Award Winning Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meals

Slow cooker meals have revolutionized the way we approach weeknight dinners — especially for vegetarians looking for simple, hearty, and flavorful dishes. There’s something magical about tossing your fresh, wholesome ingredients into a slow cooker and coming back hours later to a perfectly cooked, aromatic meal that feels like it’s been simmering with love all day.

Today, I’m excited to share some award-winning vegetarian slow cooker recipes that not only boast incredible taste but are also easy to prepare and packed with nutrition. Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker fan or just getting started, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.

Plus, they make meal prepping a breeze and are perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

From rich, creamy stews to vibrant, spiced curries and wholesome bean chilis, these dishes highlight the best of plant-based cooking — slow-cooked to perfection. Ready to discover your next favorite vegetarian slow cooker recipe?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

These vegetarian slow cooker recipes combine the convenience of slow cooking with the vibrant flavors and textures of plant-based ingredients. They’re designed to save you time without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Hands-off cooking: Simply prep, set, and forget. Perfect for busy days.

Rich flavors: Slow cooking allows spices and herbs to deeply infuse every bite.

Healthy and hearty: Loaded with vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, these recipes are both satisfying and nourishing.

Plus, they’re all award-winning recipes that have been praised for their taste and creativity!

Ingredients

Vegetarian Slow Cooker Three-Bean Chili

• 1 cup dried kidney beans, soaked overnight
• 1 cup dried black beans, soaked overnight
• 1 cup dried pinto beans, soaked overnight
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers, diced (red and green)
• 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Slow Cooker Creamy Lentil and Vegetable Stew

• 1 1/2 cups green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups diced butternut squash
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Thai Peanut Curry

• 2 cups cubed sweet potatoes
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
• 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 3 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• Juice of 1 lime
• Chopped peanuts and fresh basil for garnish

Equipment

• Slow cooker (4-6 quart capacity recommended)
• Cutting board and sharp knife for chopping vegetables
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls for prepping ingredients
• Colander for rinsing beans and lentils
• Can opener (for canned tomatoes and coconut milk)
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Instructions

Vegetarian Slow Cooker Three-Bean Chili

1. Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Place them in the slow cooker.
2. Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Stir to combine.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until beans are tender.
6. Fifteen minutes before serving, stir in the corn kernels. Let cook until heated through.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy with your favorite toppings.

Slow Cooker Creamy Lentil and Vegetable Stew

1. Combine lentils, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and butternut squash in the slow cooker.
2. Add the turmeric, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk.
3. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until lentils and vegetables are tender.
4. About 10 minutes before serving, squeeze in the lemon juice and stir well.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Thai Peanut Curry

1. Place sweet potatoes, bell pepper, and green beans into the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together coconut milk, peanut butter, red curry paste, soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, and ginger.
3. Pour the sauce over the vegetables in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, add the cubed tofu to heat through without breaking.
6. Stir in lime juice just before serving.
7. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh basil leaves.

Tips & Variations

“Soaking dried beans overnight helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility.”

• Beans & Lentils: If short on time, canned beans and lentils can be used instead of dried. Reduce the cooking time by half and add them later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
• Spices: Adjust the spices according to your taste preference. Add more chili powder or cayenne for extra heat, or include smoked chipotle for a smoky twist.
• Vegetables: Feel free to swap vegetables based on seasonality or what you have on hand — zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant work well.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked quinoa or brown rice to the chili or stew for extra protein and texture.
• Slow Cooker Liner: Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup, especially with the creamy lentil stew.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the Three-Bean Chili with warm cornbread or over sourdough buns for a filling meal.
• The Creamy Lentil Stew pairs beautifully with steamed brown rice or crusty bread like the Green Chile Cheese Bread.
• Enjoy the Thai Peanut Curry over jasmine rice or with a side of sautéed greens. For a refreshing finish, pair with a light drink such as the Green Goodness Juice.
• Add a dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of shredded cheese if you’re not vegan.
• Top with fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or parsley to brighten flavors.

Conclusion

These award-winning vegetarian slow cooker recipes are perfect examples of how delicious, nutritious, and convenient plant-based cooking can be. Each recipe brings unique flavors and textures to your table, proving that slow cooker meals don’t have to be boring or bland.

Whether you’re craving a spicy chili, creamy stew, or a comforting curry, these dishes are sure to impress your family and friends while fitting effortlessly into your busy schedule.

By embracing the slow cooker, you unlock the ability to create wholesome, hearty meals that develop rich, deep flavors with minimal effort. Plus, these recipes are flexible, allowing you to customize ingredients based on your pantry and preferences.

Don’t forget to explore other easy-to-make recipes like Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce for dessert or the Glazed Twist Donut for a sweet treat after your savory meal. Happy slow cooking!

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