If you’re looking for the best, ridiculously easy, healthy vegetarian slow cooker recipes, you’re in the right place! From baked beans to creamy chowders, the crockpot recipes in this collection are all simple to prepare and perfect low-effort weeknight wins!
If you’re new to slow cooking, this curated list of easy recipes is the perfect place to start.
Cook your way through this list and you’ll be a crockpot pro in no time.
The dishes that work best for this type of cooking method are soups & stews, curries, chilis, beans, and even some dips – so you’ll see plenty of those recipes here for you to choose from.
Note: Some of the recipes may say “instant pot” in the title, but the recipe cards contain slow cooker instructions too!
Simplify Healthy Meal Prep with Plant-Based Crockpot Cooking
If you’ve read my book, then you know I’m all about simplifying things.
Less decisions = less stress!
So for at least one dinner a week, I make an easy vegetarian slow cooker recipe and these are some of my family’s all-time favorites.
The beauty of these plant-based meals is that each recipe only needs a few hands-on minutes of prep time and some of them contain as few as 5 ingredients.
Many of them are also designed as dump and go crockpot recipes – so all you need to do is add your real food ingredients to the crockpot, set the timer to cook, and let it do the rest of the work for you!
PS – These recipes make a lot of leftovers, making them great for weekly meal prep or whenever you need to feed a crowd simply & easily. Perfect for low-effort weeknight wins.
Table of Contents
These vegetarian slow cooker recipes are all super simple, gluten-free, dairy-free, and totally delicious – so everyone can enjoy them.
And, to make things even simpler for you, I’ve organized these plant-based one-pot wonders into five recipe categories – click on each category below to go straight to that section:
However, I did write the book on what it really means to be healthy, and when it comes to recipes I take a whole, real foods, research-based approach.
With that in mind, all of these recipes are made with whole food ingredients, without any added refined sugar, and do not include processed ingredients or oils.
They are also plant-forward, include whole grains, as well as plenty of colorful, health-filled veggies.
Finally, as a healthy habits expert, I know that a big part of eating healthy is making the process easy.
That’s why all these recipes are not only filled with good-for-you ingredients, but also incredibly simple to prepare.
As always, if you’re following a specific diet for health reasons, consult with your doctor or registered dietitian for specific health advice and check out our nutrition disclaimer for more information.
How to Freeze and Store Leftovers
All of these healthy vegetarian crockpot recipes will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, in a sealed container.
Many of these recipes also freeze well, store in a sealed freezer friendly container for up to 2-3 months.
A delicious, nourishing winter season soup that’s beyond easy to make at home, this vegetarian winter minestrone combines a mixture of flavors and textures, resulting in a cozy and hearty dinner soup you'll love!
This easy slow cooker pumpkin soup recipe is so easy to prepare with canned pumpkin! It's a simple dump-and-go slow cooker meal that's perfectly rich, creamy and oh-so cozy.
Ingredients: canned pumpkin puree, vegetable stock, canned tomato sauce, cream or coconut milk, onion, garlic, cinnamon and salt.
This easy slow cooker corn chowder is a breeze to prep, and is a hearty vegetarian and vegan recipe that’s luxuriously creamy without a drop of cream. A surprisingly simple yet delicious dairy free meal to enjoy all year round!
Ingredients: russet potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, broth, coconut milk, onion, garlic, white wine vinegar and other spices
Slow Cooker Vegetable and Quinoa Soup is a hearty, vegetarian meal that's easy to make and completely satisfying. Warm, nourishing, and so simple, you'll want to make this soup for dinner tonight!
Lusciously creamy (with no cream) this simple dump-and-go slow cooker potato leek soup is naturally vegan and packed with veggies for a tasty and sustaining, nourishing meal anytime. Can easily be made nut-free & dairy-free, with or without bacon, or on the stovetop!
This comforting and easy slow cooker split pea soup is super simple to prep in just 5 minutes, and is a wildly easy dump-and-go slow cooker recipe that's bound to become your new go-to recipe!
Ingredients: split peas, vegetable broth, water, onion, celery, carrot, garlic, bay leaves, smoked paprika, red wine vinegar and salt.
