Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili Recipe

Looking for a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that will satisfy the whole family? This Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with protein, fiber, and bold taco flavors, this chili is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or meal prep for the week. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Read on to discover how to make this flavorful dish, along with tips for perfecting it and variations to suit your taste.

this Recipe

What is Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili?

Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili is a savory and satisfying dish that combines the heartiness of lentils with the bold, spicy flavors of taco seasoning. It’s a one-pot meal that comes together effortlessly in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours of slow cooking. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, as lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a fantastic option for a meatless meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or substance.

Ingredients List for Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili

Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients you’ll need to create this flavorful chili. Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need:

1. Dry Green or Brown Lentils - 1 ½ cups, rinsed and drained
2. Diced Tomatoes - 2 cans (15 oz each)
3. Tomato Sauce - 1 can (8 oz)
4. Vegetable Broth - 4 cups
5. Onion - 1 medium, diced
6. Bell Pepper - 1 large, diced
7. Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
8. Corn Kernels - 1 cup (fresh or frozen)
9. Black Beans - 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
10. Kidney Beans - 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
11. Taco Seasoning - 2 tablespoons
12. Chili Powder - 1 tablespoon
13. Cumin - 1 teaspoon
14. Paprika - 1 teaspoon
15. Oregano - 1 teaspoon
16. Salt - to taste
17. Pepper - to taste
18. Lime Juice - 1 tablespoon (optional)
19. Cilantro - for garnish (optional)
20. Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Avocado, Jalapeños - for serving (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about this Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili is how versatile it is. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

1. Lentils: If you don’t have green or brown lentils, you can substitute red lentils, though they tend to break down more, giving the chili a different texture. You can also use canned lentils to save time, but reduce the cooking time if you do so.
2. Beans: Feel free to mix and match beans to your liking. Pinto beans or chickpeas work well as substitutes for black or kidney beans.
3. Spice Level: If you like your chili spicier, add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder or use a mild taco seasoning.
4. Vegetables: Add more vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or even sweet potatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
5. Meat Option: While this is a vegetarian recipe, you can add ground beef, turkey, or chicken if you prefer. Simply brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making this Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili is incredibly easy, and with the help of your slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prep the Vegetables: Start by dicing the onion and bell pepper, and mincing the garlic. Set these aside.
2. Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, vegetable broth, onion, bell pepper, garlic, corn, black beans, kidney beans, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, but the longer cooking time on low allows the flavors to develop more deeply.
4. Check the Texture: After the cooking time has passed, check the lentils for tenderness. They should be soft but still hold their shape. If the chili is too thick, you can add a bit more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
5. Final Touches: Once the chili is ready, stir in the lime juice for a fresh burst of flavor, if using. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

How to Cook Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili is a straightforward process, but a few tips can help ensure your chili turns out perfect every time:

1. Layering Ingredients: While it’s tempting to just toss everything into the slow cooker at once, layering your ingredients can help distribute flavors more evenly. Start with the lentils and beans at the bottom, followed by the vegetables, and then the liquid ingredients and spices on top.
2. Stirring: Once you’ve added all your ingredients, give everything a good stir to ensure the spices are well distributed. Stirring a few times during cooking, if possible, can also help, though it’s not strictly necessary.
3. Avoid Overcooking: While slow cookers are designed to cook food gently over a long period, it’s still possible to overcook lentils, especially if you’re cooking on the high setting. Keep an eye on the chili, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to ensure the lentils maintain their texture.
4. Thickening the Chili: If your chili turns out thinner than you’d like, you can thicken it by mashing some of the lentils and beans with the back of a spoon or using an immersion blender for a few pulses. Alternatively, you can let it cook with the lid off for the last 30 minutes to reduce some of the liquid.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest recipes can go awry. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili:

1. Not Rinsing the Lentils: Lentils often have small stones or debris mixed in with them, so be sure to rinse and sort through them before adding them to the slow cooker.
2. Adding Too Much Liquid: It’s better to start with the recommended amount of liquid and add more if needed. Too much liquid can make the chili soupy instead of thick and hearty.
3. Skipping the Seasoning Adjustment: Slow cooking can sometimes mellow out flavors. Taste your chili towards the end of cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed, especially with salt and spices.
4. Using the Wrong Lentils: Red lentils cook much faster than green or brown lentils and will break down more, leading to a mushier chili. Stick with green or brown lentils unless you prefer a softer texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili is ready, the way you serve and present it can make a big difference in the overall dining experience.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili

1. Classic Style: Serve your chili in bowls with a variety of toppings on the side, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños. Let everyone customize their bowl to their liking.
2. With Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier meal, serve the chili over a bed of rice or quinoa. This adds extra bulk and makes the dish even more filling.
3. Taco Style: Use the chili as a filling for soft or hard tacos. Top with your favorite taco toppings for a fun twist on taco night.
4. With Cornbread: Chili and cornbread are a classic combination. Serve a slice of warm cornbread alongside your chili for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Presentation Ideas for Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili

1. Garnish Generously: A sprinkling of fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and a few slices of avocado can make your chili look restaurant-worthy.
2. Use Colorful Bowls: Serving the chili in brightly colored or patterned bowls adds a visual appeal that complements the vibrant colors of the dish.
3. Group Toppings: Arrange toppings in small bowls and place them around the main serving dish. This not only looks attractive but also encourages guests to customize their own chili.

Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili Recipe Tips

To make the best Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili, keep these additional tips in mind:

1. Make It Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time and reheating it when you’re ready to eat. The flavors will have even more time to meld together.
2. Freeze for Later: This chili freezes exceptionally well. Divide leftovers into freezer-safe containers for quick meals later on. Thaw and reheat as needed.
3. Double the Batch: If you have a large slow cooker, double the recipe to ensure you have plenty of leftovers for the week or to share with friends.
4. Adjust for Salt: Canned beans and broth can vary in salt content. Taste your chili towards the end of cooking and adjust the salt level to your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use canned lentils instead of dry lentils?
A: Yes, you can use canned lentils, but reduce the cooking time and be aware that the chili might be less thick since canned lentils are already cooked.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make this chili on the stovetop instead of in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Simply simmer the ingredients in a large pot on the stovetop for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the lentils are tender.

Q: Is this chili spicy?
A: The spice level is moderate, but you can adjust it to your liking by adding more or less chili powder or incorporating fresh chilies.

Q: Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
A: Yes, chicken broth can be used if you’re not making a vegetarian version of this chili.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili is a fantastic dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to make and full of nutrition. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With simple ingredients, straightforward instructions, and plenty of room for customization, this chili is perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and serving suggestions to make this recipe truly your own. Happy cooking!

Print