Serves: 6–8 | Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
This Chili is So Good!
This slow cooker lentil taco chili is cozy, hearty, and has that perfect taco flavor. It’s one of those dump-it-in-and-forget-it meals that’s awesome for busy nights. It’s got tender lentils, chunky tomatoes, corn, beans, and a smoky taco seasoning that brings it all together. The best part? It’s totally kid-friendly and super affordable to make!
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe came from a busy weeknight when I had no meat thawed, a pantry full of lentils, and a taco craving I couldn’t shake. I threw a few things in the slow cooker, hoped for the best—and it became an instant family favorite.
- It’s meatless but still filling and packed with flavor
- Great for meal prep—leftovers taste even better
- Everyone can top it how they like (cheese, sour cream, chips, avocado!)
- Perfect for a cold day or a game night
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (28 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, lime, tortilla chips
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Rinse lentils well before cooking to avoid a muddy taste.
- Don’t skip the taco seasoning—it’s the flavor hero here!
- Let the kids add their own toppings—they’ll eat more when they “make” it themselves.
- Want it thicker? Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes.
- Freeze leftovers in single portions for easy lunches.
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Can opener
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Lentils: Use green lentils if you don’t have brown.
- Beans: Swap black beans for pinto or kidney.
- Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeño or chipotle peppers.
- Add meat: Brown ½ lb ground turkey or beef and stir in before cooking.
🧊 Make Ahead Tips
- Chop the onion and garlic the night before.
- Measure out all the dry and canned ingredients and keep them in the fridge together in a container.
- You can even add everything to the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight—just pop it in and turn it on in the morning!
👨🍳 How to Make Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili
Step 1: Sauté Onion & Garlic
(If your slow cooker has a sauté function, use it. If not, use a small pan.)
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions: Heat olive oil, then add the onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Ingredients:
- Cooked onion & garlic
- 1 ½ cups brown lentils (rinsed)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans (drained & rinsed)
- 1 (15 oz) can corn (drained)
- 1 (28 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions: Add all ingredients into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook
Instructions: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Stir halfway through if you’re home.
Step 4: Serve & Add Toppings
Instructions: Ladle chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, tortilla chips, or whatever you love!
🥄 What to Serve With
- Cornbread or tortilla chips
- A simple green salad
- Sliced avocado with lime
- Quesadillas or grilled cheese on the side (kid favorite!)
❓ FAQ
Can I use canned lentils?
Not for this one—they’ll get mushy. Use dried lentils for the best texture.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes! Sauté onions/garlic, add everything to a big pot, and simmer for about 45 minutes.
Can I freeze it?
Totally! It freezes beautifully. Just cool completely and freeze in airtight containers.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
- Reheat: Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
🌟 Wrap Up
There you go—easy, healthy, and seriously tasty taco chili you can set and forget. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table, and they always go back for seconds. If you try it, let me know how it goes in the comments—I’d love to hear what toppings your family loves best!
