Description
Crockpot lentil soup is a hearty, nourishing, and flavorful slow cooker recipe made with wholesome vegetables, protein-rich lentils, and aromatic spices. This easy, hands-off meal is perfect for cozy weeknights, meal prep, or freezer-friendly batch cooking. Naturally vegetarian, high in fiber, and customizable, it’s a comforting soup that tastes like it simmered all day.
Ingredients
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 medium carrots, peeled and diced into ½-inch pieces
3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups French green lentils or brown lentils (avoid red lentils)
1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
Parmesan rind (optional)
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
½ tsp granulated sugar
For serving: chopped fresh parsley and Parmesan
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook for about 8 minutes, until soft and browned.
- Stir in carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, then add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Transfer mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add lentils, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 6–8 hours, until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- Remove Parmesan rind (if using). Stir in red wine vinegar and sugar. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- If soup is too thick, thin with extra broth or water. Serve hot with parsley, Parmesan, and crusty bread.
Notes
- Avoid red lentils as they break down too much in slow cooking.
- Add leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes for extra nutrients.
- For a richer flavor, stir in cooked sausage or bacon.
- Vegan-friendly as written—skip Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months in portioned containers.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 13g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
