There’s something absolutely magical about coming home to the comforting aroma of a delicious meal simmering away in your slow cooker. When you want wholesome, plant-based food with minimal fuss, vegan slow cooker recipes inspired by the BBC’s simple, hearty style can truly transform your weeknight dinners.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, these slow cooker recipes will help you create nourishing meals that require just a bit of prep and then cook themselves while you get on with your day.
In this post, you’ll discover a collection of BBC-inspired vegan slow cooker recipes that are sure to suit every taste. From fragrant curries and robust stews to satisfying chilis and even sweet treats, each dish is designed to be simple, nutritious, and full of flavor.
Ready to make dinner easy, healthy, and delicious? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Convenience: Simply toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Perfect for busy families and meal preppers.
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vegetables, legumes, and spices, these recipes deliver a boost of fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein.
- Budget-Friendly: Vegan slow cooker meals often use affordable pantry staples like beans, lentils, and seasonal produce.
- Incredible Flavors: Slow cooking allows spices and aromatics to meld beautifully, resulting in deep, rich flavors that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Versatility: Many recipes can be doubled or adapted to what you have on hand, so you can reduce waste and get creative.
Ingredients
BBC-Inspired Vegan Slow Cooker Chickpea & Vegetable Stew
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Canned chickpeas (drained & rinsed) | 2 x 400g cans |
Carrots (peeled & diced) | 2 medium |
Celery stalks (chopped) | 2 |
Red bell pepper (chopped) | 1 |
Potatoes (cubed) | 2 medium |
Onion (chopped) | 1 large |
Garlic cloves (minced) | 3 |
Chopped tomatoes (canned) | 1 x 400g can |
Vegetable stock | 750ml |
Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
Smoked paprika | 1 tsp |
Ground coriander | 1/2 tsp |
Bay leaf | 1 |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) | Handful |
Equipment
- Slow cooker (at least 3.5L capacity)
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Can opener
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle (for serving)
- Bowls (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare your vegetables. Dice the carrots, celery, red bell pepper, potatoes, and onion. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Add all ingredients to your slow cooker. Start with the chopped vegetables, then add the chickpeas, canned tomatoes, vegetable stock, bay leaf, cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients, making sure everything is evenly coated with seasoning and submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Check occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid, adding a splash more stock if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove the bay leaf and taste the stew, adding more salt and pepper if required.
- Serve hot. Ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread or a scoop of rice.
Tips & Variations
- Swap chickpeas for cannellini beans or lentils for a different texture.
- Add a handful of spinach or kale in the last 20 minutes of cooking for extra greens.
- For a spicy kick, stir in chili flakes or a diced fresh chili with the vegetables.
- Thicken the stew by mashing some of the potatoes against the side of the slow cooker before serving.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a subtle sweetness.
- This base recipe is a fantastic canvas for your favorite vegetables—zucchini, mushrooms, or green beans all work well.
“For extra depth of flavor, sauté the onions, garlic, and spices in a pan before transferring them to your slow cooker. This isn’t essential, but it does add a lovely richness!”
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (1/6th recipe) | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 210 |
Protein | 8g |
Carbohydrates | 37g |
Fat | 2g |
Fiber | 9g |
Sodium | 540mg |
Nutrition values are approximate and will vary depending on brands and precise quantities.
Serving Suggestions
- With crusty bread: Serve your stew with a slice of Green Chile Cheese Bread for a comforting, filling meal.
- Over rice or quinoa: Spoon the stew over fluffy rice or nutty quinoa for extra heartiness.
- With a fresh salad: Pair it with a crisp green salad or a tangy slaw for texture and contrast.
- As a lunchbox option: This stew keeps well and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for lunch meal prep.
- Top with vegan yogurt or a squeeze of lemon: For a creamy, tangy finish.
Conclusion
BBC vegan slow cooker recipes are proof that plant-based cooking can be both effortless and deeply satisfying. These dishes celebrate the best of slow cooking, letting you enjoy hearty, nutritious meals without hours spent in the kitchen.
Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking to eat more plants, these recipes are sure to inspire and delight.
Don’t forget to explore more comforting vegan creations like our Half Runner Beans Recipe, treat yourself to a sweet finish with this Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce, or try a new twist for breakfast with Kodiak Banana Muffins.
Happy slow cooking!
More BBC Vegan Slow Cooker Recipes to Try
Looking for more variety? Here are several BBC-inspired vegan slow cooker recipes you can add to your repertoire.
Each is simple, family-friendly, and brimming with flavor.
Slow Cooker Vegan Lentil & Sweet Potato Curry
- Red lentils – 200g
- Sweet potatoes (peeled & cubed) – 2 medium
- Chopped tomatoes – 1 x 400g can
- Coconut milk – 1 x 400ml can
- Onion (chopped) – 1 large
- Garlic cloves (minced) – 2
- Curry powder – 1.5 tbsp
- Garam masala – 1 tsp
- Fresh ginger (grated) – 2 tsp
- Spinach – 100g (add at end)
- Vegetable stock – 500ml
- Salt & pepper – to taste
- Add all ingredients except spinach to the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Stir in spinach and cook for another 10-15 minutes.
- Season to taste and serve with rice or naan.
“Adding coconut milk gives this curry a luscious, creamy texture without dairy.”
Slow Cooker Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
- Chestnut or cremini mushrooms (sliced) – 400g
- Onion (chopped) – 1 large
- Garlic cloves (minced) – 2
- Vegan sour cream – 120ml (add at end)
- Vegetable stock – 400ml
- Paprika – 1 tsp
- Dijon mustard – 1 tbsp
- Thyme leaves – 1 tsp
- Salt & pepper – to taste
- Pasta (cooked, to serve)
- Add mushrooms, onion, garlic, stock, paprika, mustard, and thyme to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Stir in vegan sour cream, adjust seasoning, and serve over your favorite pasta.
Slow Cooker Vegan Chili
- Mixed beans (drained & rinsed) – 2 x 400g cans
- Chopped tomatoes – 1 x 400g can
- Red bell pepper (diced) – 1
- Carrots (diced) – 2
- Onion (chopped) – 1
- Garlic cloves (minced) – 2
- Chili powder – 1 tbsp
- Cumin – 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika – 1 tsp
- Vegetable stock – 300ml
- Salt & pepper – to taste
- Fresh coriander (to serve)
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir well.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve with rice, tortilla chips, or baked potatoes, garnished with fresh coriander.
“For a smoky flavor, add a chopped chipotle pepper or an extra dash of smoked paprika.”
Slow Cooker Vegan Moroccan Tagine
- Butternut squash (peeled & cubed) – 1 small
- Carrots (sliced) – 2
- Chickpeas (drained & rinsed) – 1 x 400g can
- Raisins – 2 tbsp
- Chopped tomatoes – 1 x 400g can
- Vegetable stock – 400ml
- Ground cumin – 1 tsp
- Ground cinnamon – 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika – 1/2 tsp
- Ground coriander – 1/2 tsp
- Salt & pepper – to taste
- Fresh coriander (to serve)
- Combine all ingredients except fresh coriander in the slow cooker and stir.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve with couscous or flatbread, topped with fresh coriander.
Slow Cooker Vegan Rice Pudding
- Short grain rice – 150g
- Oat milk or plant milk – 1L
- Maple syrup – 3 tbsp
- Vanilla extract – 2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon – 1/2 tsp
- Pinch salt
- Raisins – 2 tbsp (optional)
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring once or twice if possible.
- Serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh berries.
Final Thoughts
“Adding coconut milk gives this curry a luscious, creamy texture without dairy.”
- Chestnut or cremini mushrooms (sliced) – 400g
- Onion (chopped) – 1 large
- Garlic cloves (minced) – 2
- Vegan sour cream – 120ml (add at end)
- Vegetable stock – 400ml
- Paprika – 1 tsp
- Dijon mustard – 1 tbsp
- Thyme leaves – 1 tsp
- Salt & pepper – to taste
- Pasta (cooked, to serve)
- Add mushrooms, onion, garlic, stock, paprika, mustard, and thyme to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Stir in vegan sour cream, adjust seasoning, and serve over your favorite pasta.
