Owning a slow cooker is basically like employing a private chef. Sure, you do the prepping in the morning by putting all the ingredients into the Crock-Pot or Instant Pot, but when you return home after work, there’s a healthy and delicious meal waiting for you—one you hardly remember putting together. Instead of trying to find the energy to cook yourself something after a long day, dinner is served.

Vegetarian slow cooker recipes are the easiest way to add more plant-based dishes into your routine. When you load it up with veggies and spices and let those flavors get to know each other throughout the day, you’ll be left with a final product that’s just as healthy as it is satisfying. And these cozy meals are a great place to start.

Vegetarian slow cooker recipes that are just as easy as they are healthy

1. Slow cooker black bean tortilla soup

Vegetarian tortilla soup? Count me in. This version contains a wide variety of healthy veggies, including onion, bell peppers, black beans, tomatoes, and corn.

Get the recipe: slow cooker black bean tortilla soup

2. Crockpot cauliflower bolognese with zucchini noodles

Pro tip: You can make a hearty bolognese sauce using cauliflower. And when you pour it over zucchini noodles, game over.

Get the recipe: Crockpot cauliflower bolognese with zucchini noodles

3. Lemony lentil soup

Loaded with flavor, this lentil soup gets an energizing zest from the addition of lemon for a unique—and a mouth-watering!—twist on the classic.

Get the recipe: Lemony lentil soup

4. Slow cooker tofu butter chicken

You won’t miss takeout at all thanks to this slow cooker dinner idea that swaps chicken for tofu. The Indian dish is spiced to perfection with garam masala.

Get the recipe: Slow cooker tofu butter chicken

5. Quinoa black bean Crockpot stuffed peppers

Stuffed peppers are super easy when you have a slow cooker on hand. This meatless version is loaded with quinoa, black beans, and plenty of flavorful spices.

Get the recipe: Quinoa black bean Crockpot stuffed peppers

6. Vegan slow cooker lasagna soup

This is the healthy lasagna dish you’ve been waiting for—just in soup form and completely dairy-free.

Get the recipe: Vegan slow cooker lasagna soup

7. Slow cooker coconut quinoa curry

It doesn’t take much to put together this curry. After adding in your ingredients—including sweet potato, broccoli, chickpeas, and coconut milk—and letting it cook for just over four hours, it’ll be ready to devour.

Get the recipe: slow cooker coconut quinoa curry 

8. Vegan jambalaya

This New Orleans-inspired jambalaya is made almost exclusively with pantry staples, with the exception of a few key veggies. It’s the perfect dish for if you’re feeding a big crew—this recipe will go a long way.

Get the recipe: vegan jambalaya

9. Enchilada casserole

Loaded with kidney beans and veggies, this enchilada casserole is full of fiber and protein. The warm, gooey cheddar cheese cooks perfectly in the slow cooker, along with the other ingredients.

Get the recipe: enchilada casserole 

10. Vegetable pot pie stew

Craving the rich, warm filling of a classic pot pie—without the chicken? This stew will hit just the spot. Made with coconut milk, it’s extra thick and creamy.

Get the recipe: vegetable pot pie stew

Originally published October 21, 2019. Updated February 5, 2021.

Join Well+Good’s Cook With Us Facebook group for more healthy dinner ideas.

Oh hi! You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cult-fave wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content. Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly.