Slow Cooker Lentil Chili

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Lentil Chili. I still remember the cold winter nights when I’d come home from work, feeling the chill in my bones, and the rich aroma of chili would greet me at the door. It became a cozy tradition in my home to throw together this delightful dish in my slow cooker. As the hours passed, the flavors would meld together, creating a hearty meal that felt like a warm embrace. You might be wondering why I love this recipe so much. Well, let me tell you—it’s not just about the taste; it’s about the experience of preparing something so wholesome and delicious that you can share with family and friends. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create pure magic that makes you feel right at home.

Slow Cooker Lentil Chili Shopping List

Before diving into this delicious recipe, let’s talk about the ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that rich, savory flavor. The combination of lentils, vegetables, and spices works together to create a dish that is not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, diced, seeds removed
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow pepper, chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (16 oz) bag brown lentils, rinsed
• 2 (15 oz) cans small red beans, rinsed and drained
• 2-3 tablespoons chili powder (we used 3 tablespoons)
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Method for Slow Cooker Lentil Chili

Making Slow Cooker Lentil Chili is as easy as pie! You just need to gather your ingredients and follow a few simple steps. This method allows all the flavors to develop beautifully over time, leaving you with a rich and hearty meal. Let’s get started!

1. Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the onion, garlic, jalapeño, and the assorted peppers. Don’t rush this step; the fresher the ingredients, the better the result!
2. In a large bowl, combine the diced onion, minced garlic, diced jalapeño, red pepper, yellow pepper, and diced carrot. This mix will form the flavor base of your chili.
3. Now, add the rinsed brown lentils and the red beans to the bowl. These legumes not only contribute protein but also give the chili its hearty texture.
4. Next, pour in the vegetable broth, along with the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy, this is where the flavor really comes alive!
6. Give the mixture a good stir, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated. You want each bite to be packed with flavor!
7. Transfer everything to your slow cooker, spreading it evenly. Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker to high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will yield a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
8. Once cooking is done, check the consistency. If it’s too thick, adding a little more broth can help. If it’s too runny, let it cook a bit longer with the lid off to thicken up.
9. When ready to serve, ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite chili toppings, such as avocado or cheese, if desired.
10. Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Lentil Chili and share it with friends and family. It’s sure to be a hit!

Tips and Variations

Cooking is all about experimenting and making a dish your own. Here are some tips and variations to keep in mind as you prepare your Slow Cooker Lentil Chili.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: This chili freezes beautifully! Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder chili, you can reduce the amount of jalapeño or leave it out entirely.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or corn for added texture and flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: This chili pairs well with cornbread or over rice for a filling meal.

Serving This Slow Cooker Lentil Chili

When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Lentil Chili, the options are plentiful. It makes for a fantastic lunch or dinner option, and it’s especially comforting on cold days. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy this dish:

• Solo Bowl: Serve the chili in a deep bowl, and top it with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing twist.
• With Toppings: Create a toppings bar with options like sour cream, shredded cheese, or diced avocado to let everyone customize their bowls.
• Party Ready: This dish is perfect for gatherings! Serve it in a large pot and let everyone help themselves.
• Accompanying Sides: Pair it with crispy tortilla chips or a slice of warm cornbread for a complete meal.
• Meal Prep: Enjoy it throughout the week by storing leftovers in individual containers for easy lunches.
• Seasonal Delight: Serve during winter holidays or family gatherings, making it a delightful addition to your festive spread.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Lentil Chili is the epitome of comfort food, offering a warming, hearty dish perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation. So gather your ingredients, fire up that slow cooker, and treat yourself to a delicious bowl tonight!

Slow Cooker Lentil Chili

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Lentil Chili is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with nutritious ingredients. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep, this chili warms you from the inside out. Make it tonight and enjoy a delicious bowl of cozy goodness!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 270

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 each jalapeño diced, seeds removed
• 1 each red pepper chopped
• 1 each yellow pepper chopped
• 1 large carrot peeled and diced
• 2.5 cups vegetable broth
• 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
• 2 15 oz cans diced tomatoes
• 1 16 oz bag brown lentils rinsed
• 2 15 oz cans small red beans rinsed and drained
• 2-3 tablespoons chili powder we used 3 tablespoons
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• to taste Salt and black pepper

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Peeler
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. 1. Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the onion, garlic, jalapeño, and the assorted peppers. Don’t rush this step; the fresher the ingredients, the better the result!
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the diced onion, minced garlic, diced jalapeño, red pepper, yellow pepper, and diced carrot. This mix will form the flavor base of your chili.
3. 3. Now, add the rinsed brown lentils and the red beans to the bowl. These legumes not only contribute protein but also give the chili its hearty texture.
4. 4. Next, pour in the vegetable broth, along with the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. 5. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy, this is where the flavor really comes alive!
6. 6. Give the mixture a good stir, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated. You want each bite to be packed with flavor!
7. 7. Transfer everything to your slow cooker, spreading it evenly. Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker to high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will yield a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
8. 8. Once cooking is done, check the consistency. If it’s too thick, adding a little more broth can help. If it’s too runny, let it cook a bit longer with the lid off to thicken up.
9. 9. When ready to serve, ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite chili toppings, such as avocado or cheese, if desired.
10. 10. Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Lentil Chili and share it with friends and family. It’s sure to be a hit!

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: This chili freezes beautifully! Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder chili, you can reduce the amount of jalapeño or leave it out entirely.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or corn for added texture and flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: This chili pairs well with crispy tortilla chips or a slice of warm cornbread for a complete meal.

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Meet Piper Cross

I am obsessed with using fresh, seasonal produce to make meals shine. I believe a squeeze of citrus or a handful of herbs can change everything. I cooked and photographed this dish with a focus on vibrant colors and natural textures, ensuring it looks as good as it tastes when you make it.