15 Best Keto Crockpot Recipes (100% Unique and Easy)

1.5K

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely use and love. You can read our full disclosure here.

Are you searching for the ultimate keto comfort food that doesn't chain you to the stove? You've found it. These 15 unique keto crockpot recipes are designed to simplify your life, fill your home with incredible aromas, and keep your family happily on track with your low-carb lifestyle.

Forget complicated meal prep. With a slow cooker, you can create restaurant-quality dishes with minimal effort, freeing up your time for what truly matters.

From Our Journal: The Crockpot Superhero

It's Friday, July 4, 2025, here in Da Nang. The quiet before the city wakes up is my favorite time to plan our family meals. I remember when we first started our keto journey; between work, travel, and raising Victor, meal prep felt like an overwhelming, full-time job. Then, a good friend gifted us a Crock-Pot 7 Quart Slow Cooker. It wasn't just an appliance; it became our kitchen superhero.

Suddenly, creating incredible, healthy meals was as simple as 'set it and forget it.' That slow cooker completely changed the game for us. These 15 recipes aren't just a random list; they are our family's absolute favorites—creations born from my formal chef training in Austria, our time in the Middle East, Natalia's Siberian roots, and our shared family adventures across Asia. They are 100% unique to us, and we're so excited to share them with you.

1. Creamy Tuscan Chicken

"This dish tastes like a sunny holiday on the Italian coast. We developed it after a family trip to Spain, trying to recapture that creamy, sun-drenched flavor. It's now a weeknight staple for us." - Oliver

A decadent dish that tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant. The sauce is so good you'll want to eat it with a spoon! It's one of our most popular crock pot chicken breast recipes for a reason.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
  • 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained & chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 5 oz fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Scatter the sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts on top.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
  5. In the last 30 minutes, stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts completely.
  6. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot. Stir well to coat the chicken in the creamy sauce. Serve warm over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

2. Omani Spiced Lamb Shanks

"The aroma of these spices takes me right back to my hospitality training in Oman. I learned the art of slow-cooking and spice balancing there. The secret ingredient, Loomi, gives it an authentic, tangy depth you can't get anywhere else." - Oliver

A true showstopper, these lamb shanks are fall-off-the-bone tender and infused with a complex blend of authentic Middle Eastern spices. This is a great example of the dishes we explore in our Middle Eastern recipes category.

Ingredients

  • 4 lamb shanks (about 1 lb each)
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 2 dried black limes (Loomi), pierced a few times
  • Spices: 2 tsp cumin, 1.5 tsp coriander, 1 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp cardamom
  • 4 cups beef broth

Instructions

  1. Pat lamb shanks dry, season with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides in a hot Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, then transfer to the slow cooker. Searing creates the Maillard reaction, a principle explained well by culinary experts at Serious Eats, which develops deep flavor.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté the onion until soft. Add garlic and ginger, then toast the ground spices for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the beef broth, scraping the pan. Bring to a simmer, then pour over the lamb. Add the pierced black limes to the pot.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours until the meat is falling off the bone.
  5. Remove the black limes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

3. Natalia's Siberian Beef & Mushroom Stew

"This is the taste of my home in Krasnoyarsk. My babushka made a version of this every winter. I've adapted her recipe to be keto-friendly, but it still has that same soulful, comforting flavor that warms you from the inside out." - Natalia

Pure Siberian comfort food. This isn't your average beef stew; it's rich, hearty, and finished with sour cream and dill for an authentic Russian touch. It's one of our favorite shredded beef recipes.

Ingredients

  • 2.5 lbs beef chuck, cubed
  • 1 lb cremini mushrooms, halved
  • 1 large onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 tsp Xanthan Gum (optional thickener)

Instructions

  1. Season and brown beef; transfer to slow cooker with onion and mushrooms.
  2. Whisk broth, tomato paste, and mustard; pour over beef.
  3. Cook on LOW for 7-9 hours.
  4. In the last 30 minutes, temper sour cream with a little hot broth, then stir into the stew with xanthan gum if using. Stir in fresh dill just before serving.

Short on time? Get all the fresh ingredients for these recipes delivered to your door in as little as 2 hours with Instacart!

4. Authentic Thai Green Curry Chicken Soup

"We fell in love with authentic Thai curry during our years living there. The secret isn't just the paste; it's the balance of aromatics like lemongrass and kaffir lime. This soup tastes exactly like the best bowls we had in Bangkok." - Oliver & Natalia

Forget takeout. This keto Thai green curry soup is bursting with authentic, vibrant flavor, made effortlessly in your crockpot. For more curry inspiration, check out our Massaman Curry Recipe.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chunked
  • 2 cans (13.5 oz each) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup green curry paste
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce

Instructions

  1. Whisk coconut milk and curry paste in the slow cooker.
  2. Stir in chicken, bell pepper, lemongrass, lime leaves, and fish sauce.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
  4. Remove lemongrass and lime leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

5. Vietnamese-Style 'Thit Kho' Pulled Pork

"Since moving to Vietnam, 'Thit Kho' has become a family favorite. It's traditionally a braised dish, but we've adapted it for the crockpot to create the most amazing, savory-sweet pulled pork. Victor loves it in lettuce wraps!" - The Mayerhoffer Family

A taste of our new home! This keto version of the classic Vietnamese braised pork is transformed into a delicious pulled pork, perfect for a fresh and easy meal. It's a great companion to our Traditional Pho Recipe.

Ingredients

  • 3 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt)
  • 1/2 cup coconut aminos
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar substitute (e.g., Swerve)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 1 star anise

Instructions

  1. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
  2. Combine all other ingredients and pour over the pork.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  4. Remove pork and shred. Discard the star anise. Serve the tender pork with some of the cooking liquid spooned over.

6. Smoky 'No-Bean' Keto Chili

"Our family has a friendly chili cook-off every year via video call with family in the States. This is our secret weapon. The unique blend of chiles, like smoky Guajillo peppers, and a hint of cocoa makes it a winner every time." - Oliver

This is a deeply flavorful, hearty chili that you'll never guess is missing the beans. It's rich, smoky, and perfect for a crowd. If you love chiles, explore our Guide to Poblano Substitutes.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 lb ground sausage
  • 1 large onion & 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 tbsp chili powder & 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp ground cumin & 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef and sausage in a skillet; drain fat. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. Add all remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
  4. Serve with keto-friendly toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and avocado.

7. Spicy Coconut Curry Beef Short Ribs

"This dish is the perfect marriage of our culinary histories. The rich, fall-apart beef short ribs are a Western classic, but the spicy, fragrant coconut curry sauce is pure Southeast Asia. It's a fusion we created one night and it was an instant hit." - Natalia

An unforgettable fusion recipe combining the best of both worlds. The rich beef stands up perfectly to the bold Thai-inspired curry sauce. It's a must-try from our collection of beef recipes.

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs beef short ribs
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 3 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger & 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
  • Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

  1. Season and sear short ribs on all sides; place in slow cooker.
  2. Whisk coconut milk, curry paste, ginger, and garlic. Pour over ribs. Add lemongrass.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours until tender.
  4. Remove lemongrass. Stir in lime juice before serving.

8. Mediterranean Lemon Herb Pulled Chicken

"We had a meal like this at a small seaside café on the coast of Spain. It was so simple, fresh, and flavorful. We recreated it for the slow cooker to make an easy, healthy weeknight meal that reminds us of sunny days." - Oliver

Bright, fresh, and incredibly versatile. This isn't your typical heavy pulled chicken; it's light and perfect for salads, bowls, or lettuce wraps. It's one of our top keto chicken breast recipes.

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Juice and zest of 2 lemons
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme & 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

Instructions

  1. Place chicken in the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Whisk together broth, lemon juice/zest, garlic, oil, and herbs. Pour over chicken.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
  4. Shred chicken with two forks in the pot and toss with the juices.

