30 Mediterranean Slow Cooker Recipes That Make Dinner Easy and Delicious

Do you love the tasty food from the Mediterranean? I am talking about food from places like Greece, Italy, and Spain. This food is full of fresh vegetables, good olive oil, and yummy herbs. But maybe you think it takes too long to cook. I have good news for you. Your slow cooker can make this food easy to make.

A slow cooker is a kitchen helper. You put food in it in the morning. It cooks all day at a low heat. When you come home, dinner is ready and your house smells amazing. In this article, I will show you 30 Mediterranean recipes you can make in your slow cooker. They are simple, healthy, and taste so good.

What Is Mediterranean Food?

Mediterranean food comes from countries near the Mediterranean Sea. This includes Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey, and Morocco. People in these places eat in a way that is very good for their health.

The food has lots of plants. That means vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains. They use olive oil instead of butter. They eat fish and chicken more than red meat. They use herbs like oregano and basil to add flavor. This way of eating is not just tasty. It can help your heart stay healthy and give you energy.

Main Ingredients You Will See:

Olive Oil: Used for cooking and in dressings.
Vegetables: Tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini, bell peppers.
Beans and Lentils: Chickpeas, white beans, and lentils for protein.
Herbs and Spices: Garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, cumin, and paprika.
Cheeses: Feta cheese from Greece, Parmesan from Italy.

Why It Is a Healthy Choice:

Doctors like the Mediterranean way of eating. It has good fats from olive oil and nuts. It has lots of fiber from plants. It is not full of processed foods. People who eat this way often have strong hearts and live long lives.

Why a Slow Cooker Is Perfect for Mediterranean Food

A slow cooker can be your best friend in the kitchen. Here is why it works so well for these recipes.

It Saves You Time
You are busy. With a slow cooker, you spend about 15 minutes in the morning putting food in the pot. Then you turn it on and leave. You do not have to watch it or stir it. After 6 to 8 hours, your dinner is cooked. You did not have to do any work at dinner time.

It Makes Food Taste Better
Cooking food slowly and at a low temperature does something special. Tough pieces of meat become so soft you can cut them with a fork. All the flavors from the herbs, spices, and vegetables mix together perfectly. The taste is deep and rich.

It Is Easy to Use
A slow cooker has simple buttons. Most have just two settings: LOW and HIGH. For these recipes, you will mostly use LOW. You do not need to be a chef to use one.

You Have Less Cleanup
You cook everything in one pot. You do not need many bowls or pans. This means less washing up after you eat.

What You Need to Get Started

Before you start cooking, make sure you have these things.

1. A Slow Cooker

A 6-quart size is great for families. If you cook for one or two people, a 4-quart size is fine.

2. Basic Mediterranean Ingredients

Keep these in your kitchen:

Extra virgin olive oil
Canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste
Canned chickpeas and white beans
Chicken broth or vegetable broth
Dried herbs: oregano, basil, thyme
Dried spices: cumin, paprika, cinnamon
Garlic and onions
Lemons

3. A Little Time in the Morning

The only “hard” part is the morning prep. You will need about 10-15 minutes to chop vegetables and put everything in the pot.

30 Mediterranean Slow Cooker Recipes

Here are all the recipes. I have put them into groups so you can find what you want.

Group 1: Classic Mediterranean Dishes

These are famous dishes from the Mediterranean that everyone loves.

1. Greek Chicken and Potatoes

Serves: 4-6 people
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: The chicken becomes very tender. The potatoes soak up all the lemony, herby flavor. It is a complete meal in one pot.
Simple Steps:
1. Put halved baby potatoes in the slow cooker.
2. Place chicken thighs on top of the potatoes.
3. Mix lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, and chicken broth in a bowl.
4. Pour the lemon mix over the chicken and potatoes.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours.
6. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill before eating.

2. Ratatouille

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 6 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: This is a French vegetable stew. It is full of colors and tastes sweet and savory. It is perfect for vegetarians.
Simple Steps:
1. Cut 1 small eggplant into cubes. Slice 2 zucchini. Chop 1 red and 1 yellow bell pepper. Dice 1 onion.
2. Put all the chopped vegetables into the slow cooker.
3. Add a can of diced tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and thyme, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix everything well.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours, until the vegetables are soft.
6. Serve with bread or over rice.

