Name: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 15oz. can petite diced tomatoes (with juices); 1 6oz. can tomato paste; 1 15oz. can black beans, drained; 1 15oz. can kidney beans, drained; 1 cup brown lentils, uncooked; 1 Tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 2 Tbsp coconut oil; 4 cups vegetable broth

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If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you simply must try this Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of smoky spices, tender lentils, and vibrant beans, all slow-cooked to perfection so the flavors meld beautifully. Whether you’re a vegetarian veteran or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your routine, this chili is a crowd-pleaser that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a black slow cooker, there are four visible sections of ingredients arranged side by side. In the left section, there are small white chopped onion pieces with a crisp texture. Next to it, on the right, is a bright red tomato paste in thick dollops. Below the tomato paste is a chunky mixture of diced tomatoes with a softer texture and a reddish-orange color. At the center of the tomato section is a small pile of minced garlic with a pale yellowish white color. All these ingredients sit against the black inner surface of the cooker, which creates a contrast to the bright colors of the food. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you; each one plays a crucial role in building the chili’s rich, layered flavor profile and satisfying texture. From the earthy lentils to the smoky spices, every item adds depth and character to this Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili Recipe.

Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a slightly pungent base flavor when sautéed with garlic.
Garlic cloves: Provide aromatic depth and a delicious kick that enhances all the other spices.
Petite diced tomatoes (15 oz. can): Bring brightness and slight acidity to balance the richness.
Tomato paste (6 oz. can): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the chili beautifully.
Black beans (15 oz. can, drained): Add creamy texture and protein to make the dish hearty.
Kidney beans (15 oz. can, drained): Complement the black beans with their robust texture and flavor.
Brown lentils (1 cup, uncooked): The star ingredient, offering bulk and a slightly nutty flavor that holds up well in slow cooking.
Chili powder (1 Tbsp): Delivers classic chili warmth and complexity.
Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Infuses a subtle smoky note that makes this chili feel like a cozy kitchen favorite.
Ground cumin (1 tsp): Brings earthy, slightly citrusy undertones that round out the spice mix.
Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Enhances the onion flavor for a more layered taste.
Garlic powder (1/4 tsp): Boosts garlic presence for a fuller aroma.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds just a gentle heat that wakes up your palate.
Salt (1/2 tsp) and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Coconut oil (2 Tbsp): Used to enrich the chili with a subtle creaminess and to help meld the spices.
Vegetable broth (4 cups): The cooking liquid that infuses everything with savory goodness and keeps the chili wonderfully moist.

How to Make Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Base

Start by dicing your yellow onion and mincing the garlic cloves. These foundational ingredients bring essential flavor and fragrance to the chili. Toss them right into the slow cooker, setting the stage for a deep, aromatic base.

Step 2: Adding the Tomatoes, Beans, and Lentils

Next, add the petite diced tomatoes with their juices, the tomato paste, black beans, kidney beans, and uncooked brown lentils into the slow cooker. These elements provide a hearty texture and hearty taste. The combination of beans and lentils ensures every spoonful is rich and satisfying.

Step 3: Seasoning and Flavoring

Sprinkle in your chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. The spices work together to create a complex, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor profile that is downright addictive.

Step 4: Adding Coconut Oil and Broth

Pour in the coconut oil and vegetable broth next. The coconut oil adds a lovely silky texture and a hint of sweetness, while the vegetable broth acts as the perfect simmering liquid, ensuring everything cooks evenly and absorbs all those wonderful spices.

Step 5: Slow Cooking Your Chili

Stir everything gently to combine, then place the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on high for about four hours or on low for eight hours. As the chili simmers, the lentils become tender, the beans soften, and the flavors marry into something truly spectacular. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often! When it’s done, give it a taste and adjust salt if needed – it depends on how salty your broth is.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili Recipe

A white bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is a thick chili with visible beans, corn, and small tomato pieces in a dark reddish sauce, the middle layer has shredded yellow cheddar cheese sprinkled over part of the chili, and the top layer features sliced bright green avocado on one side and broken light beige tortilla chips scattered on the cheese and chili. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a black and white striped cloth partially under it, and half an avocado with the pit is placed to the left of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili Recipe is how well it pairs with a variety of garnishes. A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro adds brightness, a dollop of creamy sour cream or vegan cashew cream provides richness, and a handful of shredded cheese or vegan cheese can add a melty, indulgent touch. Don’t forget some sliced green onions or a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor!

Side Dishes

This chili stands perfectly on its own, but it also loves company. Serve it with warm cornbread, crusty bread, or a side of fluffy rice to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness and adds refreshing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to shake things up? Try spooning this chili over baked sweet potatoes for a filling meal, or use it as a topper for nachos with guacamole and jalapeños. You can even stuff it into bell peppers and bake for a unique presentation that’s sure to impress. The versatility of this Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili Recipe makes it a go-to for creative home cooks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chili tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Freezing

You can freeze this chili in portions by placing it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. It freezes beautifully for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for quick, effortless meal prep.

Reheating

Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water if it has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of brown lentils?

Red lentils cook faster and tend to break down more, creating a creamier texture. If using red lentils, reduce the slow cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking, or add them halfway through cooking for the best results.

Is this chili spicy?

This Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili Recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the chili powder and cayenne pepper. If you prefer it hotter, you can always add more cayenne or include diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Can I make this recipe in a regular pot on the stove?

Absolutely! Simply combine all ingredients in a large pot, bring to a boil, then simmer gently for about an hour until the lentils are tender and the flavors develop. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

What if I don’t have coconut oil?

You can substitute coconut oil with olive oil, avocado oil, or even vegetable oil. Each will slightly alter the flavor, but your chili will still be deliciously rich.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, making this Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili Recipe a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to check labels if using store-bought broth or canned goods to avoid hidden gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to comfort foods on chilly days, and I’m confident it will be yours too. It’s simple to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and endlessly adaptable to your personal tastes. So next time you want a nourishing, cozy meal with minimal effort, dive into this chili—you’ll be so glad you did!