Plant-Based Slow Cooker Recipes that are Worth the Wait

All good things come to those who wait — for their crock pot to finish cooking dinner. Because is there anything more satisfying then walking into the kitchen an hour before meal time and seeing that vegan tikka masala or vegetarian chili mac bubbling away?

Slow cooking gives you something to look forward to after a long day; it’ll also save you time and dishes, as many slow cooker recipes are one-pot deals. But the secret to cooking with the crock-pot is timing. Try to anticipate when you’ll want your dish ready to go, and set the timer accordingly. Many crock pots and slow cookers have a high and low setting, which can help you plan your meal perfectly.

We’ve made a list of some of our favorite plant-based recipes that you can make ahead of time with little to no fuss.

Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

This recipe for vegan spinach artichoke dip from Make it Dairy Free is a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead appetizer. Plant-based versions of cream cheese and mayonnaise are used to give the dip its signature creaminess, with vegan cheese and Italian seasonings added for a pop of zesty flavor. Throw all the ingredients in the crock pot and let it do its thing for 30 minutes (or an hour on low).

Slow Cooker Vegan Tikka Masala

No need for takeout if you plan ahead. Capture the silky texture of tikka masala by making this easy slow cooker version that is completely plant-based from Delish Knowledge. Like many slow cooker recipes, this one is simple to prepare and uses a base of tofu and chickpeas followed by a saucy mixture that includes a bold spice mix as well as rich and creamy coconut milk. Set it and forget it for 4 hours (8 hours on low), and dinner is served.

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili Mac

Does it get more comforting than chili mac? And although this recipe calls for shredded cheese, you can easily substitute a plant-based variety to mimic that satisfying stringiness. This slow cooker vegetarian chili mac from Kristine’s Kitchen is packed protein, making for a filling and hearty weeknight meal. Throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker (minus the pasta), and let that baby work for 4 hours (8 hours on low). Cook the pasta separately and combine when you’re ready to eat.

Vegetarian Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole

This vegetarian slow cooker enchilada casserole by Diet and Debbie is a healthier version of the Tex-Mex classic. Chock full of bell pepper, zucchini, corn, and kidney beans and smothered in enchilada sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Lentil Sloppy Joes

The sloppy Joe’s rise to culinary stardom is a modern mystery, but, despite its enigmatic status, it’s still a classic comfort food. Meatless Monday has reinvented the sloppy Joe to make it completely plant-based and vegan-friendly. Using lentils, a mirepoix of vegetables, some seasonings, and a slow cooker, you can capture all of the fun, flavor, and “slop” of the original, sans the meat.

Vegan Jambalaya

Bring some creole into your own kitchen with this vegan jambalaya recipe from Connoisseurs Veg. A big, bold spice blend and your favorite brand of vegan sausage mimics the smoky, satisfying flavor of traditional jambalaya. By using brown rice and a bunch of veggies, this version is more nutritious, yet equally satisfying.

Avocado Pineapple Popsicles

Although this recipe for avocado pineapple popsicles from Sweet Potato Soul doesn’t require a slow cooker, it takes the same amount of time and preparation. Avocado and pineapple make for the perfect blend of smooth, sweet, and tropical, which is sure to refresh you during the sweltering summer months. Simply throw all the ingredients into a blender and freeze during the day or overnight.

Click here for more Meatless Monday recipes. When posting pictures of recipes to your social media network, tag @MeatlessMonday use #MeatlessMonday to show the plant-based community your creation.