3. Slow Cooker Moussaka

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: Moussaka is a famous Greek dish with eggplant and meat. This slow cooker version is much easier than the traditional one but just as tasty.
Simple Steps:
1. Slice 2 eggplants into rounds. Cook them in a pan with a little olive oil for a few minutes on each side. Set them aside.
2. In the same pan, cook 1 pound of ground lamb or beef with 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves until brown.
3. Add 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Cook for 5 more minutes.
4. In the slow cooker, make layers. First a layer of half the eggplant slices. Then all the meat sauce. Then the rest of the eggplant.
5. Pour 1 cup of béchamel sauce (white sauce) over the top. You can buy this sauce or make it.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours.
7. Let it sit for 15 minutes before serving.

4. Chickpea and Spinach Stew

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 6 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: This stew is creamy, filling, and very healthy. It uses simple cans from your pantry.
Simple Steps:
1. Drain and rinse 2 cans of chickpeas. Put them in the slow cooker.
2. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes, 3 cups of vegetable broth, 1 chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin and coriander, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Stir everything together.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.
5. 10 minutes before it is done, stir in 3 cups of fresh spinach. It will wilt in the hot stew.
6. Taste and add more salt or pepper if you want.

5. Hearty Lentil Soup

Serves: 6-8 people
Cook Time: 7-8 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: Lentil soup is comfort food. It is thick, satisfying, and full of protein and fiber.
Simple Steps:
1. Rinse 1 ½ cups of green or brown lentils.
2. Put the lentils in the slow cooker with 1 diced onion, 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves.
3. Add 6 cups of vegetable broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon each of cumin and thyme, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
4. Stir well.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours, until the lentils are very soft.
6. Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice on top of each bowl when you serve it.

Group 2: Vegetarian Options

These recipes have no meat, but they are still filling and full of flavor.

6. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Serves: 4-6 people
Cook Time: 5-6 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: The peppers become soft and sweet. The quinoa and bean filling is protein-packed and delicious.
Simple Steps:
1. Cut the tops off 6 bell peppers. Take out the seeds.
2. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of rinsed quinoa, 1 can of drained black beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 small chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon each of smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano, plus salt and pepper.
3. Stuff this mixture into the peppers.
4. Pour 1 ½ cups of vegetable broth into the bottom of your slow cooker.
5. Stand the stuffed peppers up in the slow cooker.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, until peppers are tender.
7. Sprinkle with feta or mozzarella cheese before serving.

7. Easy Eggplant Parmesan

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 4-5 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: All the cheesy, saucy goodness without frying the eggplant. The slow cooker makes the eggplant melt in your mouth.
Simple Steps:
1. Slice 2 large eggplants into ½-inch thick rounds.
2. Lightly spray or brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
3. In the slow cooker, start with a layer of marinara sauce.
4. Add a layer of eggplant slices. Sprinkle with some Italian breadcrumbs, then shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Repeat the layers until you run out, ending with sauce and cheese on top.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, until the eggplant is very soft.
7. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.

8. Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

Serves: 4 people
Cook Time: 2 hours on HIGH or 4 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: The slow cooker makes perfect fluffy quinoa. You add fresh, crunchy veggies at the end for a cool salad.
Simple Steps:
1. Put 1 cup of rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of vegetable broth in the slow cooker.
2. Cook until the quinoa is fluffy and has soaked up all the broth.
3. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool a bit.
4. Stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, ½ cup of sliced Kalamata olives, ½ a chopped cucumber, and ¼ cup of diced red onion.
5. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Add salt and pepper.
6. Top with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley if you like.

9. Vegetable Tagine

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: This is a Moroccan stew with warm, cozy spices like cinnamon and cumin. It smells incredible and tastes even better.
Simple Steps:
1. Peel and cube 1 sweet potato. Slice 1 zucchini. Chop 1 red bell pepper, 1 onion, and 2 carrots.
2. Put all the chopped vegetables in the slow cooker.
3. Add 1 can of drained chickpeas, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 ½ cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, ½ teaspoon each of turmeric and ginger, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
4. Stir everything together very well.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, until the vegetables are soft.
6. Taste and add more seasoning if needed. Serve over couscous or with pita bread.

10. Spinach and Feta Pie

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 3 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: This is like a Greek spanakopita, but easier. It’s a savory, cheesy pie that’s great for a special lunch or light dinner.
Simple Steps:
1. Thaw 10 ounces of frozen spinach. Squeeze out all the water.
2. In a bowl, mix the spinach with 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, ½ cup of ricotta or cottage cheese, 2 beaten eggs, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the inside of your slow cooker with butter or oil.
4. Layer 5-6 sheets of phyllo dough in the slow cooker, brushing a little butter between each sheet.
5. Spread the spinach filling on top.
6. Fold the edges of the phyllo dough over the filling.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, until the filling is set and the pastry looks done.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Group 3: Seafood Delights

Cooking seafood in the slow cooker is easy and keeps it from getting tough.

