Hey y’all! Looking for a cozy, tasty meal that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili is bursting with earthy lentils, tender veggies, and bold spices, making it perfect for everything from meatless Mondays to casual game-day gatherings. Hearty, wholesome, and ultra-flavorful—this chili will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili
- It’s packed with plant-based protein to keep you full and satisfied.
- Super easy to prep—just toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away.
- Rich in bold, comforting flavors ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Gluten-free and dairy-free, perfect for nearly any diet.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
How to Make Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Dice the onion, bell pepper, carrots, and celery. Rinse and drain the lentils and beans. Mince the garlic.
Step 2: Combine in Slow Cooker
Add lentils, onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrots, celery, crushed tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, green chilies, vegetable broth, olive oil, and all the spices to your slow cooker.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Lentils should be tender and the chili thickened.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust salt or spices if needed. Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings!
Notes for the Best Vegetarian Lentil Chili
- If you prefer a thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- For an extra boost of flavor, sauté onion, garlic, and spices in olive oil before adding to the slow cooker. Learn more here.
- Use green or brown lentils for the best texture—they hold up better than red lentils when slow-cooked.
Variations of Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili
- Smoky Chipotle Chili: Mix in 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Sweet Potato Lentil Chili: Add 1 large sweet potato, diced, at the start for extra creaminess.
- Hearty Mushroom Chili: Stir in 1 cup chopped mushrooms for an umami boost and meaty texture.
Required Equipment for Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon for stirring
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
Let chili cool completely, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and keep for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Top with avocado slices, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, or dairy-free sour cream.
- Serve alongside classic cornbread or a crusty baguette.
- Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese (or vegan cheese) for extra richness.
Pro Tips for Amazing Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili
- Always rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any debris and ensure the best texture.
- Season generously—lentils soak up flavor, so don’t be shy with spices (find more on lentil nutrition here).
- Finish with lime juice just before serving—this brightens up the flavors and balances the richness.
FAQs: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili
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Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
For this recipe, stick to dried lentils. Canned lentils can become mushy over long cooking times in the slow cooker. -
Can I make this chili spicy?
Absolutely! Add a diced jalapeño or increase the chili powder for more heat. -
Is this chili suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just cool completely, portion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
Total time: About 7.5-8.25 hours
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup frozen corn
Instructions
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1Add lentils, chopped onion, garlic, carrot, red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn to the slow cooker.
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2Pour in the vegetable broth. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
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3Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
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4Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If desired, use a spoon to mash some of the lentils for a thicker chili.
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5Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as avocado, chopped cilantro, or shredded cheese.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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