45 Vegetarian Recipes You Can Make in a Slow Cooker (2024)

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45 Vegetarian Recipes You Can Make in a Slow Cooker (1)Hazel WheatonUpdated: Feb. 21, 2023

    Whether you're making a main course, appetizer, soup or side, these vegetarian slow-cooker recipes are the perfect way to go.

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    Potluck Macaroni and Cheese

    You’ll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here’s an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts

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    2/45

    Vegetarian Tortilla Lasagna

    You won't miss the meat in this savory delight. The layered main course is as tasty as it is impressive. Serve warm wedges alongside tortilla chips or a green salad.—Connie L McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware

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    3/45

    Over-the-Rainbow Minestrone

    This colorful soup is vegetarian-friendly and full of fresh flavors from a rainbow of vegetables. You can use any multicolored pasta in place of the spirals. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

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    4/45

    Slow-Cooker Baked Ziti

    I don’t know one family that doesn’t have some crazy, hectic weeknights. This slow-cooker vegetarian baked ziti recipe was a delicious, easy fix for a busy weeknight dinner for our family. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio

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    5/45

    Vegetarian Buffalo Dip

    A friend made Buffalo chicken dip and that got me thinking about creating a vegetarian dip with the same flavors. This addictive dip is so amazing, no one will miss the meat. —Amanda Silvers, Old Fort, Tennessee

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    6/45

    Slow-Cooked Stuffed Peppers

    My favorite kitchen appliance is the slow cooker, and I use mine more than anyone else I know. It does a great job with this good-for-you dish. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska

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    Low and slow is the way to go! Try these vegetarian Dutch oven recipes for more tasty ideas.

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    Slow-Cooker Vegan Chili

    I combine ingredients for this hearty slow-cooker vegan chili the night before, start my trusty slow cooker in the morning and come home to a rich, spicy meal in the evening! —Marjorie Au, Honolulu, Hawaii

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    8/45

    Whenever I go to an event, I'm always asked to bring this hot dip. Five types of cheese make it a standout and oh-so delicious. I love its party-ready convenience—I serve it straight from the slow cooker, so set-up and cleanup are a breeze! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

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    9/45

    Taste of Home

    African Peanut Sweet Potato Stew

    Back when I was in college, my mom made an addicting sweet potato and peanut stew. I shared it with friends, and now all of us serve it to our own kids. They all love it, of course. —Alexis Scatchell, Niles, Illinois

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    10/45

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Frittata Provencal

    This recipe means that a delectable dinner is ready when I walk in the door from work. The vegetarian slow-cooker meal also makes an elegant brunch for lazy weekend mornings. —Connie Eaton, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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    11/45

    Barley Vegetable Soup

    We love this delicious vegetarian soup brimming with veggies and barley. Though it doesn’t taste like it, this is a low-calorie, low-fat recipe! —Mary Tallman, Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin

    12/45

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooked Broccoli

    This family-favorite side dish is quick to fix and full of flavor. Because it simmers in a slow cooker, it frees up my oven for other things. That's a tremendous help when I'm prepping a big meal at home. —Connie Slocum, Antioch, Tennessee

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    13/45

    Marty's Bean Burger Chili

    My husband and I met while working the dinner shift at a homeless shelter that served my chili. I’ve revised the chili using bean veggie burgers. —Marty Nickerson, Ellington, Connecticut

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    14/45

    Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach-Artichoke Dip

    Fresh veggies and crackers will disappear quickly when they're next to this cheesy slow-cooked dip. With smoked Gouda, it has an extra level of flavor that keeps everyone guessing. —Katie Stanczak, Hoover, Alabama

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    15/45

    Slow-Cooker Potluck Beans

    It was the morning of our family potluck and I still needed something to bring. I threw together this recipe while drinking my morning coffee. By the end of the gathering, the beans were all gone and someone had even washed the slow cooker for me! —Mary Anne Thygesen, Portland, Oregon

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    16/45

    Taste of Home

    Mushroom Marsala with Barley

    This vegetarian recipe is a tasty mashup of chicken Marsala and mushroom barley soup. It's terrific as a main dish, but it can also be served, with or without the barley, as a side. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