11. Mediterranean Fish Stew

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 4-5 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: This stew is light, brothy, and tastes like the sea. It’s fancy enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight.
Simple Steps:
1. Put 1 chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 3 cups of fish or vegetable broth, ½ cup of sliced olives, 1 tablespoon of capers, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the slow cooker.
2. Stir, cover, and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
3. Add 1 pound of cubed white fish (like cod) and ½ pound of peeled shrimp.
4. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes, just until the seafood is cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread.

12. Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Serves: 4 people
Cook Time: 1 ½ – 2 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: This cooks very fast. The shrimp are bathed in a buttery, lemony, garlicky sauce that is so good.
Simple Steps:
1. Put 3 tablespoons of butter or olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, the juice and zest of 1 lemon, a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 1 hour to let the flavors mix.
3. Add 1 pound of large, peeled shrimp. Stir to coat them in the sauce.
4. Cover and cook for another 30-45 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and firm.
5. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. Serve over rice, pasta, or zucchini noodles.

13. Fisherman’s Soup

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 5-6 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: This is a hearty, tomato-based soup packed with different kinds of seafood. It’s a complete meal in a bowl.
Simple Steps:
1. In the slow cooker, combine 1 diced onion, 2 chopped celery stalks, 2 chopped carrots, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 4 cups of fish stock, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of thyme, a pinch of saffron (if you have it), salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours.
3. Add 1 pound of mixed white fish chunks and ½ pound of shrimp or scallops.
4. Cover and cook for 30 more minutes, until the seafood is done.
5. Serve with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.

14. Salmon with Herbs

Serves: 4 people
Cook Time: 2-3 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: Salmon cooked in the slow cooker stays incredibly moist. The lemon and fresh dill make it taste fresh and light.
Simple Steps:
1. Brush 4 salmon fillets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Season them with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Place slices from 1 lemon in the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Place the salmon fillets on top of the lemon slices.
5. Pour ½ cup of vegetable or chicken broth around the salmon (not on top).
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
7. Serve with steamed vegetables or rice.

15. Cilantro Lime Tilapia

Serves: 4 people
Cook Time: 2-3 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: This dish is bright, zesty, and full of flavor. Tilapia is a mild fish that soaks up the cilantro and lime perfectly.
Simple Steps:
1. In a bowl, mix the juice and zest of 2 limes, ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Place 4 tilapia fillets in the slow cooker.
3. Pour the lime-cilantro marinade over the fish.
4. Add ½ cup of vegetable broth to the bottom of the pot for moisture.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, until the fish flakes easily.
6. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.

Group 4: Meat-Based Recipes

These recipes use beef, lamb, chicken, and pork for hearty, satisfying meals.

16. Beef Kofta in Tomato Sauce

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 5-6 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: Kofta are spiced meatballs. In the slow cooker, they become incredibly tender and soak up the rich tomato sauce.
Simple Steps:
1. In a bowl, combine 1 ½ pounds of ground beef, 1 grated small onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon each of cumin, coriander, and paprika, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, and 1 egg. Mix well with your hands.
2. Roll the mixture into meatballs.
3. In the slow cooker, mix 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
4. Gently place the meatballs into the sauce.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours.
6. Serve with rice, couscous, or pita bread.

17. Moroccan Lamb Curry with Apricots & Almonds

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: This is a special occasion dish. The lamb becomes fork-tender, and the sweet apricots and spicy curry make an amazing flavor.
Simple Steps:
1. Place 2 pounds of cubed lamb shoulder in the slow cooker.
2. Add 1 chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup of halved dried apricots, ¼ cup of slivered almonds, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of beef broth, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
3. Add the spices: 1 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric, plus ½ teaspoon of coriander, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir everything to combine.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, until the lamb is very tender.
6. Serve over couscous and garnish with extra almonds or cilantro.

