You Can Make Every Last 1 of These (Delicious!) Plant-Based Dishes in Your Slow Cooker

Updated on Jan 18, 2020 at 10:40 AM

There's a common misconception surrounding the level of planning that's required to really commit to a vegan diet. Although you do have to forgo certain food groups when eating plant-based meals, there's still so much variety to choose from and so many flavor combinations to try.

Vegan meals don't have to be complicated undertakings, either. With a little tweaking, they can be easy to prepare and pack as much of a nutritional punch as those with animal-based proteins. If it's ease you're after, then you're in luck, because the following recipes offer up hearty vegan meals all made with the convenience of a slow cooker. Read on for 18 vegan recipes that require minimum effort and offer up maximum flavor.

— Additional reporting by Hajar Larbah

Thai Butternut Squash Curry

Transport your taste buds with this sweet, spicy, and tangy Thai-inspired curry. Just swap the fish sauce and egg noodles for vegan-friendly alternatives.

Get the recipe:Thai butternut squash curry

White Bean Mashed Potatoes

This creamy recipe swaps butter for white bean puree, made with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. It just sounds delicious, doesn't it?

Get the recipe:white bean mashed potatoes

Spicy Peanut Soup With Sweet Potato and Kale

This spicy soup is so tasty, but be warned: once you have sweet potatoes with peanut butter, you'll never want to eat them alone again.

Get the recipe:spicy peanut soup with sweet potato and kale

Mexican Quinoa Casserole

This protein-packed casserole is a perfect weeknight dinner, and it's so flavorful you'll want to take it to work for lunch the next day.

Get the recipe:Mexican quinoa casserole

Vegan Tikka Masala

Forget chicken masala — tofu is the star of this dish, and it's delicious when served with rice or naan.

Get the recipe:vegan tikka masala

Vegan Potato and White Bean Soup

It really doesn't get any better than this when you want a quick, filling, creamy soup dinner.

Get the recipe:vegan potato and white bean soup

Spaghetti Squash

It's never been simpler to cook (or cut open) spaghetti squash. Once you've prepared it in the slow cooker, you can add the squash to your favorite low-carb dinner recipe.

Get the recipe:spaghetti squash

Indian-Spiced Lentils

Whether you serve this fragrant lentil stew over your favorite grain or have it as is, it's a treat.

Get the recipe:Indian-spiced lentils

Hot Fudge Chocolate Cake

You can enjoy this gooey chocolate delight on its own or with a scoop of your favorite nondairy ice cream.

Get the recipe:hot fudge chocolate cake

Curried Cauliflower, Rice, and Kale Soup

Tired of roasted and riced cauliflower? Time to try this versatile veggie in a delicious slow-cooker soup.

Get the recipe:curried cauliflower, rice, and kale soup

Meal-Stuffed Quinoa Peppers

You need only 10 minutes to prep these peppers before popping them in the slow cooker. If you're always pressed for time, try freezing the stuffed peppers and adding any vegan-friendly toppings like avocado later.

Get the recipe:meal-stuffed quinoa peppers

Pinto Beans

Prep these beans on the weekend, and you'll never be without plant-based protein during the week. Toss them in a salad, rice bowl, stir-fry, and more.

Get the recipe:pinto beans

Vegetable Barley Soup

This soup is an all-in-one Winter filler, packed with flavor, hearty vegetables, and a healthy serving of fibrous grains.

Get the recipe:vegetable barley soup

Sweet Potato Mexican Quinoa

This healthy dish takes just three hours in the slow cooker, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or meal-prep staple.

Get the recipe:sweet potato Mexican quinoa

Kabocha Squash Soup

Prep this no-effort soup ahead of a lazy evening in, and add your favorite crusty bread.

Get the recipe:kabocha squash soup

Chili

When you know you have a busy month ahead, prepare this chili, then pop it in the freezer for later. Serve with lots of avocado and vegan cheese.

Get the recipe:chili

Ultra Creamy Sweet Potatoes

Try eating these "baked" sweet potatoes with black beans, avocado, quinoa, and vegan cheese.

Get the recipe:ultra creamy sweet potatoes

Potato, Corn, and Jalapeño Soup

You'll want to eat this healthy soup all year long. To create the same thickness you'd get from cream, you'll mash some of the potatoes with almond milk.

Get the recipe:potato, corn, and jalapeño soup