9. Our Ultimate Keto Mississippi Pot Roast

"We first heard about Mississippi Pot Roast from our American friends and were skeptical. But after trying it, we were hooked! We developed our own homemade ranch seasoning to control the ingredients and make it truly keto. It's a family favorite now." - Natalia

Tangy, zesty, and unbelievably tender. We've perfected this American classic with a homemade, clean-ingredient ranch seasoning.

Ingredients

  • 3-4 lb chuck roast
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 8-10 pepperoncini peppers & 1/4 cup pepperoncini juice
  • Homemade Ranch: 2 tbsp parsley, 1 tbsp dill, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tsp pepper, 1 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Mix ranch seasoning ingredients. Rub all over the roast in the slow cooker.
  2. Place butter on top of the roast. Scatter peppers around it.
  3. Pour in beef broth and pepperoncini juice.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours. Do not lift the lid.
  5. Shred the beef with two forks and serve with the cooking juices.

10. Spicy Italian Sausage and Peppers

"This is pure comfort food. It reminds us of bustling family dinners and simple, rustic Italian-American cooking. It’s so easy to throw together and always a crowd-pleaser. We love serving it in a big bowl for everyone to help themselves." - Oliver

A simple, hearty, and flavorful classic that requires minimal prep. The slow cooker does all the work, melding the flavors together beautifully. Explore more easy meals in our best ground sausage recipes collection.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Italian sausage, chunked
  • 2 bell peppers & 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 can (24 oz) sugar-free marinara sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage in a skillet and place in the slow cooker.
  2. Top with sliced peppers, onions, and garlic.
  3. Pour marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with oregano and red pepper flakes.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.
  5. Serve hot, perhaps over cauliflower rice or with a side of steamed vegetables.

11. Smoked Gouda & Broccoli Cheddar Soup

"This soup was born on a rainy afternoon when we were living in the UK. We wanted something extra comforting, so I added some smoked Gouda to a classic broccoli cheddar recipe. It was a game-changer! The smoky flavor adds such incredible depth." - Natalia

This isn't your standard broccoli cheese soup. The addition of smoked Gouda creates a velvety, deeply flavorful soup that's simply irresistible. For another spicy take, try our Cajun Broccoli Cheese Soup.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar & 4 oz smoked Gouda, shredded
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed

Instructions

  1. Combine broccoli, onion, and broth in the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours until broccoli is tender.
  2. Blend the soup with an immersion blender to your desired consistency.
  3. Reduce heat to LOW. Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth.
  4. Gradually stir in the shredded cheeses until melted. Do not boil.
  5. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

12. Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Olives & Lemon

"The aroma of a real tagine cooking is pure magic. We were so inspired after a trip to Morocco that we had to recreate a crockpot version. This dish instantly transports us back to the vibrant markets of Marrakesh." - Oliver & Natalia

A magical blend of warm spices, salty green olives, and bright, zesty lemon. This chicken is tender, aromatic, and exotic yet incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients

  • 2.5 lbs chicken thighs
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced & 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp cayenne
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup green olives, pitted
  • 1 preserved lemon, quartered (or zest/juice of 1 lemon)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season and brown chicken thighs; transfer to slow cooker.
  2. Sauté onion until soft, add garlic and ginger, then toast the spices.
  3. Pour in broth, scrape the pan, and pour the mixture over the chicken.
  4. Add olives and preserved lemon. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours.
  5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

13. The Ultimate Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip

"For game days or casual get-togethers with friends, this is our go-to appetizer. Our secret is mixing finely chopped celery right into the dip. It adds a subtle crunch and freshness that makes a huge difference!" - The Mayerhoffer Family

Creamy, spicy, and dangerously addictive. This is the only keto buffalo chicken dip recipe you'll ever need. Perfect for parties!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
  • 1/2 cup keto ranch or blue cheese dressing
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 celery stalk, very finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and stir well.
  2. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbly.
  3. Serve warm with celery sticks, bell pepper strips, or your favorite keto crackers.

