Sorry immersion blender, but my slow cooker is my ride or die kitchen gadget. The classic and humble crockpot was the first tool that completely transformed how I spend my time in the kitchen. Suddenly, with a little prep and the push of a couple buttons, my weekdays were […]
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Sorry immersion blender, but my slow cooker is my ride or die kitchen gadget. The classic and humble crockpot was the first tool that completely transformed how I spend my time in the kitchen. Suddenly, with a little prep and the push of a couple buttons, my weekdays were made approximately 1000x more enjoyable. But in searching for easy vegetarian crockpot recipes, here’s what I found instead: a whole lotta meat.
Don’t get me wrong: I love a good chicken chili and nothing beats pulled pork. But while I don’t prescribe to any specific way of eating (what tastes and feels good is enough for me), I’m a veggie-lovin’ gal. And with spring on its way, I’m wanting all the vibrant green goodness I can get.
So, again: easy vegetarian crockpot recipes. I shook the internet upside down to find these plant-based delights. They span the spectrum of meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner all included. Throw a few ingredients together in the morning and let your tech do its (beautiful, magical) thing. I can’t emphasize it enough—operative word: easy.
Slow Cooker Granola from Inquiring Chef
Why We Love It: When it comes to breakfast, I lean sweet. Smoothies, oatmeal, chia puddings—the options abound. And while I love making a big batch of granola on the weekends, I’m not in love with all the bowls and pots my go-to recipe requires. So if you’re not feeling like tackling a pile of dishes on your Sunday afternoon (is anyone?), try this genius method.
Hero Ingredient: Controversial, but I’ll say it anyways: Pecans are the best nut for granola, and well, anything.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Granola.
Overnight Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats from Well Plated By Erin
Why We Love It: I mentioned my love affair with oatmeal above, but I should disclose just how intense my passion for the morning meal is. It’s warming, comforting, and exactly what I want in the a.m. It’s a simple recipe formula already, but with your slow cooker, you can make it in your sleep—literally.
Hero Ingredient: Instant, rolled, quick cooking, or steel cut oats? With so many options, it can be hard to choose. In this recipe, steel cut’s the way to go. They’re less processed than other oats, have a hearty texture, nutty taste, and *bonus* keep you full longer.
Get the recipe for Overnight Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats.
5-Ingredient Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes from Real Food Whole Life
Why We Love It: In my book, sweet potatoes can do no wrong. There are endless ways to make the yummy tubers even more addicting. Use as a stand-in for toast, roast them to crispy deliciousness, mash ‘em up (with marshmallows, please)… but my favorite way? Letting them get perfectly tender in the slow cooker and stuffing them with all the best fillings. A complete comfort meal, made simple.
Hero Ingredient: While you have the creative liberty to pick the fillings of your choice, it has to be said: sour cream or bust.
Lentil Soup With Coconut, Spinach, and Lime from The First Mess
Why We Love It: The perfect dishes pair beautiful presentation with undeniable deliciousness. Case in point, this lentil soup. While we’re almost all out of the woods when it comes to winter, I’ll admit: I can eat this soup no matter the time of year. With an array of spices, it’s warming without feeling too heavy. Plus, the ingredients list involves almost all pantry staples. So you can start making it right… now.
Hero Ingredient: Anti-inflammatory, mildly aromatic, and capable of coloring any dish a gorgeous golden hue, turmeric will always come out on top.
Get the recipe for Lentil Soup With Coconut, Spinach, and Lime.
Slow Cooker Saucy Thai Butternut Squash Curry from Half-Baked Harvest
Why We Love It: I like my curries spicy, sweet, and filled with flavorful sauce. And while I almost always reserve my curry-making routine for weekends or takeout, the fact that this recipe requires little more than throwing your ingredients in the crockpot means Monday night dinner magic. Each bite is decidedly decadent, but with plenty of veggies and aromatics, you’ll feel good about serving this up on the reg.
Hero Ingredient: Pomegranates add a pop of color and fruity crunch. Brilliant.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Saucy Thai Butternut Squash Curry.
1-Pot Vegan Minestrone from Minimalist Baker
Why We Love It: If you’re familiar with Minestrone, you know that making it from scratch takes quite a bit more effort than prepping it from the can (or ordering from Olive Garden, for that matter). Simplify with your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a super-thick (but vegan!) version of the Italian classic. Spoon away.
Hero Ingredient: I love the little touch of richness nutritional yeast adds to the pot—and to every bowl.
Get the recipe for 1-Pot Vegan Minestrone.
Slow Cooker Ratatouille from Eating Bird Food
Why We Love It: Ratatouille epitomizes summer. Featuring a rainbow of veggies that are at their freshest and most flavorful in the warmer months, it’s a celebration of summer’s bounty. Honestly, I love eating it as is, but for a more filling meal, try serving over a grain (rice or quinoa works perfectly) or plate it alongside your favorite protein.
Hero Ingredient: Throwing in the basil at the end gives a green bite of freshness that’ll brighten up the entire dish.
Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Ratatouille.
Healthier Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup from Half-Baked Harvest
Why We Love It: Maybe it’s just me, but I catch myself repeating “creamy tortellini” in my head over and over again as I’m putting together the ingredients of this simple but stunning meal. It’s a bit more indulgent than the other recipes listed here, but it’s full of greens, veggies, and even more goodness. Also, hot take: Any recipe that’s better the next day deserves a gold star.
Hero Ingredient: Fresh tortellini with cheese, please.
Get the recipe for Healthier Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup.
Easy Baked Feta Pasta from I Am a Food Blog
Why We Love It: While it’s no longer trending on TikTok, the pasta that took the internet by storm deserves a special place in all of our digital recipe boxes (and hearts). Even before feta became a 2020 social media star, I loved the cheese for its salty, punchy flavor. Bake it surrounded by two pints of cherry tomatoes and a healthy drizzle of olive oil? Even better. This recipe provides a slow cooker option that maximizes the melty creaminess.
Hero Ingredient: There’s really no other choice—it’s the feta for me.
Get the recipe for Easy Baked Feta Pasta.
Golden Chana Masala from The First Mess
Why We Love It: When flavor and color collide, beautiful things take place. A perfect example being this Chana Masala. As noted in the recipe, it’s a bit of a soupier take than the traditional version, but with oven-warmed flatbreads served alongside, it’s the essence of earthy, rustic comfort.
Hero Ingredient: Am I the only one counting down the days until the start of tomato season? Many similar recipes lean on the ripe red beauties for a juicy, rich flavor. But in this recipe, the slightly less sweet yellow heirloom varietals steal the show.
Get the recipe for Golden Chana Masala.
Do you have favorite healthy slow cooker recipes?
