These high protein high fiber Crock Pot recipes are what I make when I want a healthy, hands-off dinner that keeps me full, and every one has at least 20 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving.
They're made for busy weeknights and easy meal prep, from cozy chilis and hearty soups to simple chicken dinners loaded with beans, lentils and veggies. Only a quick prep is required in the mornings or on Sunday, and the slow cooker does the work for you during the day.
Why I Pair Protein and Fiber
Protein was only half of what my trainer taught me. The other half was aiming for 25 to 35 grams of fiber a day, which is right in line with general guidelines. Protein and fiber both help you feel full, but they do different jobs. Fiber adds bulk and keeps things moving through your digestive system.
The catch is that most high protein foods have little or no fiber, so a high protein plan can end up low in fiber without you noticing. Pairing the two is what made my meals feel balanced and kept me full until the next one.
If you want more ideas beyond the slow cooker, my high protein high fiber meals are a great place to start!
Easy Ways to Add Fiber to Any Crock Pot Meal
- Stir in beans or lentils. Add a rinsed can of black beans, white beans or chickpeas for the last 30 minutes. Half a cup of black beans adds about 7.5 grams of fiber.
- Add frozen veggies late. Stir in spinach, peppers or a frozen veggie blend in the last hour so they don't turn mushy.
- Use barley or quinoa. Both add fiber and make soups more filling. Keep barley submerged so it cooks evenly.
- Sprinkle in chia or ground flax. Two tablespoons of chia seeds add about 10 grams of fiber and thicken chili without changing the flavor.
- Top it smart. Avocado, salsa and a scoop of beans on top all add a little more.
For a full list of easy add-ins, grab my printable high fiber foods chart. Counting carbs? Beans and lentils add carbs along with the fiber, so my high protein low carb Crock Pot recipes are a better fit.
To make it work for the whole family, serve these over rice, baked potatoes or with cornbread for everyone else, and keep your bowl loaded with the beans and veggies.
High Protein High Fiber Crockpot Recipes
Want more cozy bowls? See my high protein high fiber soups.
Meal Prep and Freezing
- Fridge: most of these keep 3 to 4 days in airtight containers.
- Freezer: chilis, soups and stews freeze for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then freeze flat in freezer bags to save space.
- Add fresh: keep pasta, couscous, tortilla strips and toppings out of the freezer and add them when you serve.
- Reheat: warm on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth, since beans and lentils thicken as they sit.
Want more make-ahead ideas? Try my healthy Crock Pot meal prep recipes.
High Protein High Fiber Crock Pot Recipes FAQs
Do you need to soak beans before putting them in the Crock Pot?
Most dried beans don't need soaking for the slow cooker, but dried kidney beans need to boil for 10 minutes first, because a slow cooker doesn't get hot enough to break down a natural toxin they contain. Canned beans skip the step completely. Just rinse and add them.
Can you cook dry lentils in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown and green lentils hold their shape and take about 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high with plenty of liquid. Red lentils break down and are best for thickening soups and stews.
What foods are high in both protein and fiber?
Beans, lentils, chickpeas, split peas, edamame, quinoa and chia seeds all give you both. Pair them with chicken, turkey or lean beef in the Crock Pot for even more protein.
Can you freeze high protein high fiber Crock Pot meals?
Yes. Chilis, soups and stews freeze well for up to 3 months. Leave out pasta and couscous and add them fresh when you reheat, since they get soft in the freezer.
It's a Whole Lotta Yum!
More High Protein High Fiber Recipes
- 35 High Protein High Fiber Meals
- 25 High Protein High Fiber Breakfasts
- 25 High Protein High Fiber Lunch Ideas
- 25 Low Calorie High Protein Crock Pot Meals
Leave a Reply