Slow Cooker Vegan Chili
- Mixed beans (drained & rinsed) – 2 x 400g cans
- Chopped tomatoes – 1 x 400g can
- Red bell pepper (diced) – 1
- Carrots (diced) – 2
- Onion (chopped) – 1
- Garlic cloves (minced) – 2
- Chili powder – 1 tbsp
- Cumin – 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika – 1 tsp
- Vegetable stock – 300ml
- Salt & pepper – to taste
- Fresh coriander (to serve)
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir well.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve with rice, tortilla chips, or baked potatoes, garnished with fresh coriander.
“For a smoky flavor, add a chopped chipotle pepper or an extra dash of smoked paprika.”
Slow Cooker Vegan Moroccan Tagine
- Butternut squash (peeled & cubed) – 1 small
- Carrots (sliced) – 2
- Chickpeas (drained & rinsed) – 1 x 400g can
- Raisins – 2 tbsp
- Chopped tomatoes – 1 x 400g can
- Vegetable stock – 400ml
- Ground cumin – 1 tsp
- Ground cinnamon – 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika – 1/2 tsp
- Ground coriander – 1/2 tsp
- Salt & pepper – to taste
- Fresh coriander (to serve)
- Combine all ingredients except fresh coriander in the slow cooker and stir.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve with couscous or flatbread, topped with fresh coriander.
Slow Cooker Vegan Rice Pudding
- Short grain rice – 150g
- Oat milk or plant milk – 1L
- Maple syrup – 3 tbsp
- Vanilla extract – 2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon – 1/2 tsp
- Pinch salt
- Raisins – 2 tbsp (optional)
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring once or twice if possible.
- Serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh berries.
Final Thoughts
“For a smoky flavor, add a chopped chipotle pepper or an extra dash of smoked paprika.”
- Butternut squash (peeled & cubed) – 1 small
- Carrots (sliced) – 2
- Chickpeas (drained & rinsed) – 1 x 400g can
- Raisins – 2 tbsp
- Chopped tomatoes – 1 x 400g can
- Vegetable stock – 400ml
- Ground cumin – 1 tsp
- Ground cinnamon – 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika – 1/2 tsp
- Ground coriander – 1/2 tsp
- Salt & pepper – to taste
- Fresh coriander (to serve)
- Combine all ingredients except fresh coriander in the slow cooker and stir.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve with couscous or flatbread, topped with fresh coriander.
Slow Cooker Vegan Rice Pudding
- Short grain rice – 150g
- Oat milk or plant milk – 1L
- Maple syrup – 3 tbsp
- Vanilla extract – 2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon – 1/2 tsp
- Pinch salt
- Raisins – 2 tbsp (optional)
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring once or twice if possible.
- Serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh berries.
Final Thoughts
With these BBC vegan slow cooker recipes, plant-based eating has never been easier or more flavorful. The slow cooker takes the hard work out of dinner, allowing you more time to spend with family, on hobbies, or simply relaxing.
Each recipe is designed to be straightforward, nourishing, and adaptable to your tastes.
For even more inspiration, don’t forget to browse our archive for creative vegan bakes like this Lazy Cookie Cake Recipe or brighten your mornings with a wholesome Green Goodness Juice. Happy cooking, and enjoy every plant-powered bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Slow Cooker Chickpea Curry
Description: A hearty, flavourful chickpea curry made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Perfect for a comforting vegan dinner with minimal prep.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT6H
Total Time: PT6H15M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 x 400g cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece ginger, grated
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 200ml coconut milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except coconut milk to the slow cooker.
- Stir well to combine everything.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Stir in coconut milk 30 minutes before serving.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with rice or naan.
Nutrition: Calories: 340 kcal | Protein: 12g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 48g
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