BuzzFeed Vegan Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals

Discovering flavorful, easy, and wholesome vegan meals has never been simpler thanks to Buzzfeed’s collection of vegan slow cooker recipes. Whether you’re a busy professional, a beginner cook, or simply someone who loves the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it meals, these recipes are designed to bring nourishing plant-based dishes effortlessly to your table.

Slow cookers are perfect for melding rich flavors while keeping your kitchen cool, and Buzzfeed’s vegan recipes offer a variety of options from hearty stews to vibrant curries. Get ready to enjoy meals packed with vegetables, legumes, and spices that will satisfy your cravings without compromising on nutrition or taste.

In this post, we’ll dive into some favorite Buzzfeed vegan slow cooker recipes that are not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. You’ll find tips on ingredients, equipment, and variations to customize these dishes to your liking.

Plus, you’ll get ideas on serving and nutrition so you can make the most out of your plant-based slow cooker experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buzzfeed vegan slow cooker recipes combine ease, nutrition, and flavor in one convenient package. Using a slow cooker means you can prepare your ingredients in the morning, set the timer, and come home to a ready-made, aromatic meal that tastes like it was simmered for hours.

These recipes often feature whole foods like beans, lentils, fresh vegetables, and spices that create complex layers of flavor without the need for animal products or processed ingredients. They are ideal for meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just enjoying a comforting dinner after a busy day.

Plus, the slow cooker helps retain nutrients and enhances texture, making these vegan dishes hearty, satisfying, and perfect for all seasons.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black beans (soaked overnight or quick soaked)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (for serving)

Equipment

• Slow cooker (Crockpot) – at least 4-quart capacity recommended
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Colander (for rinsing beans and vegetables)
• Large bowl (if soaking beans overnight)

Instructions

1. Prepare the beans: If using dried beans, rinse them well and soak overnight in cold water. For a quicker option, bring beans to a boil for 2 minutes then let them soak for 1 hour before draining.
2. Chop the vegetables: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the bell pepper, carrots, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
3. Sauté aromatics (optional but recommended): In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step deepens flavor but you can skip it if short on time.
4. Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Add soaked and drained beans, sautéed onion and garlic, bell pepper, carrots, zucchini, diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until beans are tender and vegetables are cooked through.
6. Check seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed before serving.
7. Serve: Spoon the stew over cooked quinoa or rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra protein boost, add a cup of cooked lentils or cubed tofu in the last hour of cooking.”

You can switch up the beans to kidney beans, chickpeas, or navy beans to keep things interesting. Consider adding leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last 15 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.

For more spice, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a creamier dish, stir in a splash of coconut milk just before serving.

Feel free to double the recipe and freeze leftovers in portions for quick meals on busy days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This hearty vegan slow cooker stew pairs beautifully with fluffy quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

Try topping the dish with sliced avocado or a dollop of vegan sour cream to add richness. Warm crusty bread or garlic naan bread also make excellent companions, perfect for dipping into the savory sauce.

Explore complementary flavors by serving with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables or a zesty slaw for added crunch and freshness.

More Buzzfeed Vegan Slow Cooker Recipes to Try

• Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food – A cozy mix of root vegetables, beans, and savory spices slow-cooked to perfection.
• Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes – A unique take on mushrooms in a slow cooker, offering umami-rich, meaty textures.
• Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe – Bright and creamy pasta perfect for a quick vegan dinner, not slow cooker but a lovely vegan dish worth checking out.
• Cajun Ranch Wing Sauce Recipe – Spice up your vegan wings or tofu with this flavorful sauce, great for slow cooker prep too.

Conclusion

Buzzfeed vegan slow cooker recipes offer a perfect blend of convenience, nutrition, and taste that fits beautifully into any lifestyle. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or an experienced plant-based foodie, these recipes make it easy to enjoy hearty, wholesome meals with minimal effort.

Slow cooking allows flavors to deepen and ingredients to meld, creating satisfying dishes that warm both body and soul. By incorporating seasonal vegetables, legumes, and fresh herbs, you can customize these meals to suit your preferences while nourishing your health.

Give these recipes a try and discover how enjoyable and simple vegan cooking can be. For more inspiration, don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes like Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula or hearty options such as the Harvest Hash Recipe.

Happy slow cooking!

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