Whether your vegetarian for a day or vegetarian all the way, these vegetarian slow cooker recipes are the best of the best. They're top-rated meatless main dishes that cook while you're taking carry of business. Fire up the slow cooker for healthy vegetarian and vegan dinners that are always ready when you are.
01of 16
Black Lentil Veggie Soup
View Recipe
Black lentils get it done with carrots, turnips, tomatoes, and ginger in a vegetable broth. "Super easy and super delicious soup recipe," says Buckwheat Queen. "The ginger and spices are subtle but pleasant. I used coconut oil instead of butter to keep it vegan."
02of 16
Jackfruit Pulled "Pork"
View Recipe
"For vegans and anyone else who wants an interesting and healthy version of pulled pork," says SarahVictoria. Meaty jackfruit slow-cooked in BBQ sauce "satisfied the craving of this 9-year vegetarian. You may eat this right away by making a sandwich with coleslaw or however you choose, but it is best to let it sit overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat it."
03of 16
African Sweet Potato Stew
View Recipe
This slow-cooked sweet potato and chickpea stew with green beans, fresh jalapeno peppers, and a little peanut butter is perfect for a hearty, healthy weeknight dinner. "This wonderfully slightly spicy stew is true comfort food of the highest order," raves fluffy-not-fat. "Great with sauteed greens!"
04of 16
Eggplant Parmesan For the Slow Cooker
View Recipe
Here's an eggplant Parmesan recipe for the slow cooker! It's made with layers of marinara sauce, breaded and browned eggplant slices, and cheese. "This was a huge hit!" raves TAWANNAM. "Made it exactly as written, but I really only needed three eggplant for my cooker. On low for 4-5 hours was perfect. I will try it without frying as someone else did, but loved the finished product!"
05of 16
Slow Cooker Jambalaya (Vegan)
View Recipe
Seitan and vegan sausage combine with Cajun seasoning, garlic, tomatoes, celery, onion, and bell pepper for an easy weeknight jambalaya. "A good meal to freeze and throw back into the slow cooker on a busy day," says Maggie Huffman. "I prefer the rice cooked separately. You can substitute Creole seasoning for the Cajun seasoning and bok choy for the celery, if desired."
06of 16
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Minestrone
View Recipe
Loaded with wholesome ingredients, this minestrone is the perfect weeknight vegetable soup. "Slow cooking this family favorite soup allows all the flavors and spices to intensify and delivers a delicious, hearty meal every one is sure to enjoy," says laura. "Serve with a green salad and garlic bread for dipping."
07of 16
Beezie's Black Bean Soup
View Recipe
This slow cooker black bean soup features rice, lentils, tomatoes, jalapenos, garlic, and seasonings. "This soup is bursting with healthy goodness, never mind that it tastes so wonderfully yummy," says Beezie. "The soup loves to change, so if you're cleaning out your refrigerator, be creative. It has gained rave reviews from my non-veggie friends and family."
08of 16
Slow Cooker Spinach Marinara Sauce
View Recipe
"Veggie packed pasta sauce prepared in the slow cooker," says DEBNJAMES. "Note -- this is a sweet and spicy tomato sauce so adjust the seasonings (salt, pepper and garlic) to suit your taste!"
09of 16
Hearty Vegan Slow-Cooker Chili
View Recipe
Colorful peppers, zucchini, three kinds of beans, and plenty of spices make an irresistible vegan chili. "We are contemplating a transition to a more vegan or at least vegetarian lifestyle," says sampstar. "This one definitely will be added to our rotation, vegetarian or not. Seems like you can add whatever you have or want."
10of 16
Mushroom Lentil Barley Stew
View Recipe
"This crock pot recipe is easy to assemble and needs no attention while it cooks," says diggergirl. "The flavors blend nicely to give it a wholesome earthy flavor that is unbelievably vegetarian. Serve with garlic bread."
11of 16
Slow Cooker Vegan Leek and Potato Soup
View Recipe
Oat milk stands in for dairy here. Any unsweetened, neutral-flavored, full-bodied vegan milk will work -- flax milk is a good substitute; rice milk is not. "A hearty soup without animal products but still full of rich flavor," says Buckwheat Queen. "Sauteing before slow cooking brings out the flavor of seemingly simple ingredients."
12of 16
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Curry
View Recipe
Curry powder and cumin, turmeric and chili powder develop big flavor with this simple slow cooker curry featuring cauliflower, peas, potatoes, and tomatoes. "This wonderfully aromatic vegetarian curry recipe is made easy in the slow cooker," says Anniesails. "Perfect for a weeknight meal."
13of 16
Cuban Black Bean Soup in the Slow Cooker
View Recipe
"This isn't your mother's slow cooker recipe! No cans of creamed soup or spice packets here," says WorkingCookingMom. "This is a fragrantly spiced, slightly tangy soup full of vegetables and Cuban goodness that's good tasting and good for you. And there's no need to soak the beans overnight! Serve over steaming hot brown rice."
14of 16
Meat-Lovers' Vegetarian Chili
View Recipe
"This is a thick, hearty vegetarian chili that is a hit at parties even among die-hard meat eaters," says J. Phillips. "The TVP gives it the texture of ground beef, and the chiles give it a nice depth of flavor. Cook it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop. I find this tastes best after sitting in the fridge overnight and reheating the next day. Serve with grated cheese on top."
15of 16
Thai Slow Cooker Winter Vegetable Soup
View Recipe
"I usually make this Thai-inspired soup in the slow cooker, but you can make it on the stove as well," says cheekym. "You can serve it to a family with thick consistency as a meal along with naan bread or crusty loaf (my kids ages 2-11 love it!) or serve it to grown-up friends along with a glass of wine! I think it's a very versatile and delicious dish."
16of 16
More Vegetarian Recipes and Ideas
- Our Top Vegetarian Indian Recipes
- The Meat-Eating Family's Guide to Eating Less Meat
- Our Best Vegetarian Greek Recipes
- 5 Super Satisfying Plant-Based Meals
- More Vegetarian Recipes