
Are you looking to simplify your paleo lifestyle while still enjoying delicious, nutritious meals? Look no further than paleo slow cooker recipes! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to use your crockpot or slow cooker to create mouthwatering paleo dishes that align with your ancestral eating habits. From understanding the basics of slow cooking to mastering paleo-friendly ingredients, we’ve got you covered. Plus, don’t forget to join our FREE 7 day paleo crockpot challenge to kickstart your stone age slow cooking journey!
What is a Slow Cooker or Crockpot?
Before we dive into the world of paleo slow cooker recipes, let’s clarify what we mean by “slow cooker” and “crockpot.” These terms are often used interchangeably, and for good reason – they refer to the same type of kitchen appliance.
A slow cooker, also known as a crockpot (which is actually a trademark of the Rival Company), is an electrical countertop cooking appliance that simmer’s food at a low temperature for several hours. This long, slow cooking process is perfect for tenderizing meats, developing complex flavors, and creating one-pot meals with minimal effort.
Choosing the Right Slow Cooker
When selecting a slow cooker for your paleo cooking, consider:
- Size: Choose based on your household size and batch cooking needs.
- Material: Ceramic or porcelain inserts are ideal for even heating.
- Features: Programmable timers and automatic shut-off can be helpful.
Check out our recommended slow cooker on Amazon here.
The Benefits of Slow Cooking for Paleo Dieters
Slow cooking offers numerous advantages for those following a paleo lifestyle:
- Convenience: Set it and forget it – perfect for busy paleo enthusiasts.
- Nutrient retention: Low, slow cooking preserves more nutrients in foods.
- Tenderizes tough cuts: Makes cheaper, tougher cuts of meat deliciously tender.
- Batch cooking: Easily prepare meals in bulk for the week ahead.
- Enhances flavors: Allows spices and herbs to infuse thoroughly into dishes.
How to Use Your Slow Cooker
Understanding your slow cooker’s settings is key to creating perfect paleo meals:
- Low setting: Usually around 190°F (88°C), ideal for cooking tough cuts of meat over 8-10 hours.
- High setting: Typically around 300°F (149°C), good for faster cooking in 4-6 hours.
- Warm setting: Keeps food at a safe temperature (usually around 165°F or 74°C) without continued cooking.
Pro tip: For most paleo slow cooker recipes, the low setting is preferable as it allows for gentler cooking and better flavor development.
Paleo-Friendly Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker
When preparing paleo slow cooker recipes, focus on these ancestral food groups:
- Meats: Grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, pork, lamb, and wild game.
- Fish: Wild-caught salmon, cod, and other sustainably sourced fish.
- Vegetables: All non-starchy vegetables are fair game.
- Fruits: Use in moderation for natural sweetness.
- Herbs and spices: Enhance flavors without adding processed ingredients.
- Healthy fats: Coconut oil, olive oil, and animal fats.

Cooking Times for Paleo Foods
Here’s a quick guide to cooking times for common paleo ingredients:
Meats (on low heat):
- Chicken breasts: 6-8 hours
- Beef roast: 8-10 hours
- Pork shoulder: 8-10 hours
Vegetables (on high heat):
- Root vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes): 4-5 hours
- Leafy greens (kale, spinach): Add in the last 30 minutes
- Squash and zucchini: 2-3 hours

Recipes from Our Kitchen
Try these delicious paleo slow cooker recipes from our blog:
- Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
- Slow Cooker Pot Roast
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga
- Slow Cooker Carnitas
- Slow Cooker Lamb Rogan Josh
- Slow Cooker Adobo Pulled Pork
- Chicken Bone Broth
Don’t forget to join our free 7 day paleo crockpot challenge to get started on your slow cooking journey today!

Paleo Slow Cooking Tips
- Brown meats before adding them to the slow cooker for enhanced flavor.
- Add hardy vegetables at the beginning and delicate ones towards the end.
- Use arrowroot powder to thicken sauces instead of flour or cornstarch.
- Don’t lift the lid too often – it releases heat and extends cooking time.
- For best results, fill your slow cooker 1/2 to 3/4 full.
Conclusion
Paleo slow cooker recipes offer a perfect blend of convenience, nutrition, and delicious flavors. By mastering the art of stone age slow cooking, you’ll be able to enjoy wholesome, ancestral meals with minimal effort. Remember to experiment with different ingredients and cooking times to find your perfect paleo slow cooker recipes.
References:
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2020). Slow Cookers and Food Safety. [Link]
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