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    17/45

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Baked Potatoes

    These slow-cooker baked potatoes are so easy—just add your favorite toppings. Save any extra potatoes to make baked potato soup the next day. —Teresa Emrick, Tipp City, Ohio

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    18/45

    Taste of Home

    Sweet Potato Lentil Stew

    I fell in love with the spicy aromas in this sweet potato lentil stew. Add whatever ingredients you have on hand, like zucchini, spinach, kale and corn. —Heather Gray, Little Rock, Arkansas

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    19/45

    Slow-Cooker Chickpea Tagine

    While traveling through Morocco, my wife and I fell in love with the complex flavors of the many tagines we tried. This is a hearty vegetarian version you’ll want to make all winter long. Resist the urge to stir this dish too much, as it will break down the veggies. —Raymond Wyatt, West St. Paul, Minnesota

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    20/45

    Taste of Home

    Party Time Beans

    A friend brought this colorful bean dish to my house for a church circle potluck dinner. As soon as I tasted the slightly sweet slow-cooked beans, I had to have the recipe. I've served the beans and shared the recipe many times since. —Jean Cantner, Boston, Virginia

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    21/45

    Butternut Squash with Whole Grains

    Fresh thyme really shines in this hearty slow-cooked side dish featuring tender butternut squash, nutritious whole grain pilaf and vitamin-packed baby spinach. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    22/45

    Enchilada Pie

    This impressive, hearty dish is perfect for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. —Jacqueline Correa, Landing, New Jersey

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    23/45

    Taste of Home

    This recipe came to me from a friend who had worked at a health food store. I changed a few things until I found a version that my family loved. My son doesn't like things too spicy, so I make the stew milder for him and add a sprinkle of extra spice in mine. My husband, who farms, works outdoors for long hours at a time and finds this soup hearty enough to keep him satisfied. —Melanie MacFarlane, Bedeque, Prince Edward Island

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    24/45

    Butternut Squash Soup with Cinnamon

    The golden color, smooth and creamy texture, and wonderful taste of this soup make it welcome on a chilly fall day. It has a slightly tangy flavor from the cream cheese, and the cinnamon really comes through. —Jackie Campbell, Stanhope, New Jersey

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    25/45

    Warm Feta Cheese Dip

    We’re big on appetizers, so this dip is a mashup of our favorite tastes, like cream cheese, feta, basil and sweet peppers. Serve with bread or chips. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

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    26/45

    Taste of Home

    Italian Spaghetti Squash

    This is a unique and easy way to cook spaghetti squash. Be sure the squash is on the small or medium side so that it fits into the slow cooker after being cut in half. —Melissa Brooks, Sparta, Wisconsin

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    27/45

    Taste of Home

    Simple Vegetarian Slow-Cooked Beans

    When I have a hungry family to feed, these tasty beans with spinach, tomatoes and carrots are a go-to dish. This veggie delight is frequently on our menu. —Jennifer Reid, Farmington, Maine

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    28/45

    Taste of Home

    Cheesy Spinach

    My daughter often serves this cheese and spinach blend at church suppers. Even people who don't usually eat spinach like this flavorful dish once they try it. There are never any leftovers. —Frances Moore, Decatur, Illinois

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    29/45

    Taste of Home

    Maple-Walnut Sweet Potatoes

    Topped with dried cherries and walnuts, this side is downright delicious. Even people who aren't into sweet potatoes will grab a second scoop. —Sarah Herse, Brooklyn, New York

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    30/45

    Taste of Home

    No-Fuss Potato Soup

    For a busy-day supper, my family loves to have big steaming, delicious bowls of this soup, along with fresh bread from our bread machine. —Dotty Egge, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota

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    31/45

    Taste of Home

    Cheddar Creamed Corn

    I took this super easy recipe to a school potluck once and it was gone in no time. I’ve been asked to bring it to every function since. —Jessica Maxwell, Englewood, New Jersey

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    Championship Bean Dip

    My friends and neighbors expect me to bring this irresistible dip to every gathering. When I arrive, they ask, "You brought your bean dip, didn't you?" If there are any leftovers, we use them to make bean and cheese burritos the next day. —Wendi Wavrin Law, Omaha, Nebraska

