Transforming plant-based ingredients into delicious meals doesn’t have to be complicated.
With these set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker recipes, you’ll discover how easy it is to create flavorful vegan dishes that satisfy your cravings.
Looking for ways to make meal prep easier while sticking to your vegan lifestyle?
These slow cooker recipes are perfect for busy weekdays, meal prepping, or when you just want to come home to a ready-to-eat dinner.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just starting to explore plant-based cooking, these recipes will help you create nutritious, delicious meals with minimal effort.
Main Dishes
Moroccan Chickpea and Vegetable Tagine
This aromatic North African-inspired dish combines tender chickpeas with colorful vegetables in a richly spiced sauce.
The slow cooking process allows the warm spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon to fully develop their flavors.
Perfect served over fluffy couscous or quinoa, this tagine is both filling and nutritious.
The combination of vegetables and chickpeas creates a complete protein source that will keep you satisfied for hours.
Nutrition Info: 285 calories, 12g protein, 45g carbs, 6g fat, 12g fiber, 45% daily iron, 25% daily vitamin C
Sweet Potato Curry
This hearty curry combines protein-rich lentils with creamy sweet potatoes in a warming coconut curry sauce.
The slow cooker brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes while perfectly cooking the lentils to tender perfection.
Enhanced with anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger, this curry isn’t just delicious – it’s also incredibly good for you.
Serve it over brown rice or with naan bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Info: 310 calories, 14g protein, 52g carbs, 8g fat, 15g fiber, 35% daily iron, 80% daily vitamin A
Black Bean and Quinoa Enchilada Casserole
This Mexican-inspired dish layers protein-packed quinoa and black beans with enchilada sauce and vegetables.
The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly, creating a satisfying one-pot meal.
Top it with fresh avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.
This dish proves that comfort food can be both healthy and delicious.
Nutrition Info: 295 calories, 13g protein, 48g carbs, 7g fat, 11g fiber, 30% daily iron, 20% daily vitamin C
Mushroom and Wild Rice Stew
This robust stew combines meaty mushrooms with nutty wild rice in a rich, savory broth.
The slow cooker perfectly tenderizes the mushrooms while cooking the wild rice to the ideal texture.
The combination of different mushroom varieties creates a deep umami flavor that makes this stew incredibly satisfying.
Fresh herbs and garlic add layers of flavor that develop beautifully during the long cooking process.
Nutrition Info: 245 calories, 8g protein, 42g carbs, 5g fat, 6g fiber, 15% daily iron, 10% daily vitamin B12
Three Bean Chili
This protein-packed chili combines kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans with fire-roasted tomatoes and warming spices.
The slow cooker allows the flavors to develop fully while creating perfectly tender beans.
Top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or your favorite vegan cheese for an extra special touch.
This chili is perfect for meal prep and actually tastes better the next day.
Nutrition Info: 320 calories, 16g protein, 54g carbs, 4g fat, 18g fiber, 40% daily iron, 30% daily vitamin C
Yellow Split Pea Dal
This comforting Indian-inspired dish features yellow split peas cooked until creamy with aromatic spices.
The slow cooker transforms the split peas into a velvety consistency while infusing them with the flavors of cumin, turmeric, and ginger.
Serve over rice or with flatbread for a complete meal.
This dal is not only delicious but also incredibly economical and nutritious.
Nutrition Info: 265 calories, 15g protein, 46g carbs, 3g fat, 16g fiber, 35% daily iron, 15% daily vitamin B1
Jackfruit “Pulled” BBQ Sandwiches
Young jackfruit takes on a remarkably meat-like texture when slow-cooked in tangy BBQ sauce.
The fruit absorbs all the flavors while maintaining its pulled texture, making it perfect for sandwiches.
Serve on whole grain buns with crunchy coleslaw for a classic comfort meal that will satisfy any BBQ craving.
Nutrition Info: 275 calories, 3g protein, 58g carbs, 4g fat, 6g fiber, 10% daily iron, 45% daily vitamin C
Vegetable Biryani
This aromatic Indian rice dish combines fragrant basmati rice with mixed vegetables and warm spices.
The slow cooker helps create perfectly cooked rice while allowing the spices to infuse every grain.
Garnish with fresh herbs and toasted nuts for extra flavor and crunch. This one-pot meal is both elegant and satisfying.
Nutrition Info: 315 calories, 7g protein, 62g carbs, 5g fat, 4g fiber, 15% daily iron, 25% daily vitamin B6
Soups & Stews
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
This silky smooth soup combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with tart apples.
The slow cooker perfectly tenderizes the vegetables, making them easy to blend into a creamy consistency without any dairy.
A touch of warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg makes this soup perfect for cool weather. It’s both comforting and nutritious.
Nutrition Info: 185 calories, 3g protein, 44g carbs, 2g fat, 8g fiber, 10% daily vitamin A, 30% daily vitamin C
Hearty Vegetable Minestrone
This classic Italian soup is loaded with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth.
The slow cooker allows all the flavors to meld together while cooking the vegetables to perfect tenderness.
Perfect for batch cooking, this soup only gets better the next day. It’s a complete meal in a bowl that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Nutrition Info: 225 calories, 10g protein, 42g carbs, 3g fat, 10g fiber, 20% daily iron, 35% daily vitamin C
Coconut Curry Lentil Soup
This creamy soup combines red lentils with coconut milk and warming curry spices.
The slow cooker transforms the lentils into a velvety texture while allowing the spices to develop deep, complex flavors.
A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds brightness to this comforting soup.
High in protein and fiber, it’s perfect for meal prep and freezes beautifully.
Nutrition Info: 295 calories, 13g protein, 38g carbs, 12g fat, 14g fiber, 30% daily iron, 20% daily vitamin C
Root Vegetable and Barley Stew
This hearty stew combines nutritious root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips with chewy barley.
The slow cooker perfectly tenderizes the vegetables while cooking the barley to just the right texture.
The combination of herbs and vegetables creates a rich broth that’s both satisfying and nutritious. It’s the perfect comfort food for cold days.
Nutrition Info: 245 calories, 6g protein, 52g carbs, 2g fat, 9g fiber, 15% daily iron, 40% daily vitamin A
White Bean and Kale Soup
This nutrient-packed soup combines creamy white beans with hearty kale in a flavorful broth.
The slow cooker helps soften the beans while keeping the kale tender-crisp.
Fresh herbs and garlic add layers of flavor to this simple yet satisfying soup. It’s perfect for getting more greens into your diet.
Nutrition Info: 235 calories, 14g protein, 40g carbs, 3g fat, 12g fiber, 25% daily iron, 90% daily vitamin K
Side Dishes
Maple-Cinnamon Apple Sauce
This naturally sweet applesauce needs no added sugar thanks to the natural sweetness of apples and a touch of maple syrup.
The slow cooker perfectly softens the apples while intensifying their flavor.
The addition of cinnamon makes this applesauce extra cozy and warming. It’s perfect as a snack, breakfast topping, or healthy dessert.
Nutrition Info: 95 calories, 0g protein, 25g carbs, 0g fat, 4g fiber, 10% daily vitamin C
Garlic-Herb Mixed Vegetables
These flavor-packed vegetables are slowly cooked with fresh herbs and garlic until perfectly tender.
The slow cooker helps the vegetables absorb all the flavors while maintaining their nutritional value.
Perfect as a side dish or base for grain bowls, these vegetables are both versatile and delicious. They’re an easy way to add more vegetables to your meals.
Nutrition Info: 85 calories, 3g protein, 18g carbs, 1g fat, 5g fiber, 80% daily vitamin A, 45% daily vitamin C
Caramelized Onions
These sweet and savory onions are slowly cooked until they become golden brown and incredibly tender.
The slow cooker makes it easy to achieve perfectly caramelized onions without constant stirring.
Use these onions to add rich flavor to sandwiches, pizzas, or pasta dishes. They’re a versatile condiment that adds depth to any meal.
Nutrition Info: 45 calories, 1g protein, 10g carbs, 0g fat, 2g fiber, 5% daily vitamin C
Breakfast
Steel-Cut Oatmeal with Dried Fruits and Nuts
This hearty breakfast combines chewy steel-cut oats with your choice of dried fruits and nuts.
The slow cooker creates perfectly cooked oats while you sleep.
Wake up to a warm, comforting breakfast that will keep you satisfied all morning.
Customize it with your favorite toppings for endless variety.
Nutrition Info: 285 calories, 8g protein, 48g carbs, 8g fat, 7g fiber, 10% daily iron
Quinoa Breakfast Porridge
This protein-rich breakfast alternative to oatmeal features quinoa cooked with plant-based milk until creamy.
The slow cooker transforms the quinoa into a smooth, porridge-like consistency.
Top with fresh fruit and nuts for a nutritious start to your day. It’s a great option for those looking to vary their breakfast routine.
Nutrition Info: 265 calories, 9g protein, 45g carbs, 6g fat, 5g fiber, 15% daily iron
Desserts
Poached Pears in Cinnamon Sauce
These elegant pears are slowly cooked in a cinnamon-spiced sauce until tender and infused with flavor.
The slow cooker gently poaches the pears while creating a rich sauce.
Serve these pears warm or chilled for a light dessert that’s naturally sweet and satisfying.
They’re perfect for special occasions or as a healthy dessert option.
Nutrition Info: 145 calories, 1g protein, 38g carbs, 0g fat, 6g fiber, 10% daily vitamin C
Berry Coconut Cobbler
This fruity dessert combines mixed berries with a coconut-oat topping that becomes golden and crisp.
The slow cooker creates a perfect contrast between the juicy berries and crispy topping.
Top with your favorite vegan ice cream for an extra special treat. It’s a healthier take on traditional cobbler that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Nutrition Info: 225 calories, 4g protein, 42g carbs, 6g fat, 8g fiber, 35% daily vitamin C
Final Thoughts
These vegan slow cooker recipes prove that plant-based cooking can be both easy and delicious.
Whether you’re looking for hearty main dishes, comforting soups, or healthy desserts, there’s something here for everyone.
Remember to experiment with these recipes and make them your own.
The beauty of slow cooking is its flexibility – you can often swap ingredients based on what you have available.
These recipes aren’t just convenient; they’re a delicious way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine while making your kitchen smell amazing.