Easy Slow Cooker Recipes for New or Expectant Parents

Julie Bitely

| 3 min read

garlic shrimp and spinach over quinoa
No time? No problem! For new families, or busy expecting parents, planning and cooking dinner can be a hassle you don’t have time for. If you are looking for delicious recipes that require less work, try one of these easy slow cooker recipes below.
Slow cookers are great because you can throw all your ingredients in, go to work and come home to a delicious meal. You can also use these recipes for meal prepping because they make great leftovers, which are easy to pack for a quick lunch.
Check out the various recipes below for deliciously simple dinners.
Complete dish of zoodles arranged on a white plate
This recipe is nutrient-dense and carb-conscious. By replacing regular carbohydrate-packed pasta with zucchini noodles, you can cut down on calories while increasing nutrients. Zucchini is rich with potassium, fiber, iron, zinc and antioxidants. Zucchini also contains high levels of manganese, which can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This recipe not only tastes great, but is also good for your health.
slow cooker asian chicken lettuce wraps
Mix up your everyday meal with this robust, flavorful dish. With a full array of vegetables, this healthy recipe is full of protein, vitamins, iron and fiber. This dish is also very versatile. You can serve it as lettuce wraps, salads, soup, on a tortilla or over rice. This dish is sure to please everyone and is easy to prepare.
Photo credit: Geoff Peters
Beef and broccoli in a pan
This is a healthy on-the-go recipe. This dish is packed with nutrients and protein. The rice cups, made with brown rice and quinoa, add a great texture to the dish. Try using muffin tins for the rice cups to maintain portion control.
Photo credit: Gwen
garlic shrimp and spinach over quinoa
This clean recipe can help prevent the risk of breast cancer. Spinach contains high levels of carotenoids (vitamin A), and shrimp has many anti-inflammatory properties. These powerhouse foods, matched with high-fiber intake from your chosen whole grain, can all contribute to breast cancer prevention.
mediterranean chickpea chili
This recipe falls under the Mediterranean diet, which is consistently ranked the best plant-based diet. It has been found that the Mediterranean diet can decrease the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and lower blood pressure. This recipe is simple, delicious and packed with nutrients. The chickpeas, also referred to as garbanzo beans, are full of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. They replace red meat as a more health-conscious choice. This is a great recipe the whole family can enjoy throughout the busy week.
Need more great recipes? Check these out:
Photo credit: A Healthier Michigan (unless otherwise indicated)

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