Creamy and warming, pumpkin and sweet potato soup is an easy, healthy, vegan soup that can be made with canned pumpkin on the stovetop or in the slow cooker or Instant Pot.
Ingredients: sweet potatoes, pumpkin puree, chipotle peppers, vegetable broth, coconut milk or cream, pumpkin pie spice, olive oil, onion, garlic powder, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup and salt.
Cozy, warming, and wildly simple to prepare, this easy slow cooker butternut squash soup gets tons of flavor from sweet apple and doesn't contain any curry powder! Once you make it, this will become your new favorite butternut squash soup.
Ingredients: Butternut squash, apples, onion, carrot, turmeric, coconut milk, vegetable stock, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon and other spices.
Glow Red Lentil Soup (Instant Pot, Crockpot, Stove Top)
Golden Glow Red Lentil Soup is an easy one-pot meal that’s bursting with nourishment. Simple to make in the Instant Pot, Crockpot, or stovetop, you’re going to love this gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian recipe.
Ingredients: red lentils, coconut milk, tomatoes, onion, lime juice, garlic, ginger, turmeric and other spices
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato, Apple & Turmeric Soup is a simple chop and drop recipe that yields creamy, nourishing results. It’s a hit with the entire family, plus is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, paleo and Whole30 friendly!
Ingredients: sweet potato, apple, potatoes, stock, coconut milk, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, turmeric and other seasonings
Baked beans are a simple side dish everyone loves. These Easy-Prep Slow Cooker Baked Beans are a cinch to make at home, contain no refined sugar, and require minimal prep time. They are perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or make an easy side dish any night of the week.
Did you know you can use your crockpot to cook dried beans too? I'll show you how to do it in this recipe for slow cooker refried bean tacos (another great vegetarian dinner option).
Dairy-Free Salsa Cheese Sauce is an ooey-gooey, totally delicious alternative to traditional cheese sauce. Packed with veggies, and totally dairy-free, you’ve got to try this one to believe it!
Ingredients: Russet potatoes, carrots, chicken or vegetable stock, cashews, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, chunky salsa, and salt.
Yes, you can make perfect baked potatoes in the slow cooker! The easiest hands-off way to feed a crowd, create an effortless baked potato bar, or an easy side dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Elevate everyday carrots with slow cooker carrots, an incredibly easy recipe that’s packed with flavor! Makes an elegantly simple side for every day dinners, brunch, and special holiday spreads.
Ingredients: carrots, butter, lemon zest, maple syrup and salt.
These slow cooker potatoes are the definition of simple and delicious. All you need are a handful of pantry ingredients and a crockpot. Easy prep for weeknight dinners, but this classic, cozy recipe makes a great addition to the holiday table too!
Ingredients: small potatoes, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and salt.
This easy sweet and sour slow cooker red cabbage combines red cabbage, onion and apple for a simple, flavorful vegetable side dish that goes with everything.
Ingredients: red cabbage, onions, apples, water, red wine vinegar, brown or coconut sugar, butter.
Made with pantry staples, Slow Cooker Turmeric Lentil Chili is incredibly simple to prepare and is packed with good-for-you ingredients. A vegetarian crockpot meal perfect for any night of the week!
Ingredients: kidney beans, lentils, stock, onion, tomato paste, coconut milk, cumin, turmeric and other spices
With just 2 ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a batch of homemade refried beans. Fold into a warm tortilla, pile on the toppings, and you’ll have yourself quick and delicious Slow Cooker Refried Bean Tacos for dinner in no time!
Ingredients: dry pinto beans, water, salt and any taco toppings you like.
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Apple Cider Chili is a hearty sweet and savory vegetarian chili, combining a few simple ingredients into a quick, easy, and filling meal.
Ingredients: sweet potato, black beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce, onion, stock, apple cider, chili powder, and other spices
A simple drop, stir, cover, and go recipe; Slow Cooker Enchilada Quinoa (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free) is so easy to prepare, tastes amazing, and packs well for lunch the next day.
