Slow cookers are a game-changer in the kitchen, especially for those following a vegan lifestyle. They allow you to create hearty, flavorful meals with minimal effort, making them perfect for busy weekdays or cozy weekend dinners.
Whether you’re craving rich stews, savory chilis, or comforting casseroles, these 21 vegan slow cooker recipes will inspire you to experiment with plant-based ingredients while enjoying the ease of set-it-and-forget-it cooking.
From protein-packed lentil curries to creamy coconut soups and vibrant vegetable ragouts, this collection covers a wide variety of delicious dishes. Plus, slow cooking helps enhance flavors and tenderize ingredients, bringing out the best in every recipe.
Ready to dive into some wholesome, nourishing, and absolutely scrumptious vegan slow cooker meals? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegan slow cooker recipes combine convenience and nutrition in one pot. You don’t need to be a kitchen pro to whip them up, and they’re perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
Each dish is crafted to maximize flavor and texture, using wholesome plant-based ingredients that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you energized.
Slow cooking allows spices and vegetables to meld beautifully, resulting in mouthwatering meals that taste like they’ve been simmering for hours. Plus, these recipes are versatile, budget-friendly, and ideal for anyone looking to eat more plants without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Chickpeas – canned or dried (soaked overnight)
- Lentils – red, green, or brown
- Black beans – rinsed and drained
- Quinoa or brown rice
- Sweet potatoes – diced
- Carrots – chopped
- Onions – diced
- Garlic cloves – minced
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Vegetable broth or water
- Coconut milk – full fat for creaminess
- Spinach or kale – fresh or frozen
- Bell peppers – chopped
- Mushrooms – sliced
- Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil
- Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for brightness
- Maple syrup or agave nectar (optional)
- Olive oil or avocado oil
Equipment
- Slow cooker (4-6 quart size recommended)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Colander for rinsing beans and vegetables
- Can opener
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Rinse and drain your beans or lentils if using canned. Chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Layer the slow cooker: Start by adding the diced onions, garlic, and harder vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. Add beans or lentils next, followed by canned tomatoes and vegetable broth.
- Add spices: Sprinkle your chili powder, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper evenly over the ingredients. Stir gently to combine flavors.
- Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The long cooking time allows flavors to deepen and ingredients to soften beautifully.
- Finish with greens and creaminess: About 15-20 minutes before serving, stir in spinach or kale and coconut milk. Adjust seasoning with lemon juice or vinegar for a fresh kick.
- Serve warm: Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy your wholesome, flavorful vegan slow cooker meal!
Tips & Variations
“Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite vegetables and legumes. Slow cookers are forgiving, so feel free to swap ingredients based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.”
- For added protein: Include tofu cubes or tempeh in the last hour of cooking to keep their texture intact.
- Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Make it creamy: Stir in mashed avocado or a dollop of vegan yogurt just before serving.
- Slow cooker liners: Use these for easy cleanup, especially when cooking thick stews or chilis.
- Batch cooking: These recipes freeze well. Prepare double portions and save leftovers for quick lunches.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
Fat | 8 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Vitamin A | 150% DV |
Vitamin C | 80% DV |
Iron | 25% DV |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan slow cooker meals pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to suit your mood. Serve a hearty lentil stew over steamed brown rice or quinoa for a filling dinner.
For a lighter meal, enjoy a spicy black bean chili with a side of crunchy tortilla chips and fresh guacamole.
Try complementing coconut curry dishes with warm naan or crusty bread for dipping. For a fresh touch, add a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
If you love meal variety, check out our Breakfast Wellington Recipe for a perfect vegan breakfast option or explore more plant-based ideas like the Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes.
21 Vegan Slow Cooker Recipes
Slow Cooker Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry
A creamy, spicy curry packed with lentils, sweet potatoes, and coconut milk. This dish is rich in protein and fiber, perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried red lentils
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients except coconut milk and cilantro to the slow cooker.
- Stir well to combine and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Stir in coconut milk 15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
Slow Cooker Vegan Chili
A robust chili loaded with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and smoky spices. Perfect for chilly evenings or game day.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn kernels, drained
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and stir well.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Adjust seasoning and serve with tortilla chips or over baked potatoes.
Slow Cooker Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
A creamy, comforting stroganoff with tender mushrooms and a rich coconut cream sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut cream
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Place mushrooms, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours until mushrooms are tender.
- Stir in coconut cream, soy sauce, mustard, and paprika.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes on low.
- Season to taste and garnish with parsley. Serve over pasta or rice.
Slow Cooker Vegan Minestrone Soup
A hearty vegetable soup with beans, pasta, and lots of fresh veggies, perfect for any season.
Ingredients:
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients except pasta and basil into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Add pasta 30 minutes before serving.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh basil, and serve.
Slow Cooker Vegan Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers stuffed with quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix quinoa, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, salsa, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the mixture.
- Place stuffed peppers upright in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours until peppers are tender.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Conclusion
These 21 vegan slow cooker recipes offer a fantastic way to enjoy delicious, wholesome meals with minimum effort. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply want to incorporate more plant-based dishes into your routine, these recipes provide a diverse range of flavors and textures to keep your meals exciting and satisfying.
Slow cookers not only save time but also deepen the flavors of your ingredients, making each dish rich and comforting. By experimenting with these recipes, you’ll discover how simple and enjoyable vegan cooking can be.
For more inspiration, check out our Blackberry Juicing Recipes or our hearty Bread And Gravy Recipe for cozy days at home. Happy slow cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: 21 Vegan Slow Cooker Recipes
Description: A collection of flavorful and easy-to-make vegan meals perfect for slow cooking. Each recipe is designed to maximize taste with minimal effort.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT6H
Total Time: PT6H20M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried black beans
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups chopped kale
Instructions
- Rinse and soak dried black beans overnight.
- Add beans, carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, and tomatoes to slow cooker.
- Pour in vegetable broth and stir in spices and salt.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Stir in chopped kale 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with rice or bread.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 2 g | Carbs: 55 g
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