Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili Recipe
Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili is a hearty and nutritious dish perfect for cozy meals. This vegetarian chili combines lentils, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and corn, all simmered in a flavorful taco seasoning blend. It's a satisfying and easy recipe to prepare in a slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Garnish with cilantro, shredded cheese, or avocado for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes - 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Dry Green or Brown Lentils - 1 1/2 cups, rinsed and drained
- Diced Tomatoes - 2 cans (15 oz each)
- Tomato Sauce - 1 can (8 oz)
- Vegetable Broth - 4 cups
- Onion - 1 medium, diced
- Bell Pepper - 1 large, diced
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
- Corn Kernels - 1 cup (fresh or frozen)
- Black Beans - 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- Kidney Beans - 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- Taco Seasoning - 2 tablespoons
- Chili Powder - 1 tablespoon
- Cumin - 1 teaspoon
- Paprika - 1 teaspoon
- Oregano - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - to taste
- Pepper - to taste
- Lime Juice - 1 tablespoon (optional)
- Cilantro - for garnish (optional)
- Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Avocado, Jalapeños - for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine the lentils, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, garlic, corn, black beans, and kidney beans.
- Stir in taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until lentils are tender.
- Stir in lime juice if using, and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, and optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños.
Notes
- This chili can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder or jalapeños
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg