Discover 19 hearty, vegetarian Crock Pot recipes, from chili to soups, perfect for busy days and meal prep—tasty, easy, and full of flavor.

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Jump to:
- Why Use a Slow Cooker?
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chilli
- Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry
- Easy Southwestern Stuffed Peppers with Cheese
- Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lasagna
- Cracker Barrel Fried Apples (Slow Cooker Version)
- Easy Slow Cooker Vegan Stew
- Slow Cooker Vegetable Masala
- Mexican Soup (Slow Cooker Style)
- Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
- Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Vegetarian Three Bean Chili
- Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
- Tuscan White Bean Soup
- The Best Slow Cooker Vegan Chili
- Turkish Lentil Soup
- Slow Cooker Rhubarb Butter
- Butternut Squash Chickpea Chili
- Easy Farro Chili
- Additional Ideas and Variations
- Conclusion
If you’re looking for hearty, wholesome, and downright delicious vegetarian slow cooker recipes, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re following a vegan diet, preparing for busy weeks, or simply craving a comforting meal that requires minimal effort, these 19 mouthwatering dishes have you covered. From sweet potatoes to black beans and everything in between, this go-to list will quickly become your recipe box favorite.
Below, you’ll find a wide variety of vegetarian (and often vegan) slow-cooker meals that are perfect for a busy day—just set the cooking time, allow the ingredients to simmer, and come back to a meal that’s bursting with good taste and plant-based protein. Many of these recipes use common pantry staples like tomato sauce, vegetable broth, kidney beans, and chili powder, making it easy to create new recipes without an extra cost. And if you enjoy toppings like sour cream, hot sauce, and fresh herbs, these dishes are a perfect way to personalize your plate. Grab a bowl, a chunk of crusty bread, or even some brown rice, and let’s get cooking!
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
Slow cookers—also known by different names like a crock pot or even used similarly to an Instant Pot (when using the slow-cooker setting)—are a true game-changer in the kitchen. They offer:
- Minimal Effort: Throw your main ingredients into the pot, set your desired cooking time, and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting. No babysitting required!
- Versatile Meal Prep: Slow cookers handle an array of recipes, from vegetarian chili to black bean soup to slow cooker vegan chili. They’re also handy for side dishes like mashed red potatoes or burrito fillings made with sweet potatoes and black beans.
- Flavorful Results: The low and slow cooking method allows flavors to meld beautifully. Think how delicious a tomato paste, bell pepper, and olive oil base can become after hours of gentle simmering.
- Great for Leftovers: Many of these vegetarian dishes taste even better the next day, ideal for meal prep or busy weeks. Simply reheat, and you’ve got a stress-free lunch or dinner.
- Healthy, Plant-Based Options: If you’re looking for vegan slow cooker recipes or vegetarian slow cooker recipes, you’ll find that these appliances highlight the natural goodness of vegetables, beans, and grains, perfect for those embracing a vegan diet or looking for more plant-based protein.
Note: Many of these recipes can also be adapted to a pressure cooker if you need to speed things up. The Instant Pot is a popular choice for that method.
Below is our carefully curated list of vegetarian and vegan recipes (some are gluten free, too!) that deliver on flavor. Feel free to add fresh toppings like lime juice, sour cream, or hot sauce to customize each main dish.
Butternut Squash Soup
This comforting soup highlights the sweetness of butternut squash and can be easily made vegan with a splash of coconut milk. Serve with crusty bread for a cozy dinner.
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chilli
A classic vegetarian chili loaded with kidney beans, black beans, bell pepper, and chili powder. It’s the perfect main dish for cold nights.
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Curry
Tender sweet potatoes, peas, and fresh herbs turn this curry into a hearty meal. Pair with a side of brown rice to soak up all the flavors.
Easy Southwestern Stuffed Peppers with Cheese
Southwestern-style stuffed peppers with cheese are ideal for the slow cooker. Full of beans, corn, tomatoes, and rice, these cheesy stuffed peppers are sure to please.
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lasagna
Oh my. This creamy, cheesy, utterly delicious Spinach & Ricotta Slow Cooker Lasagne is a perfect comforting vegetarian family meal, with all the convenience, flavour and speed you need for a satisfying family dinner.
Cracker Barrel Fried Apples (Slow Cooker Version)
A sweet side dish (or dessert!) featuring apples, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar. Enjoy with sour cream or ice cream if you’re not strictly vegan.
Easy Slow Cooker Vegan Stew
Easy Slow Cooker Vegan Stew is fat free and packed full of root vegetables, Chestnut mushrooms & peas in a tangy, tasty broth. Just serve with crusty bread to mop up the juices!
Slow Cooker Vegetable Masala
This slow cooker creamy vegetable tikka masala is made with caramelized onions, hot peppers, tomato sauce, and cream (or coconut cream). Add a teaspoon salt, chili powder, and some lime juice for bright flavors.
Mexican Soup (Slow Cooker Style)
A zesty soup packed with black beans, tomatoes, corn, and spices. Top with avocado, hot sauce, and tortilla strips for fresh toppings.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
A comfort-food classic turned vegetarian slow cooker recipe. Use gluten free pasta if you prefer, and add extra cheese or veggies.
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Using red potatoes or russet potatoes, a slow cooker makes these mashed potatoes a breeze. Perfect as a side dish for your vegetarian main.
Vegetarian Three Bean Chili
A hearty combo of black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans simmered in vegetable broth. Pair with fresh herbs or sour cream if you like.
Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
This black bean chili adds a slight sweetness from sweet potatoes. It’s a reader favorite for those who love a little spice mixed with sweet.
Tuscan White Bean Soup
Comfort in a bowl—white beans, tomatoes, and veggies slow-cooked with Italian herbs. Great with crusty bread on the side.
The Best Slow Cooker Vegan Chili
A slow cooker vegan chili jam-packed with fiber from beans and vegetables. Adjust seasoning with chili powder or hot sauce for your desired heat level.
Turkish Lentil Soup
Made with red lentils, this soup is a staple in many vegan diets. The flavors deepen when slow-cooked to perfection.
Slow Cooker Rhubarb Butter
Something a little different! This sweet-tart spread is a great option for toast, pancakes, or muffins. Try it next day—flavors intensify overnight.
Butternut Squash Chickpea Chili
Another twist on vegetarian chili using butternut squash, chickpeas, and warming spices. Perfect meal prep idea for busy weeks.
Additional Ideas and Variations
- Slow Cooker Eggplant Parmesan: If you’re looking for more vegetarian dishes, consider a layered eggplant parmesan in the crock pot. It’s a fantastic main dish option.
- Burrito Filling: Use any leftover chili or bean-based soup as a burrito filling. This not only saves you time but also reduces waste.
- Red Wine Infusion: For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine to your tomato-based recipes.
Conclusion
These 19 delicious vegetarian crock pot recipes prove that plant-based meals can be both flavorful and convenient. From sweet potato chili to comforting soups, each dish requires minimal effort, making them ideal for busy weeks or when you simply want to set it and forget it. Don’t forget to experiment with fresh toppings like sour cream (or a vegan alternative), hot sauce, or lime juice to personalize your plate. Many of these can be adapted for an Instant Pot or pressure cooker if you’re short on time, and most use common pantry staples to keep costs manageable.
We hope this curated collection of vegetarian slow-cooker recipes becomes a staple in your meal prep routine. With the right cooking time, a few main ingredients, and a sprinkling of fresh herbs, you’ll be able to create hearty meals that keep everyone satisfied. Happy cooking and be sure to check back for new recipes!
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