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Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili

Flavor-Packed Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili (Easy & Vegan)

  • Author: Lyndy
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This **Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili** is a hearty, plant-based comfort food perfect for weeknights or meal prep. Packed with protein-rich lentils, beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, corn, and taco-inspired spices, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and family-approved. Just toss everything in the crock-pot and let it simmer into a bold, flavorful chili that’s customizable with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dry brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • Juice of 1 lime (added at the end)
  • Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, tortilla strips, dairy-free sour cream, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prep veggies: Dice onion, bell pepper, and mince garlic.
  2. (Optional) Sauté: Cook onion, pepper, and garlic in olive oil for 3–5 minutes for extra flavor.
  3. Combine ingredients: Add lentils, beans, tomatoes, corn, spices, and broth into slow cooker. Stir well.
  4. Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6–7 hours, until lentils are tender.
  5. Finish: Stir in lime juice, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with toppings.

Notes

  • Use green or brown lentils for best texture — red lentils become mushy.
  • Don’t skip the lime juice at the end; it brightens the flavors.
  • Make it spicier with jalapeño, chipotle, or cayenne.
  • Add extra protein by stirring in quinoa or more beans.
  • Stir in spinach or kale during the last 15 minutes for added nutrients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Soup, Vegan, Slow Cooker
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 12g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili, Vegan Chili Crockpot, Lentil Chili Recipe, Crockpot Taco Chili, Vegetarian Slow Cooker Chili

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Find it online: https://lyndyskitchen.com/slow-cooker-lentil-taco-chili/