Our 7 Best Anti-Inflammatory Crock Pot Recipes That Make Getting Dinner on the Table 10x Easier

Let’s face it: after a long day, the last thing most of us want to do is spend hours cooking dinner. But what if I told you that getting a healthy, anti-inflammatory dinner on the table could be as simple as tossing a few ingredients into a Crock Pot?

You’d have your meal ready to go, and you’d be doing wonders for your health. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not! In this article, I’ll walk you through 7 of the best anti-inflammatory Crock Pot recipes that will make your weeknights 10x easier.

Why Choose Anti-Inflammatory Crock Pot Recipes?

You might be wondering, “Why should I focus on anti-inflammatory recipes?” Well, inflammation is the root cause of many health issues, from arthritis to heart disease.

Eating anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce inflammation in the body, boost your immune system, and promote overall well-being.

What’s even better? With a Crock Pot, you can effortlessly cook these nourishing meals without needing to hover over a hot stove. Simply toss in the ingredients in the morning, and by dinner, you’ll have a delicious, healthy meal waiting for you.

1. Slow Cooker Turmeric Chicken Soup

Turmeric is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties. When combined with chicken, vegetables, and aromatic spices, it creates a flavorful, comforting soup that you can enjoy for dinner or as leftovers.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp ginger
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the Crock Pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Once cooked, shred the chicken and stir everything together.
4. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

This soup is loaded with anti-inflammatory benefits and is perfect for chilly nights. Plus, the Crock Pot does all the hard work for you!

2. Slow Cooker Lentil and Vegetable Stew

Lentils are not only a great source of protein but also packed with fiber, making them a fantastic addition to any anti-inflammatory diet. This hearty stew is filled with vibrant vegetables, warming spices, and rich flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 zucchini, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the Crock Pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the lentils are tender.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve with a side of whole-grain bread.

This lentil and vegetable stew is a one-pot wonder that’s not only anti-inflammatory but also filling and delicious. It’s the perfect dinner after a busy day.

3. Slow Cooker Salmon with Lemon and Dill

Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for reducing inflammation. Cooking it in the Crock Pot ensures it’s tender, flaky, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the salmon fillets in the Crock Pot.
2. Top with lemon slices, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork.
4. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.

This salmon recipe is super simple, yet incredibly effective at providing anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s light, healthy, and full of flavor.

4. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry

Sweet potatoes and chickpeas are both anti-inflammatory powerhouses, and when combined in a curry, they make a savory, satisfying dish. This Crock Pot curry is packed with bold flavors and is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the Crock Pot.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the sweet potatoes are tender.
3. Serve with brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

This sweet potato and chickpea curry is a fantastic anti-inflammatory recipe that’s both comforting and nourishing. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a cozy evening.

5. Slow Cooker Beef and Mushroom Stew

Beef can be part of an anti-inflammatory diet if you choose lean cuts. This stew uses lean beef and mushrooms, both of which provide plenty of vitamins and minerals to fight inflammation.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs lean beef stew meat
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 1 tbsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the Crock Pot.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Serve with mashed potatoes or a side of greens.

This beef and mushroom stew is perfect for those cold nights when you need something hearty and comforting. The combination of lean beef and mushrooms provides essential nutrients that can help reduce inflammation.

6. Slow Cooker Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Spinach is loaded with anti-inflammatory antioxidants, and when paired with lean chicken and whole wheat pasta, it creates a well-rounded, healthy meal that’s ready to go after a long day.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 2 cups whole wheat pasta
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the Crock Pot and cover with marinara sauce.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add spinach and whole wheat pasta.
4. Stir everything together and serve.

This chicken and spinach pasta dish is a simple way to get your anti-inflammatory fix. The combination of lean chicken, whole wheat pasta, and spinach is both healthy and delicious.

7. Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great anti-inflammatory breakfast option, and when prepared in the Crock Pot, it’s a no-fuss way to start your day. This apple cinnamon oatmeal will fill you up and keep inflammation at bay.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 4 cups almond milk
• 2 apples, diced
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add oats, almond milk, apples, cinnamon, and maple syrup to the Crock Pot.
2. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
3. Serve with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chia seeds.

This oatmeal is a great way to enjoy a warm, anti-inflammatory breakfast. The apples and cinnamon add natural sweetness and flavor, while the oats provide fiber to keep you satisfied.

Conclusion

Cooking anti-inflammatory meals doesn’t have to be complicated. With these 7 Crock Pot recipes, you can easily create nourishing, flavorful dishes without spending hours in the kitchen.

From soups and stews to curries and oatmeal, these recipes are designed to make your weeknight dinners a breeze while helping you combat inflammation and boost your health. So, dust off your Crock Pot and get ready to enjoy these delicious, anti-inflammatory meals!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these Crock Pot recipes anti-inflammatory?

These recipes are made with ingredients like turmeric, ginger, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, all of which have natural anti-inflammatory properties.

Can I use frozen vegetables in these recipes?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

How long can I store these dishes in the fridge?

Most of these Crock Pot meals will last in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Can I substitute chicken with other proteins in these recipes?

Absolutely! You can swap chicken for turkey, beef, or even tofu depending on your preference.

Are these recipes gluten-free?

Yes, all of the recipes are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check any packaged ingredients, such as broth or sauces.

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

Yes, these meals can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer for later.

Can I double the recipes for a larger family?

Of course! These recipes can easily be doubled or halved to accommodate your needs.

Are these recipes suitable for meal prep?

Yes, these recipes are perfect for meal prep, as they store well and can be easily reheated.

Can I add more vegetables to these recipes?

Feel free to add more vegetables to any of these recipes for extra nutrients and flavor.

How do I reheat these Crock Pot meals?

You can reheat these meals in the microwave, on the stove, or even in the Crock Pot itself.