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    34/45

    Taste of Home

    Cheese-Stuffed Sweet Onions

    These onions are cooked in vegetable broth and stuffed with a delicious blend of cheeses. Experiment to find the blend you like. Instead of goat cheese, try cream cheese or mascarpone. You could substitute Gorgonzola cheese for the blue cheese, and in place of Romano, you could use Parmesan. Any blend is delicious! —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

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    35/45

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooked Beans

    This flavorful bean dish adds nice variety to any buffet because it’s a bit different from traditional baked beans. It’s a snap to prepare, too, since it uses convenient canned beans, barbecue sauce and salsa. —Joy Beck, Cincinnati, Ohio

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    36/45

    Slow-Cooked Lemony Spring Veggies

    These spuds do a slow simmer with carrots and onion for a comfort side that bucks up any entree. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of chives. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    37/45

    Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes

    Cream cheese is the secret ingredient in these comforting spuds. Simply mash, mix and let them warm in the slow cooker. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas

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    38/45

    Mexican Fondue

    A handful of items and a few moments of prep work are all you'll need for this festive fondue. Not only does it take advantage of canned goods and other convenience items, but the slow cooker does all the work. —Nella Parker, Hersey, Michigan

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    39/45

    Spinach White Bean Soup

    After a busy day as a college nursing professor, I love to come home to this slow cooker white bean soup. It provides plenty of nutrients to keep me healthy. —Brenda Jeffers, Ottumwa, Iowa

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    40/45

    A rich blend of spices adds flavor to tender, nutritious bulgur and garbanzo beans in this tangy dish that has just the right amount of heat. A hint of sweetness from golden raisins is the perfect accent. —Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California

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    41/45

    Taste of Home

    Hearty Vegetable Split Pea Soup

    This vegetarian slow-cooker soup is my secret weapon on busy days. It’s delicious served with oyster crackers that are tossed in a bit of melted butter and herbs and then lightly toasted in the oven. —Whitney Jensen, Spring Lake, Michigan

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    42/45

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooked Vegetables

    I like to simmer this satisfying side dish in my Crock-Pot. Vegetables, especially the garden-fresh kind, are my favorite to use for potlucks. My sister-in-law shared the recipe with me. —Kathy Westendorf, Westgate, Iowa

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    Taste of Home

    Zippy Bean Stew

    This bean stew is a staple for my co-workers and me once the weather turns cool. Although this is a low-fat dish, it definitely doesn't taste like it! —Debbie Matthews, Bluefield, West Virginia

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    45/45

    Creamy Artichoke Dip

    My sister Teresa got this recipe from a friend and she passed it along. It's loaded with cheese, artichokes and just the right amount of jalapenos for a crowd-pleasing flavor. —Mary Spencer, Greendale, Wisconsin

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    Originally Published: May 01, 2020

    45 Vegetarian Recipes You Can Make in a Slow Cooker (44)

    Hazel Wheaton

    Hazel is a writer and editor who has worked in the publishing industry for over 25 years in the fields of travel, jewelry arts and food. As the editor of the Taste of Home Christmas Annual (among other titles), she's in the holiday spirit all year round. An enthusiastic baker, she's known for her cookies, cakes and other baked goods. And she still wishes she could cook like her mother.

    45 Vegetarian Recipes You Can Make in a Slow Cooker (2024)

    FAQs

    Is a slow cooker worth it for a vegetarian? ›

    And just like slow-cooking meat, slow-cooking vegetables will draw out flavors and turn your dishes incomparably moist. The slow cooker is a great way to imbue extra flavor in your vegetarian soups and stews, but the possibilities don't stop there.

    What vegetables are good in a slow cooker? ›

    The best vegetables for a slow cooker are sturdier veggies like celery, carrots, tomatoes, onions, peppers and green beans, like we used in this recipe. Also, cauliflower, corn, beets, potatoes (both Russet and sweet), mushrooms and squash are all great contenders, too.

