Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Stew: A Hearty & Healthy Vegetarian Recipe

This hearty slow cooker lentil soup stew is the perfect cozy and comforting meal, brimming with vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a rich, satisfying flavor. It’s a wholesome, budget-friendly option that’s incredibly easy to prepare, even on busy weeknights. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping!

Looking for more comforting dinner ideas? Be sure to try our creamy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Soup, our classic Hearty Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, or our simple, pantry-friendly 8 Can Chicken Taco Soup.

Our Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Stew is a wonderfully hearty vegetarian crockpot recipe. We combine nutritious carrots, crisp celery, savory onion, juicy diced tomatoes, and protein-rich lentils, all simmered slowly in a flavorful broth. This makes it perfect for cozy dinners or convenient meal prep. This healthy slow cooker soup is packed with protein, full of flavor, and ready for the freezer for later enjoyment. This wholesome, budget-friendly recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, a dish you’ll turn to time and time again.

If you’re a fan of vegetable-packed meals, you’ll absolutely love our Slow Cooker Italian Vegetable and Sausage Soup, our hearty Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew, or our creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup. These recipes are bursting with flavor and perfect for a satisfying and nourishing meal.

Step-by-Step Recipe Video

Before you scroll any further, we highly recommend you watch this quick, 1-2 minute video to see exactly how this recipe comes together! It’s the easiest way to learn the recipe and get a feel for the cooking process before you start.

Lentil Soup Stew Main Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, budget-friendly pantry staples. With these humble ingredients, you can transform them into a satisfying and nourishing soup.

• Lentils: Green or brown lentils are ideal. They hold their shape beautifully during the slow cooking process, giving the stew a hearty and satisfying texture.
• Carrots, celery, onion: This is the classic aromatic trio that forms the foundation of many delicious soups and stews, adding depth and complexity to the flavor.
• Diced tomatoes: Using a combination of Italian-seasoned and plain diced tomatoes adds a rich, vibrant flavor and a touch of acidity that perfectly balances the other ingredients.
• Balsamic vinegar + brown sugar: This combination balances the flavors beautifully, adding a subtle sweetness and a touch of tanginess that elevates the overall taste of the soup.
• Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top of each serving adds a wonderful savory finish, enhancing the comforting flavor of the stew.

If you are fans of Tex-Mex flavors, then you’ll certainly enjoy our Slow Cooker Taco Soup, our flavorful Slow Cooker Chili, and our creamy Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup. Each one of these soups has a unique and appealing flavor profile.

Rest of the Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 6 cups vegetable broth

A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Stew Variations

• Protein: Stir in cooked chicken sausage, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to add extra protein and heartiness to the soup.
• Greens: Add fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last 20 minutes of cooking to boost the nutritional value and add a pop of color.
• Texture: Blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender to create a creamier texture while still maintaining the heartiness of the stew.
• Vegan: Easily make this recipe vegan by simply skipping the Parmesan cheese or using a plant-based cheese alternative.

For another cozy crockpot meal option, check out our Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup. A delicious and comforting choice.

How To Make Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Stew

This easy, meatless main dish comes together for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Step 1: Prep the Veggies. Dice the onion, slice the celery and carrots, and rinse the lentils under cold water.

Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker. Add the diced onion, sliced celery, carrots, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and rinsed lentils to the slow cooker. Stir everything well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cook.
Low: Cook on low heat for 7 hours.
High: Alternatively, cook on high heat for 5 hours.
The lentils should be tender and the vegetables soft when it’s ready.

Step 4: Finish & Serve. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Full step-by-step instructions are available in the recipe card below, which you can also print to save for later.

Serving Suggestions for Lentil Soup Stew

• Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Accompany the soup with a fresh green salad to create a balanced and nutritious meal.
• Top each bowl with extra grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a drizzle of olive oil for richness.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating for Lentil Soup Stew

Store: Refrigerate the cooked lentil soup in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It’s a great way to have a healthy meal ready to go!

Freeze: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy later.

Reheat: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl until heated through. Add a splash of broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.

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Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Stew

By:

Julia Pacheco

Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Stew is a hearty vegetarian crockpot dinner with lentils, carrots, celery, and tomatoes. Healthy, comforting, and freezer-friendly.

Prep:

10
minutes

mins

Total:

7
hours

hrs

Servings:
6

Save Recipe