This is one of our favorite slow cooker lentil soup recipes because of its ease of preparation and simple list of ingredients. It’s a hearty, comforting dish, perfect for a cozy family meal. The soup is packed with nutritious ingredients like lentils, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, making it not only delicious but also extremely satisfying. It’s the ideal choice for busy days because it allows you to toss everything in the slow cooker and let it cook hands-free. With minimal effort, you’ll have a flavorful, wholesome meal your family will love.
The soup is versatile, too. Add other ingredients, make it vegan or vegetarian, or experiment with herbs and seasonings to change the flavor profile. It’s bound to be a hit with everyone!
Recipe Variations
- Spicy: Add a bit of heat with 1 teaspoon of chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. Or add a splash of hot sauce or some minced hot pepper, such as serrano or jalapeño.
- Curried: Replace the oregano with 1 tablespoon of curry powder and a dash of turmeric, and add 1 13.5-ounce can of coconut milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
- Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and add extra vegetables, such as zucchini and bell peppers.
- Meaty: Add 8 to 16 ounces of browned sausage or diced ham.
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
- Bread: Choose a crusty baguette, sourdough bread, or warm garlic bread.
- Salad: Add a fresh green salad to cut through the savory richness of the soup. Or choose a Caesar salad with creamy dressing.
- Sandwich: A grilled cheese sandwich would balance the soup nicely.
Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Experience the comfort and convenience of slow cooker lentil soup. Packed with nutritious ingredients, it’s perfect for a cozy family meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Lentils, Soup Recipes
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried lentils (brown or green)
- 2 quarts chicken or vegetable broth (preferably unsalted)
- 2 tablespoons crumbled cooked bacon
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped carrot
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 14.5-ounce can tomatoes (diced)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Have all ingredients chopped, measured, and ready.
- Slow Cook: Add the lentils, broth, bacon, onion, celery, carrots, parsley, garlic, pepper, oregano, and salt to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover the slow cooker and cook for 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high.
- Finish the Dish: Add the tomatoes and vinegar and cook on high for 15 minutes. Ladle into bowls.
- Serve: Garnish with extra parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
