Using a crockpot (slow cooker) is one of the best ways to make delicious vegan meals with minimal effort. Just toss in your ingredients in the morning, set it, and come home to a hot, flavorful dinner. Whether you're a busy parent, a plant-based foodie, or simply value convenience, these vegan crockpot recipes offer warmth, nutrition, and ease—without sacrificing taste.
In this guide, you'll find ten cozy dishes—from chili and curry to stew and soup—that are perfect for everyday meals or weekend batching. Each recipe emphasizes wholesome ingredients, simple seasoning, and that comforting slow-cooked depth only a crockpot can deliver.
1. Vegan Crockpot Lentil Chili
Why it works: Hearty, protein-packed, and gluten-free.
Ingredients:
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1 cup dried brown or green lentils
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1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can diced tomatoes
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1 onion, diced
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1 bell pepper, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp smoked paprika
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2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
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Place everything in the crockpot.
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Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
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Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
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Serve over rice or with corn chips.
Tip: Stir in some cocoa powder or dark chocolate at the end for richer flavor.
2. Slow Cooker Chickpea Curry
Why it works: Mild, creamy, and perfect for serving over rice.
Ingredients:
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2 cans chickpeas, drained
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1 can coconut milk
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp curry powder, ½ tsp turmeric
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1 cup frozen peas
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Combine chickpeas, coconut milk, onion, garlic, and spices.
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Cook on low for 4–6 hours.
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Stir in peas 15 minutes before serving.
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Serve with naan or rice.
3. Crockpot Vegan Potato Leek Soup
Why it works: Creamy, warming, and nourishing.
Ingredients:
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3 large potatoes, diced
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2 leeks (whites and light greens), sliced
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1 onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups vegetable broth
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1 cup unsweetened plant milk
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Thyme, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
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Combine vegetables and broth in the crockpot.
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Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
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Blend until smooth, stir in plant milk, and season.
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Reheat or thicken if needed before serving.
4. Slow Cooker Vegan Split Pea Soup
Why it works: Classic comfort food with high-fiber benefits.
Ingredients:
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1½ cups dried split peas
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups vegetable broth
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1 tsp dried thyme, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
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Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
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Cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–6 hours.
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Season to taste, then serve with crusty bread.
5. Crockpot Vegan Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff
Why it works: Rich, creamy, and ultra-satisfying over noodles.
Ingredients:
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16 oz mixed mushrooms, sliced
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1 onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup vegetable broth
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1 cup plant milk
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2 tbsp nutritional yeast
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1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
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Pasta for serving
Instructions:
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Add mushrooms, onion, garlic, broth, and soy sauce.
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Cook on low for 6–7 hours.
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Stir in plant milk and nutritional yeast before serving.
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Serve over cooked pasta.
6. Slow Cooker Vegan Sweet Potato Stew
Why it works: Naturally sweet, spicy, and wholesome.
Ingredients:
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2 large sweet potatoes, cubed
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1 can black beans, drained
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1 bell pepper, chopped
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can diced tomatoes
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1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin
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1 cup vegetable broth
Instructions:
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Toss all ingredients into the crockpot.
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Cook on low for 6–7 hours.
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Season to taste, garnish with lime and cilantro.
7. Slow Cooker Curried Butternut Squash Soup
Why it works: Smooth, sweet, and lightly spiced.
Ingredients:
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1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
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1 apple, peeled and chopped
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp curry powder, ½ tsp cinnamon
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4 cups vegetable broth
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1 cup plant milk
Instructions:
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Add all ingredients except plant milk to crockpot.
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Cook on low for 4–6 hours.
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Blend until smooth, stir in plant milk, season, and serve.
8. Vegan Slow Cooker Bean Soup
Why it works: Sturdy, creamy, and perfect with crusty bread.
Ingredients:
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1 can cannellini beans, drained
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1 can chickpeas, drained
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1 onion, chopped
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2 carrots, diced
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2 stalks celery, diced
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3 cups veggie broth
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Rosemary or thyme, salt, pepper
Instructions:
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Add everything to crockpot.
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Cook on low for 6–8 hours.
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Partially blend to thicken, season, and enjoy.
9. Slow Cooker Vegan Jambalaya
Why it works: Spicy, smoky, and rich in veggies.
Ingredients:
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1 onion, chopped
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1 bell pepper, chopped
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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2 cups diced tomatoes
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1 cup brown rice
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1 can kidney beans, drained
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2 tsp Cajun seasoning
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3 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients.
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Cook on low for 6–7 hours (rice gets tender).
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Stir before serving and adjust seasoning.
10. Crockpot Oatmeal (Overnight Style)
Why it works: Hands-off prep makes breakfast simple and wholesome.
Ingredients:
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2 cups rolled oats
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4 cups plant milk or water
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2 bananas (sliced or mashed)
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Add everything to crockpot.
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Cook on low overnight (8 hours).
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Stir in fresh fruit or nut butter before serving.
Tips for Vegan Crockpot Success
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Layer wisely: Place dense vegetables and grains at the bottom; delicate ingredients go on top.
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Adjust cooking time: Low is best for flavor and texture; high is great for time constraints.
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Avoid excess liquid: Crockpots don’t evaporate much; only add what’s necessary.
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Thicken after cooking: Use plant milk, pureed beans, ground nuts, or blended veggies for creaminess.
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Spice it up at the end: Add fresh herbs, citrus juice, or spices after cooking to preserve bright flavors.
Meal-Prep and Serving Suggestions
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Cook a big batch and freeze leftovers in portioned containers.
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Serve stews and chilis over rice, quinoa, or baked potatoes.
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Use fresh garnishes—like chopped cilantro, green onions, avocado, or nutritional yeast—to add color and texture.
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Toast a few pita breads or naan on the side.
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Store unused leftovers in glass containers for up to five days in the fridge.
Why Choose Vegan Crockpot Recipes
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Today’s dinner, tomorrow’s leftovers: Set it up in the morning and come home to a cooked meal.
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Minimal hands-on time: Great for busy schedules or low-energy days.
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One-pot convenience: Easy prep and minimal cleanup.
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Comfort food, guilt-free: Fill up on plant protein, fiber, and warming spices.
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Flexible and forgiving: Adapt recipes with what’s in your pantry; plant-based meals tend to be more flexible.
Live Vegan Beyond the Kitchen
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Final Thoughts
Crockpot cooking is a powerful ally for anyone embracing plant-based living. These vegan crockpot recipes offer nourishing, hearty meals with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you're prepping for a busy day, feeding a family, or meal-prepping for the week, these dishes deliver.
Life is busy—let your crockpot do the work. And if you're ready to wear your vegan values with pride, explore the conscious apparel at The Dharma Store.