Toss homey, comforting ingredients into your slow cooker for a diabetic-friendly feast. You'll be serving up seconds of these stews and chilis.
26 Diabetic-Friendly Slow-Cooker Stews and Chilis
Updated on Feb. 25, 2022
Slow-Cooked Chili
This hearty slow-cooker chili can cook for up to 10 hours on low in the slow cooker. It’s so good to come home to its wonderful aroma after a long day away. —Sue Call, Beech Grove, Indiana
1/25
2/25
General Tso’s Stew
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Asian food and wanted a chili-like soup with the distinctive flavors of General Tso’s chicken. The slow cooker makes this super easy, and you can use any meat you like. It’s wonderful with turkey, ground meats or leftover pork. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 222 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 791mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
3/25
Turkey Chili
Total Time
6 hours 50 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I've taken my mother's healthy turkey chili recipe and made it thicker and more robust. It's a favorite, especially in fall and winter. —Celesta Zanger, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 200 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 535mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
4/25
Chicken Mushroom Stew
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings (2 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
The flavors blend beautifully in this pot of chicken, vegetables and herbs as it simmers slowly. —Kenny Van Rheenen, Mendota, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 237 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
5/25
Apple Chicken Stew
Total Time
3 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I enjoy visiting the apple orchards in nearby Nebraska City. We always make sure to buy extra cider to use in this sensational slow-cooked stew. —Carol Mathias, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 284 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 533mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
6/25
Tuscan Pork Stew
Total Time
8 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender chunks of pork slowly cook in a nicely seasoned, wine-infused sauce. Add some crushed red pepper flakes to this pork stew for a little extra kick.—Penny Hawkins, Mebane, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 235 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 0.500 fat.
7/25
Sweet Potato Chili with Turkey
Total Time
5 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Swapping ground turkey for ground beef lightens up this chili. —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 243 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat.
8/25
Pork and Green Chile Stew
Total Time
7 hours 40 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This easily adaptable stew is ready in four hours if cooked on high in a slow cooker, or in less than eight hours if you cook it low and slow. —Paul Sedillo, Plainfield, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 322 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 723mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
9/25
Southwest Turkey Stew
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I prefer main dishes that let me stay on my diet but still eat what the rest of the family eats. My husband and our young children think this diet-friendly stew is a hit. —Stephanie Wilson, Helix, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 238 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 837mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
10/25
Sweet-and-Sour Beef Stew
Total Time
8 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This chunky meal in a bowl makes terrific use of nutrient-packed vegetables. It has a deliciously sweet and tangy taste. —Frances Conklin, Cottonwood, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 290 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
11/25
Autumn Pumpkin Chili
Total Time
7 hours 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We have this turkey pumpkin chili often because everyone loves it, even the most finicky grandchildren. It’s a definite keeper in my book! —Kimberly Nagy, Port Hadlock, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 281 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
12/25
Slow-Cooker Beef Stew
Total Time
7 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
When there's a chill in the air, nothing beats this beef stew. Seasoned with thyme and dry mustard, the hearty slow-cooker beef stew is chock-full of tender carrots, potatoes and meat. —Earnestine Wilson, Waco, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 272 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
13/25
Chicken Stew
Total Time
4 hours 40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rely on this slow-cooker stew on busy weekends when you’d rather not be in the kitchen. Chicken, vegetables and seasonings give this stew great flavor. —Linda Emery, Bearden, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 180 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 280mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
14/25
Satisfying Beef Stew
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This beef stew is so hearty and tastes even better the next day—if there are leftovers! It goes great with cornbread or any crusty loaf. —Abbey Mueller, Enid, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 330 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 680mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
15/25
Spicy Cowboy Chili
Total Time
7 hours 45 min
Servings
14 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Toasting the peppers for this cowboy chili releases their earthy flavors. I recommend wearing gloves when handling dried peppers and seeds. —Rachel Sprinkel, Hilo, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 301 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
16/25
Beef and Cabbage Stew
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
6-8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite meals since I don't have to stand over the stove or dirty a lot of pots and pans to prepare it. With six in the family, we have enough dishes to wash after each meal!
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 194 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 402mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
17/25
Slow-Cooked Pork Stew
Total Time
5 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Try this comforting stew that's easy to put together, but it tastes like you've been working hard in the kitchen all day. It's even better served over polenta, egg noodles or mashed potatoes. —Nancy Elliot, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without potatoes): 177 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
18/25
Vermicelli Beef Stew
Total Time
8 hours 50 min
Servings
8 servings (2 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to try new recipes for my husband and me, and also when we entertain friends and relatives. This stew is a little different from most because of the vermicelli.—Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 294 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
19/25
Pressure-Cooker Manchester Stew
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
While in college, I studied abroad. A vegetarian at the time, I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious and diverse vegetarian food in Britain could be. After returning to the States, I re-created my favorite meal from my favorite restaurant and named it after the University of Manchester. When the enticing aroma fills the kitchen, I'm back in England! —Kimberly Hammond, Kingwood, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 221 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 354mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
20/25
Lime Navy Bean Chili
Total Time
5 hours 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love relying on my slow cooker. Just fill it in the morning and come home to a wonderful, warm meal—no matter how busy the day! —Connie Thomas, Jensen, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 250 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 12g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
21/25
Southwestern Chicken & Lima Bean Stew
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to have my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren over for this supper. They make me so happy with their compliments or just by going to fill up their bowls again. It's a good-for-you hit. —Pam Corder, Monroe, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 312 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
22/25
Teriyaki Beef Stew
Total Time
6 hours 50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As they say, necessity is the mother of invention" I created this recipe because I had a package of stew meat I needed to use. I spotted the ginger beer in the fridge, and rest was history. This stew has a delicious sweet-tangy flavor. It's nice to have a different way to serve an inexpensive meal. —Leslie Simms, Sherman Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 310 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 528mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch.
23/25
Hamburger Stew
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this hamburger stew recipe from a woman at our church, Lois Henry, when I needed a way to use up our bounty of home-canned tomatoes. My husband loves it, and I like that it's easy to warm up for a carefree dinner in the winter months. —Marcia Clay, Truman, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
24/25
25/25
Black Bean ‘n’ Pumpkin Chili
Total Time
4 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is crazy about this slow-cooker chili because it uses ingredients you don’t usually find in chili. Believe it or not, I discovered that pumpkin is what makes the dish so special. Cook up a big batch and freeze some for later; it tastes even better reheated. —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 192 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