Ingredients: quinoa, canned black beans, bell pepper, onion, cumin, garlic powder, mild chili powder, tomato sauce, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, green chilis, lime juice and salt
This easy crockpot vegetarian chili recipe tastes delicious and is easy to make with basic pantry ingredients, three beans, vegetables, and spices. Gluten free and vegan!
Ingredients: black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, bell peppers, onion, fire roasted tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, and other spices
This easy, healthy slow cooker creamy potato soup is a simple dump-and-go recipe, requiring just a short list of simple ingredients and can be topped with just about anything for a warm, nourishing meal any night of the week.
Ingredients: Yukon gold potatoes, onion, vegetable stock, raw cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, and salt.
Make your own pasta sauce at home the easy way with this simple recipe for Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Fire Roasted Marinara. You’ll love the homemade flavor, how easy it is to prepare, and that there’s none of the processed stuff!
This easy, hearty slow cooker vegetable soup is made with a mix of cut veggies that stand up well to a longer cook time, such as carrots, potatoes, and celery (no mush veggies here!) Best of all, you can make it without sautéing the vegetables first, which is a nice time-saver, too!
Ingredients: potatoes, celery, carrot, onion, fire roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, peas, corn, green beans, stock, garlic powder, smoked paprika, bay leaves and salt.
This easy slow cooker lentil soup is made with simple pantry ingredients like green lentils, celery, carrot and spinach making for a hearty vegan and vegetarian meal. Plus instant pot and stovetop directions!
Ingredients: Green (or brown) lentils, stock, onion, celery, carrot, diced tomatoes, garlic, red wine vinegar, spinach, salt and bay leaves.
A simple drop, stir, cover-and-go recipe, this slow cooker Enchilada Quinoa is so easy to prepare, tastes amazing and packs well for lunch the next day. Plus 30+ more easy vegetarian slow cooker recipes that I guarantee you'll love!
Combine the onion, bell pepper, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, beans, tomato sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, water, salt (taste the mixture prior to adding the quinoa, adding salt to taste), and quinoa to a 6-quart slow cooker, stirring to combine. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours, or until the quinoa is cooked through.
Uncover and stir in the green chilies and lime juice. Taste and add additional salt or lime juice if you like.
Serve with any toppings you like such as avocado, chopped green onions, cilantro, grated cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, or sliced limes. If you want crunch, go for crushed corn chips and chopped white onion.
Notes
This recipe serves 6-8Pull aside a portion prior to adding the green chilis if you’re serving someone sensitive to heat.Top with avocado and chopped green onions, or sprinkle with cheese and dollop with sour cream.Since the consistency of this dish is decidedly creamy, feel free to top with crushed corn chips or chopped white onion to add crunch.
I’m an “older” vegetarian from the 90’s. The recipes I could find were through the “Vegetarian Times” cookbook. There were some recipes that were in so many stages of cooking I lost interest. I’ve prepared recipes less tedious but not too many in one cooker.
Your recipes give “options” to try a different or substitute ingredients to your taste. Yours do and I like that.
I’m going to try the Slow Cooker Autumn Minestrone Soup and Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Soup.
Oh, thank you so much for letting the reader/cook know prior to the recipes that they are Gluten-Free or Dairy Free etc.. My Granddaughter is not able to eat dairy of any kind and I can make the recipes above without worry.
Thank you for your web-site and kindness to share.
Janet, we have lots of readers who enjoy these simple recipes. Sounds like they’re not for you!
Hi Robyn,
I’m an “older” vegetarian from the 90’s. The recipes I could find were through the “Vegetarian Times” cookbook. There were some recipes that were in so many stages of cooking I lost interest. I’ve prepared recipes less tedious but not too many in one cooker.
Your recipes give “options” to try a different or substitute ingredients to your taste. Yours do and I like that.
I’m going to try the Slow Cooker Autumn Minestrone Soup and Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Soup.
Oh, thank you so much for letting the reader/cook know prior to the recipes that they are Gluten-Free or Dairy Free etc.. My Granddaughter is not able to eat dairy of any kind and I can make the recipes above without worry.
Thank you for your web-site and kindness to share.
Constance
Constance, yay, I’m so glad you’re finding the adaptations useful! I hope you find some recipes here that you and your whole family can enjoy.