12 Hour Vegetarian Crockpot Recipes for Easy Meal Prep

There’s something truly magical about waking up or coming home to a house filled with the aroma of a perfectly cooked meal. For busy families, students, or anyone with a packed schedule, crockpot recipes are the ultimate kitchen hack.

But what if you want something hearty, healthy, and vegetarian that can simmer away for a full 12 hours? Enter the world of “12 hour vegetarian crockpot recipes”—a collection of plant-based meals designed to cook low and slow, developing deep flavors and nourishing textures while you go about your day or catch up on sleep.

In this post, you’ll discover a handful of our favorite, foolproof vegetarian slow cooker dishes—each crafted to withstand a full-day cook, and each brimming with comfort, nutrition, and ease. Let’s dive in to these set-it-and-forget-it wonders!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These 12 hour vegetarian crockpot recipes aren’t just about convenience—they’re about maximizing flavor and nutrition with minimal effort. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or simply craving a warm, comforting dinner, these recipes have you covered.

The long, gentle cook allows vegetables and legumes to become meltingly tender and lets spices infuse every bite.

• Hands-Off Cooking: Set it in the morning (or before bed!), and dinner is done when you’re ready.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and seasonal produce.
• Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies, beans, or grains.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week.

Ready to discover your new favorite crockpot recipes? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Below you’ll find the ingredients for three stellar 12 hour vegetarian crockpot recipes: Hearty Vegetable and Lentil Stew, Slow Cooker Chickpea Curry, and Overnight Oats with Fruit & Nuts. Each recipe is crafted for a 6-quart crockpot and yields at least 6 servings.

Hearty Vegetable and Lentil Stew

• 2 cups dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 5 cups vegetable broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups fresh spinach (add at end)

Slow Cooker Chickpea Curry

• 2 cups dry chickpeas (soaked overnight, then drained)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (add at end)
• Juice of 1 lemon

Overnight Oats with Fruit & Nuts

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 6 cups unsweetened plant milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 1 cup chopped mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen berries (add at end)

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker (crockpot)
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander (for rinsing beans and veggies)
• Bowl (for soaking chickpeas, if needed)

Instructions

Hearty Vegetable and Lentil Stew

1. Prepare the vegetables. Dice the carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, zucchini, and mince the garlic.
2. Combine in crockpot. Add lentils, all chopped vegetables, canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, olive oil, and all spices (except spinach).
3. Stir well. Mix everything so the seasonings are evenly distributed.
4. Set to low for 12 hours. Cover and let cook. No stirring needed during cooking.
5. Add greens before serving. About 10 minutes before serving, stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
6. Taste and season. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve warm. Ladle into bowls and enjoy!

Slow Cooker Chickpea Curry

1. Soak chickpeas. Place dry chickpeas in a large bowl with water overnight. Drain before using.
2. Chop vegetables. Dice onion, bell peppers, mince garlic, and grate ginger.
3. Layer ingredients. Add soaked chickpeas, vegetables, coconut milk, tomatoes, broth, and all spices to the crockpot.
4. Stir and cover. Give a quick mix and set the lid.
5. Cook on low for 12 hours.
6. Add greens and lemon juice. Stir in spinach or kale and lemon juice about 10 minutes before serving.
7. Taste and serve. Check for seasoning and adjust salt if necessary. Serve hot over rice or with naan.

Overnight Oats with Fruit & Nuts

1. Combine base ingredients. In the crockpot, mix oats, plant milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add dried fruit and nuts. Stir in raisins or cranberries and half of the chopped nuts.
3. Set to low for 8-10 hours (or up to 12 for creamier oats). Cover and cook overnight.
4. Add fresh berries. Stir in fresh or frozen berries and remaining nuts just before serving.
5. Serve warm. Spoon into bowls and drizzle with extra maple syrup if desired.

For best results, always check your slow cooker’s minimum fill line. Some models require at least half full to avoid burning.

Tips & Variations

• Make it gluten-free: All recipes are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your broth and other packaged ingredients.
• Switch up the veggies: Try sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
• Add whole grains: Stir in a cup of barley, farro, or brown rice to the stew or curry for extra heartiness (add more broth as needed).
• Make it spicy: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the curry or stew for more heat.
• Batch cooking: These recipes freeze well for up to 3 months. Cool thoroughly before storing in airtight containers.
• Meal prep bonus: These slow cooker meals pair perfectly with recipes from our Vegan Casserole Recipes collection or for a smoky twist, try a side from our Smoked Vegetarian Recipes.

“The secret to extra flavor? Sauté your onions, garlic, and spices in a skillet before adding to the crockpot. It’s an optional step, but worth it!”

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition will vary by recipe, but here’s an approximate breakdown per serving for each:

All recipes are high in fiber, low in saturated fat, and provide a generous dose of vitamins and minerals from vegetables and legumes.

For more high-protein plant-based ideas, explore our Vegan Recipes for Athletes collection.

Serving Suggestions

• Vegetable & Lentil Stew: Serve with crusty whole grain bread or over steamed brown rice. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness.
• Chickpea Curry: Pair with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan, or even scooped over a baked potato. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of plant-based yogurt.
• Overnight Oats: Enjoy warm for breakfast, topped with extra berries, a swirl of nut butter, or a sprinkle of chia seeds.
• Dinner party tip: Round out your meal with a vibrant salad or a veggie-forward appetizer. For inspiration, try something from our Dehydrated Vegetable Recipes or explore seasonal Turkish flavors with Turkish Veg Recipes.

Conclusion

There’s a certain joy in knowing a wholesome, plant-based meal can be ready with virtually no effort after a long day. These 12 hour vegetarian crockpot recipes are designed for maximum flavor, nutrition, and simplicity—making them perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even impressing guests with minimal fuss.

Whether you’re craving the comfort of a hearty stew, the exotic spices of a chickpea curry, or a nourishing start to your morning with overnight oats, these slow cooker recipes will quickly become staples in your kitchen.

Don’t hesitate to get creative—swap in your favorite vegetables, try different legumes, and play with spices to suit your tastes. With these recipes as your foundation, a world of easy, satisfying vegetarian meals awaits.

Happy slow cooking!

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