    What vegetables should not be added to a slow cooker? ›

    Vegetables such as peas, asparagus and peppers can become a flavorless, mushy mess in a slow cooker.

    Does veg go in first in slow cooker? ›

    Add root vegetables to your slow cooker dish at the beginning of your cooking time. If cooking a large joint cut of meat like a lamb shoulder, put your vegetables in the bottom of the pot and place the meat on top. For tender and evenly cooked vegetables, aim to cut them around the same size.

    Can you put raw meat in slow cooker with vegetables? ›

    "Raw meat is a slow-cooker staple, but you may need to add it to the pot before adding other ingredients like green vegetables," she shared. "Browning meat in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker has been a game-changer for my slow-cooker meals.

    Is it cheaper to use a slow cooker or a cooker? ›

    Slow cookers typically cost less to run than an oven. They won't necessarily save you money compared with using an induction hob, or even a gas hob. Making exact comparisons is difficult, because there can be lots of variables, such as the type of hob and how you use it.

    Can you put raw onion in slow cooker? ›

    Onion - the One Ingredient You Must Pre-Cook Before Adding to Your Slow Cooker! Never add onions to a slow cooker dish that you haven't sautéed first – I find you get that slight raw onion flavour throughout and it just ruins the dish for me. I really think it's worth the extra effort.

    Should liquid cover vegetables in slow cooker? ›

    Reduce liquid when using a slow cooker

    It should just cover the meat and vegetables. Don't overfill your slow cooker, or it may start leaking out the top, and the food won't cook so well.

    Why are my carrots still hard in the slow cooker? ›

    If you don't have enough liquid in the pot, the carrots won't cook evenly and may stay tough. Aim for at least a cup or two of liquid, enough to reach about a third of the way up on the ingredients.

    What happens if you don't brown meat before slow cooker? ›

    Browning Is Better

    And if you dredge the meat in flour before you brown it, your sauce will thicken up to make a gravy. You should always brown ground beef or any ground meat in a skillet before adding it to your slow cooker to prevent the meat from clumping up or from adding excess grease to your cooked dish.

    Can you put raw hamburger in a slow cooker? ›

    Absolutely, which is why you should always adjust times and amounts as needed. Smaller amounts of slow cooker hamburger only need a few hours before they are done.

    Why are my potatoes and carrots still hard in slow cooker? ›

    Insufficient Liquid: If there wasn't enough liquid in the crockpot, it could have caused uneven cooking. Potatoes need to be fully submerged in liquid to cook evenly. Old Potatoes: Very old or stored potatoes can become starchy and may not soften as well during cooking. It's best to use fresh, firm potatoes.

    Can you put frozen veg straight into slow cooker? ›

    Frozen vegetables however, can be added to the slow cooker from frozen. So you can defrost the meat in the fridge overnight and prepare the meal for your slow cooker the following morning for that evening's meal. Slow cookers cook food slow and low.

    When should I add potatoes to slow cooker? ›

    The potatoes and carrots should only be added during the last 45 minutes of cooking so they don't overcook.

    Does veg shrink in slow cooker? ›

    The answer is yes. LiveStrong says cooking your food too long in a slow cooker can cause the ingredients to shrink and lose any tenderness they once had. However, other ingredients might turn mushy, which is also something no home cook is looking to achieve.

    Is it worth using a slow cooker? ›

    So, in conclusion, slow cookers are great. They're a convenient, cost-effective, and versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to make a wide range of delicious meals with minimal effort. Whether you're cooking for your partner or entertaining guests, a slow cooker is nice to have in any kitchen.

    What are the advantages and disadvantages of a slow cooker? ›

    While there are some disadvantages to using a slow cooker, such as the risk of overcooking food or forgetting to turn it off, these generally pale in comparison to the benefits. For busy families or those who enjoy coming home to a hot meal, a slow cooker can be a great addition to any kitchen.

    Do slow cookers take nutrients out of food? ›

    Because of the lower temperature, the nutrients in the food remain more stable than other methods of cooking. By virtue of being in sealed unit, whether using an electric slow cooker or in a casserole dish in your oven, any of the nutrients usually lost in the liquid from heat are simply reabsorbed into the meal.

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