10 Best Vegan Slow Cooker Recipes

 No matter if you're searching for meatless main courses or nutritious sides, your slow cooker can come to the rescue! With delicious vegan-themed crock pot recipes suited for busy weeknights.

Creamy squash and chickpeas combine for an irresistibly creamy vegetarian mash that's ideal for taco night or served alongside naan bread. Don't miss out this fall -- give this hearty veggie-rich stew a try!

1. Vegan Butter Chicken

Vegan butter chicken was first invented by Indian dhaba chefs.

For an exciting twist on this classic Indian roadside restaurant dish, switch the traditional tandoori chicken for marinated tofu and dairy cream with coconut or other nut-free alternatives such as soy milk.

Rich, Flavorful, and Totally Vegan: Butter Chicken Redefined

Potato Leek Soup is an easy dump-and-go slow cooker meal, featuring Yukon Gold potatoes and leeks with vegetable stock and garlic for maximum protein!

Perfect for cold weather! Gluten Free and Vegan Diets welcome.

2. Vegan Korma

Vegan Korma is an irresistibly creamy vegetable curry perfect for slow cookers, crock pots or large saucepans.

Packed full of tasty spices such as cumin, garam masala and cinnamon plus turmeric; ground almonds, sweet sultanas and desiccated coconut give this recipe its signature flavors!

Rich, Nutty, and Delicious: Vegan Korma to Satisfy Your Cravings

Tip: Use full fat canned coconut milk, saving its cooking water to help thin out the sauce. A final tempering (tadka) with some additional fried cumin seeds and curry leaves gives the dish an irresistibly flavorful finish - enjoy this dish alongside rice or naan bread!

3. Vegan Tikka Masala

If you enjoy Indian food, give this plant-based version of tikka masala a try!

Featuring tofu instead of chicken and switching out cream for coconut milk for an affordable meal option.

This hearty vegan stew features vegetables cut into shapes that hold their form when slow cooking for extended periods, so less mushy vegetables are served at meal time.

Garam masala adds warm spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, cumin and black pepper that provide depth of flavor in this warming stew dish.

Tikka Masala with a Heart: Deliciously Vegan and Totally Satisfying

This slow cooker soup is an easy, flavorful, and healthy meal prep dish! Perfect for busy weeks.

4. Vegan Irish Stew

This vegan version of Irish stew features succulent mushrooms and hearty vegetables like carrots, parsnips and potatoes.

Plus it boasts fresh thyme, tomato paste and plant-based Worcestershire sauce (check for this option!) Additionally a cornstarch slurry will thicken the broth as you simmer away!

A Hearty Delight: Enjoy the Comfort of Vegan Irish Stew

Guinness Stout adds an extra depth of flavor to this recipe, but feel free to substitute other dark beers or red wines instead.

Alternatively, replace with additional vegetable broth.

5. Vegan Butter Chickpeas

Crock-pots make an ideal cooking vessel for vegan meals that are both cozy and budget-conscious, from hearty stews to cheesey casseroles and delicious soup.

Create a nutritious and satisfying meal on a budget with this vegetable, chickpea and quinoa stew packed with protein, flavorful spices and spicy heat from chili powder!

Wholesome Goodness: Enjoy the Creamy Delight of Vegan Butter Chickpeas

Slow Cooker Butter Chickpeas With Paprika, Bay Leaves & Garlic Powder is an easy and flavorful dish made of slow cooked chickpeas and seasonings including Paprika, Bay Leaves & Garlic Powder!

Perfect for dinner and freezer crockpot recipes alike! This vegan version of classic Italian White Bean Soup features high plant-based proteins in an irresistibly satisfying tomato-based sauce!

6. Vegan Lentil Tacos

These vegan tacos make an ideal weeknight dinner that the entire family can enjoy.

All it takes are cooked lentils, tomatoes, garlic, onion and spices such as garam masala, paprika or cumin for this simple recipe that kids and adults alike will adore - though you could increase the intensity if desired!

Healthy, Hearty, and Totally Delicious: Vegan Lentil Tacos

Add extra flavor and nutrition by stirring in grated carrot or zucchini shreds, as well as chopped cilantro at the end of cooking, as well as adding chopped fresh basil for garnish.

This dish freezes well, so making ahead can save time when meal prepping!

7. Indian-Inspired Butter Chickpeas

This plant-based version of butter chicken makes for an easy slow cooker dish with tender chickpeas simmering in an aromatic Indian-style sauce - ideal for serving over rice for an authentic main course or as a delicious vegetarian and vegan-friendly side.