18. Chicken Tagine with Lemons and Olives

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 6 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: A tagine is a Moroccan stew. This one has amazing warm spices, tangy olives, and soft, preserved lemon. The chicken falls off the bone.
Simple Steps:
1. Put 1 thinly sliced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Mix 1 teaspoon each of ground ginger, turmeric, cumin, and paprika with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Rub this spice mix all over 6 bone-in chicken thighs.
3. Place the chicken on top of the onions.
4. Add 1 preserved lemon (chopped) or the zest and juice of 1 regular lemon, ½ cup of green olives, and 1 ½ cups of chicken broth.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

19. Pork Souvlaki (Slow Cooker Style)

Serves: 4-6 people
Cook Time: 4-5 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: Souvlaki is Greek street food, usually grilled on a skewer. This slow cooker version gives you all the garlic, lemon, and oregano flavor with super tender pork.
Simple Steps:
1. Cut 2 pounds of pork tenderloin into big chunks.
2. In a bowl, mix the juice of 2 lemons, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the pork chunks and toss to coat. Let it sit for 30 minutes if you have time.
4. Put the pork and all the marinade into the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, until the pork is very tender.
6. Serve with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and sliced tomatoes and onions.

20. Braised Lamb Shanks with Garlic & Rosemary

Serves: 4 people
Cook Time: 8 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: Lamb shanks are a fancy restaurant dish. Cooking them slowly at home makes the meat so tender it falls off the bone. The sauce is rich and wonderful.
Simple Steps:
1. Season 4 lamb shanks with salt and pepper. You can brown them in a pan with olive oil first for extra flavor, but you don’t have to.
2. Place 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves in the slow cooker.
3. Put the lamb shanks on top.
4. Add 1 cup of red wine, 2 cups of beef broth, 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried), and 1 bay leaf.
5. Spoon some of the sauce over the shanks.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.
7. Take out the bay leaf and rosemary stems. Serve the shanks and sauce over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.

Group 5: Hearty Soups and Stews

21. Lemon Oregano Beef Stew

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 8 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: This is not your ordinary beef stew. The lemon and oregano give it a bright, Greek flavor that makes it special.
Simple Steps:
1. Cut 2 pounds of beef chuck roast into cubes.
2. Put the beef in the slow cooker with 4 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 1 diced onion.
3. Add 4 cups of beef broth, the juice of 2 lemons, 2 tablespoons of dried oregano, 3 minced garlic cloves, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours, until the beef is very tender.
5. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little water. Stir it into the stew in the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
6. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the juices.

22. Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: All the flavor of a street fair sandwich, made easily at home. The sausages and peppers cook in a savory tomato sauce.
Simple Steps:
1. Place 6 Italian sausage links (sweet or hot) in the slow cooker.
2. Add 2 sliced bell peppers (any color) and 1 sliced large onion.
3. Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce and ½ cup of beef broth over everything.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours.
5. Serve the sausages and peppers on hoagie rolls. Spoon some of the sauce from the pot over the top.

23. Avgolemono Chicken Soup (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup)

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 6 hours on LOW, plus 30 minutes
Why You’ll Like It: This soup is famous for its creamy, lemony broth. It is comforting when you are sick and delicious any time.
Simple Steps:
1. Put 1 pound of boneless chicken breasts, 8 cups of chicken broth, 1 diced onion, and ½ cup of white rice in the slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.
3. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Put it back in the pot.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk 3 eggs with the juice of 2 lemons.
5. Slowly whisk 1 cup of the hot soup broth into the egg-lemon mixture. Then slowly stir this mixture back into the big pot of soup.
6. Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes, until slightly thickened. Do not let it boil. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh dill.

24. White Bean and Kale Soup with Sausage

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 7-8 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: This soup is hearty, healthy, and filling. The creamy white beans, smoky sausage, and dark kale are a perfect combination.
Simple Steps:
1. Brown 1 pound of Italian turkey sausage (removed from its casing) in a pan. Drain any fat.
2. Put the sausage in the slow cooker with 2 cans of drained white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 6 cups of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.
4. 30 minutes before serving, stir in 4 cups of chopped kale. It will wilt perfectly in the hot soup.
5. Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

25. Spanish Beef and Chorizo Stew

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 8 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: This stew has deep, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors from the Spanish chorizo and paprika. It is a warm and satisfying bowl of comfort.
Simple Steps:
1. Cut 1 ½ pounds of beef stew meat into cubes. Slice 8 ounces of Spanish chorizo.
2. Put the meat in the slow cooker with 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 chopped carrots.
3. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes, 2 cups of beef broth, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours, until the beef is very tender.
5. Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Group 6: Pasta and Grain Dishes

26. Slow Cooker Chicken and Orzo

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 4 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: The orzo pasta cooks right in the pot with the chicken and broth, making a creamy, risotto-like dish with no stirring.
Simple Steps:
1. Place 1 ½ pounds of boneless chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. Add 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta, 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juices), and 4 cups of chicken broth.
3. Season with 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked.
5. Shred the chicken in the pot. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh spinach until it wilts. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

27. Mediterranean Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 6 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: A lighter, Mediterranean take on stuffed cabbage. The filling has rice, herbs, and ground turkey in a lemony tomato sauce.
Simple Steps:
1. Carefully peel 12 large cabbage leaves. Pour boiling water over them to soften.
2. Mix 1 pound of ground turkey, ½ cup of cooked rice, 1 small grated onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of dried mint, salt, and pepper.
3. Place a spoonful of filling on each cabbage leaf and roll it up tightly.
4. Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce mixed with the juice of 1 lemon into the slow cooker.
5. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the sauce.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.

28. Greek-Style Braised Green Beans (Fasolakia)

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 6 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: These are not crunchy green beans. They are cooked slowly with tomatoes and herbs until they are incredibly soft and full of flavor.
Simple Steps:
1. Put 2 pounds of fresh green beans (trimmed) in the slow cooker.
2. Add 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 can of diced tomatoes, ½ cup of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in ½ cup of water or vegetable broth.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours, until the beans are very tender.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or with feta cheese as a main.

29. Mushroom and Barley “Risotto”

Serves: 4-6 people
Cook Time: 3-4 hours on HIGH
Why You’ll Like It: Barley is a healthy whole grain that gets creamy like risotto in the slow cooker. The mushrooms add a deep, earthy flavor.
Simple Steps:
1. Sauté 1 pound of sliced mushrooms and 1 diced onion in a pan with olive oil until soft.
2. Transfer them to the slow cooker.
3. Add 1 cup of pearl barley, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the barley is tender and creamy.
5. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.

30. Turkey and Spinach Meatballs in Lemon Sauce

Serves: 6 people
Cook Time: 4 hours on LOW
Why You’ll Like It: These meatballs are light and healthy, made with turkey and spinach. The lemon sauce is bright and tangy, not heavy.
Simple Steps:
1. In a bowl, mix 1 ½ pounds of ground turkey, 10 oz of thawed and drained frozen spinach, ½ cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 minced garlic cloves, ¼ cup of chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Roll into meatballs.
2. Place them in the slow cooker.
3. Whisk together 2 cups of chicken broth, the juice of 2 lemons, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Pour over the meatballs.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
5. Serve the meatballs and sauce over rice or with a side of roasted potatoes.

Helpful Tips for Slow Cooker Success

Using a slow cooker is easy, but these tips will make your meals even better.

1. Choosing Your Ingredients

Use the right size pieces. Cut vegetables and meat into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Fresh is best, but frozen works too. You can use frozen vegetables. You do not need to thaw meat first, but it might take a little longer to cook.
Do not overfill your pot. Fill it no more than ⅔ full. If it is too full, the food will not cook properly.

2. Getting the Timing Right

Low and slow is best. For most of these recipes, use the LOW setting. It gives the best texture and flavor.
Do not peek too much. Every time you take the lid off, heat escapes and it can add 20-30 minutes to your cooking time.
Seafood cooks fast. Always add fish, shrimp, or scallops in the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. If you cook them all day, they will get tough.

3. Making Food Taste Great

Brown your meat first. This step is optional but adds a lot of flavor. Quickly brown chicken, beef, or lamb in a pan on the stove before putting it in the slow cooker.
Layer food properly. Put hard vegetables like potatoes and carrots on the bottom, where it is hottest. Put meat on top.
Add fresh herbs at the end. Stir in fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro just before serving. They stay bright and flavorful.

4. Being Safe

Thaw frozen food safely. It is safer to thaw meat in the fridge overnight before putting it in the slow cooker.
Keep it hot. Once your food is done, keep the slow cooker on the WARM setting if you are not eating right away.
Store leftovers quickly. Put leftover food in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.

Your New Dinner Routine

I hope these 30 recipes show you how amazing and easy Mediterranean cooking can be with a slow cooker. You do not need to be a chef. You just need a few fresh ingredients and a little planning.

Start with one recipe that sounds good to you. Maybe it is the simple Greek Chicken and Potatoes or the comforting Hearty Lentil Soup. On a busy morning, take 15 minutes to get it ready. Then, go about your day. When dinner time comes, you will have a healthy, delicious meal waiting for you.

The Mediterranean way of eating is about enjoying good food with the people you love. Your slow cooker helps you do that without stress. So, pick a recipe, plug in your slow cooker, and get ready for an easy, delicious dinner tonight.