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Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili Recipe

Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 18 reviews

This Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili is a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious dish perfect for a cozy meal. Packed with protein-rich lentils, black beans, and kidney beans, it combines bold spices and vegetables to create a delicious vegan and gluten-free chili that’s easy to prepare and cook in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale

Legumes and Beans

  • 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: Add the rinsed lentils, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic into the slow cooker pot. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and taco seasoning packet.
  2. Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure the spices and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat. Cook for 6 to 8 hours, or alternatively, set to high heat and cook for 3 to 4 hours. The chili is done when the lentils are tender and all flavors meld together.
  4. Adjust Seasonings: Before serving, taste the chili and adjust salt or spices as desired to suit your preference.
  5. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with your favorite toppings such as sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, or crunchy tortilla chips for extra texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Rinsing lentils and canned beans helps reduce excess sodium.
  • For a spicier chili, increase cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños.
  • This chili freezes well, making it a great dish to prepare in advance.
  • Use vegetable broth low in sodium to control salt content.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for 30 minutes after slow cooking to reduce liquid.

Nutrition

Keywords: lentil chili, slow cooker chili, vegan chili, lentil taco chili, bean chili, easy slow cooker recipe, vegetarian chili, healthy chili

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/slow-cooker-lentil-taco-chili-recipe/