This one-pot meal features brown rice, smoky pinto beans, and fresh vegetables cooked slowly in a spicy tomato-based sauce.

Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) gives this dish that meaty texture while giving a comforting flavor profile.

Rich, Creamy, and Full of Flavor: Discover Indian-Inspired Butter Chickpeas

Maafe is a classic West African peanut stew packed with sweet potatoes and nutritious chickpeas that makes an easy weeknight dinner or make ahead freezer meal option.

8. Slow Cooker Vegetable Stew

Crock-pot vegetable stew is a comforting and straightforward meal. Simply mix together an assortment of veggies and beans before leaving it to simmer in your crock pot for 6-8 hours!

Healthy, Hearty, and Delicious: Slow Cooker Vegetable Stew Done Right

Add an extra satisfying crunch by topping it off with garlic croutons!

Use fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular canned tomatoes - it adds extra flavor! Feel free to customize this stew according to your desired vegetables - more or less can always be added depending on preference - for maximum taste!

This meal also makes an amazing lunch leftover, perfect for adding your five a day!

9. Black Bean Tortilla Soup

Nothing beats the comforting sensation of sinking your teeth into a delicious and hearty bowl of soup made from scratch!

This vegan black bean tortilla soup will satisfy everyone in your family!

Comfort Food Made Easy: Wholesome Black Bean Tortilla Soup

Add ingredients to a slow cooker and set for 6-8 hours on Low setting. When ready to serve, garnish with scallions, cilantro, shredded cheese and air fried corn tortilla strips (recipe below).

This soup freezes well! Ensure it cools completely before freezing. Thaw out overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating before resuming its original form for another meal!

10. Vegan Breakfast Burritos

Make these nutritious burritos ahead of time and wrap them in foil; they reheat wonderfully, making this recipe ideal for busy weekdays!

Nutritional yeast is the star ingredient here, contributing cheesy egg-like flavors and adding subtle yellow hues.

Feel free to omit or swap in some miso paste in its place if necessary.

A Morning Must-Have: Savor Every Bite of Our Vegan Breakfast Burritos

Slow cookers are great tools for creating hearty casseroles, chili recipes and desserts!

Try one or all of these vegan slow cooker recipes this fall - Kate W.

FAQ

Q: What are vegan slow cooker recipes?

Ans: Vegan slow cooker recipes are dishes prepared without any animal products, using a variety of plant-based ingredients. 

These recipes are designed to be cooked slowly in a slow cooker, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to become tender

Q: Why should I use a slow cooker for vegan recipes?

Ans: Using a slow cooker for vegan recipes offers convenience and versatility. It allows for easy meal prep, as you can set it and forget it while the cooker does the work. 

Slow cooking enhances flavors, making it ideal for soups, stews, and casseroles.

Q: Do vegan slow cooker recipes take longer to cook than traditional recipes?

Ans: Generally, vegan slow cooker recipes take longer to cook than traditional methods, often requiring several hours on low heat. 

However, the convenience of a slow cooker allows you to prepare meals while focusing on other tasks.

Q: Can I adapt traditional recipes to be vegan in a slow cooker?

Ans: Yes! Many traditional recipes can be easily adapted to be vegan by substituting animal-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives. 

For example, replace meat with lentils or beans and dairy with plant-based milk or cream.

Q: How do I know when my vegan dish is done cooking?

Ans: Cooking times vary by recipe, but generally, vegan dishes are done when vegetables are tender and flavors are well combined. 

For lentils and beans, ensure they are cooked through and soft. A food thermometer can help check doneness for certain dishes.

Conclusion

Exploring the world of vegan slow cooker recipes opens up a realm of culinary creativity and convenience that can transform your meal preparation routine. 

The ten best recipes highlighted showcase the versatility of plant-based ingredients, proving that you can enjoy hearty, satisfying dishes without compromising on flavor. 

Whether you’re craving a comforting stew, a spicy chili, or a delightful dessert, these recipes allow you to savor the richness of vegan cooking while enjoying the ease of slow-cooked meals. 

As you experiment with these recipes, you’ll discover not only delicious meals but also the joy of nourishing yourself and your loved ones with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. 

Embrace the slow cooker as a valuable ally in your kitchen, and let these recipes inspire you to create nourishing and flavorful vegan meals that everyone can enjoy.