serve it immediately.
Reheating in the microwave
The microwave is a quick and easy way to reheat soup. Place the soup in a microwave-safe container and heat it on high for one minute. Take out the container and stir the soup. Then put it back in the microwave and heat it again for 30 seconds at a time, checking and stirring after each interval. This will help ensure that the soup heats evenly without overheating or scorching.
FAQs About Healthy Crock Pot Recipes Soup
Crock pot soups are one of the easiest, tastiest, and healthiest comfort foods out there. These soups don’t really require much effort and they are the ultimate “set it and forget it” meals, allowing you to enjoy delicious and hearty meals without spending too much time in the kitchen. Here are some frequently asked questions about healthy crock pot recipes soup:
Can I freeze healthy crock pot recipes soup?
Yes, you can freeze crock pot soup for up to 3 months. However, it’s important to let the soup cool down completely before freezing it. Place the soup in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, and make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the container with the name of the soup and the date so you’ll know how long it’s been frozen. When you want to reheat the soup, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in a saucepan or microwave.
How long will healthy crock pot recipes soup last in the fridge?
Most crock pot soups can last in the fridge for up to 5 days. However, if you’re not planning to eat the soup within 2-3 days, freezing it is your best option. To keep the soup fresh in the fridge, make sure to store it in an airtight container and reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Are there any vegetables I should avoid putting in my crock pot soup?
There aren’t really any vegetables that you should avoid putting in your crock pot soup. However, some vegetables like zucchini and spinach tend to overcook and become mushy when slow-cooked, while other vegetables like potatoes and carrots take longer to cook depending on the size of the chunks. To avoid having mushy veggies, you can add them towards the end of the cooking time, or cut them into bigger chunks.
Can I add meat to vegetarian crock pot soup recipes?
Yes, you can definitely add meat to vegetarian crock pot soup recipes. However, make sure that the meat is cooked before adding it to the soup, and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Keep in mind that adding meat to a vegetarian soup can make it less healthy, so choose lean meat and don’t add too much.
Is it possible to make healthy cream-based soup in a crock pot?
Yes, you can definitely make healthy cream-based soup in a crock pot. The key is to use healthy ingredients and alternatives, like low-fat milk or cream and vegetables with a creamy texture, like sweet potatoes or cauliflower. For example, for a healthy cream of mushroom soup, you can use low-fat milk, vegetable broth, mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and a potato or two to add creaminess and thickness. Cook the soup in the crock pot on low heat for 6-8 hours, blend it until smooth and creamy, and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Enjoy Your Delicious and Nutritious Soup!
Thanks for taking the time to read about these healthy crock pot soup recipes. They’re easy to make and perfect for chilly nights. Keep them in mind for your next weeknight dinner or potluck event. Be sure to come back for more healthy food ideas!