14. Crispy Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

"We learned the secret to amazing carnitas in Mexico: it's all about the 'set it and forget it' slow cooking, followed by a quick blast of high heat to get those crispy bits. The citrus and oregano are non-negotiable!" - Oliver

The ultimate recipe for tender, juicy pulled pork with the crispy, browned edges that make carnitas so irresistible. A guaranteed family favorite. Serve it with our authentic Salsa Fresca.

Ingredients

  • 4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt), chunked
  • 1 orange & 1 lime, halved
  • 1 onion, quartered & 6 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 tbsp cumin & 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp salt & 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Rub the pork chunks with the spice mixture.
  2. Place onion and garlic in the bottom of the crockpot, then the pork on top.
  3. Squeeze the juice from the orange and lime over the pork, dropping the rinds in the pot.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours until fall-apart tender.
  5. Remove pork and shred. For crispy edges, broil on a baking sheet for 3-5 minutes.

15. Loaded Cauliflower 'Mac' & Cheese

"Victor calls this 'fancy cauliflower' and it's one of his all-time favorites. It's our go-to for a really indulgent, comforting side dish that still fits our keto lifestyle. The bacon and jalapeño make it feel like a real treat." - Natalia

All the cheesy, comforting goodness of mac and cheese, but loaded with bacon and a spicy jalapeño kick. This is keto comfort food at its absolute best. The spicy kick comes from jalapeños, a versatile and flavorful chile.

Ingredients

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard & 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar & 4 oz Gruyère, shredded
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place cauliflower in the slow cooker.
  2. In a saucepan, melt the cream cheese with heavy cream, mustard, and garlic powder until smooth.
  3. Stir in half of the shredded cheeses until melted. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower and stir.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 2.5 to 3 hours, until cauliflower is tender-crisp.
  5. Stir in the remaining cheese, bacon, and jalapeño. Let it sit for 10 minutes to melt, then serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Most of these recipes, especially the chilis, stews, and pulled meats (like the Carnitas and Vietnamese Pork), freeze beautifully. Allow the food to cool completely, then store in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Soups and sauces with a high cream or cream cheese content may separate slightly upon reheating, but a good stir will usually bring them back together.

To thicken a sauce without adding carbs, you have two great options. First, you can create a slurry with 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water or oil. Whisk this into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. A little goes a long way! Alternatively, you can simply remove the lid of the crockpot for the last hour of cooking. This allows excess liquid to evaporate and the sauce to reduce and thicken naturally.

Hardier vegetables hold up best in the slow cooker. Excellent keto choices include cauliflower, broccoli florets, radishes (a great potato substitute!), turnips, onions, bell peppers, celery, and mushrooms. For more delicate vegetables like spinach or zucchini, it's best to add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking so they don't turn to mush. For more ideas, check out our favorite broccoli recipes!

For food safety reasons, it is not recommended to put frozen meat, including chicken, directly into a slow cooker. The USDA advises against this, as the slow heating time can allow the meat to stay in the 'danger zone' (40°F - 140°F) for too long, promoting bacterial growth. It's always safest to thaw meat completely before cooking. For faster meals, consider our keto air fryer recipes.

Conclusion

These 15 unique keto crockpot recipes are your secret weapon for a delicious, stress-free, and healthy lifestyle. They are a reflection of our family's journey and our belief that food should be both nourishing and exciting. By letting your slow cooker do the hard work, you can enjoy incredible meals any night of the week without sacrificing flavor or your health goals.

For more easy and inventive meal ideas, don't miss our quick keto shrimp recipes or our collection of game-changing Instant Pot Air Fryer recipes. Happy cooking!

We’d Love to Hear From You! Thank you for visiting Mangoes and Palm Trees! Please keep comments kind and respectful—happy commenting! 😊

Close
Mangoes and Palm Trees © Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.
Close