Name: Easy Crock Pot Lentil Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 20 min
Total time: 4 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 red onion (diced); 1 red bell pepper (diced); 1 green bell pepper (diced); 2 – 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 1/4 cups dried lentils (rinsed); 2 cans kidney beans (15 oz. each); 2 cans diced tomatoes, not drained (15 oz. each); 2 cans tomato sauce (15 oz. each); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth; 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika (preferably smoked paprika); 1 teaspoon oregano; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 41 reviews

If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s incredibly simple to make, you’re going to love this Easy Crock Pot Lentil Chili Recipe. It’s packed with rich flavors from a medley of fresh veggies, spices, and protein-rich lentils that soak up all the warmth and zest in the slow cooker. The best part? You just toss everything in, let it simmer to perfection, and come back to an irresistible bowl of chili that’s perfect for any day. This recipe is a superstar for busy folks and chili lovers alike who want delicious, wholesome food with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a black slow cooker, there are seven visible layers arranged in sections: bright red kidney beans at the bottom left, light brown lentils piled in the center, and chunks of red tomatoes mixed with tomato sauce covering the bottom right. Next to the lentils, on the right, is a mound of dark reddish-brown spices. The top left section has small pieces of chopped red bell pepper, followed by diced purple-red onions at the top center, and chopped green bell pepper on the top right. The ingredients sit in a red liquid base, and the slow cooker is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Easy Crock Pot Lentil Chili Recipe lies in its straightforward, humble ingredients. Each one plays a vital role — from adding sweetness and crunch to layering deep, smoky spices that make each bite unforgettable. Here’s everything you need to gather before you get started:

1/2 red onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and tender bite to balance the spices.
1 red bell pepper (diced): Brings a vibrant pop of color and natural sweetness.
1 green bell pepper (diced): Offers a fresh crunch and earthiness that complements the red pepper.
1 1/4 cups dried lentils (rinsed): The star protein that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
2 cans kidney beans (15 oz.): Provide creamy texture and heartiness to the chili.
2 cans diced tomatoes, not drained (15 oz.): Deliver juicy bursts of acidity and body.
2 cans tomato sauce (15 oz.): Build the chili’s rich, smooth base with tangy depth.
1½ cups vegetable broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses subtle savory notes.
1½ tablespoons chili powder: Injects bold warmth and classic chili flavor.
2 to 3 garlic cloves (minced): Adds aromatic intensity and savory undertones.
2 teaspoons cumin: Brings earthiness and a slightly nutty aroma characteristic of great chili.
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked preferred): Enhances with a smoky richness that pairs perfectly with lentils.
1 teaspoon oregano: Offers herbal brightness and complexity.
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper: Adds a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
½ teaspoon sea salt: Balances all the flavors for full-bodied taste.
½ teaspoon cracked pepper: Gives a subtle kick of spice and freshness.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Thickens the chili near the end and deepens the tomato flavor.

How to Make Easy Crock Pot Lentil Chili Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients

Start by placing the diced red onion, red and green bell peppers, rinsed lentils, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and all your spices (chili powder, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, crushed red pepper, sea salt, and cracked pepper) into the crock pot. Mixing these simple yet bold components in one pot is where the magic of ease begins.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your crock pot and cook on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours or on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. The goal here is to have tender lentils that have absorbed the wonderful chili flavors, while the vegetables soften just right. The slow cooking process melds everything together in a comforting, hearty stew that’s hard to resist.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste for Thickness

About 15 to 30 minutes before serving, stir in the tomato paste. This step is essential as it thickens your chili, giving it that perfect, cozy heft. If you notice the chili has become too thick, simply splash in a bit more vegetable broth to keep the consistency just right.

Step 4: Final Stir and Serve

Give your chili one last gentle stir, then it’s ready to dish out! The flavor layers will be beautifully balanced: hearty lentils, sweet peppers, smoky spices, and rich tomato base making each bowl deeply satisfying.

How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Lentil Chili Recipe

A black slow cooker filled with a thick red chili stew that has multiple layers of texture and color. The base is a rich tomato sauce with visible chunks of soft vegetables in deep red and orange shades. Scattered throughout are small round orange lentils and kidney beans in a dark red-brown tone. A wooden spoon with a smooth light brown handle rests inside on the right side, partially dipped into the chili. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your chili with fresh, flavorful garnishes like chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, or sliced green onions. These add bursts of color, creaminess, and freshness that elevate every spoonful.

Side Dishes

This chili pairs wonderfully with a warm slice of cornbread, crunchy tortilla chips, or even a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. The sides complement the chili’s richness without overpowering it, making your meal feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to family-style or impress guests, try serving the chili in individual bread bowls or over fluffy rice for a twist. You can also ladle it over baked sweet potatoes or stuff it inside bell peppers for colorful, tasty bowls of comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to marry. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and simply reheat when ready to enjoy.

Freezing

This Easy Crock Pot Lentil Chili Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep that wonderful texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat your chili gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. You can add a splash of vegetable broth if it thickens too much. Microwave reheating works fine too—just cover and heat in short intervals for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?

While canned lentils save time, dried lentils develop a richer flavor and better texture during slow cooking in this recipe. If you use canned, reduce cooking time drastically or add them later to avoid mushiness.

Is this chili spicy? How can I adjust the heat level?

The chili has a gentle kick thanks to the crushed red pepper and chili powder, but it’s very customizable. Adjust the crushed red pepper amount or add fresh jalapeños for more heat, or skip the crushed red pepper if you prefer mild.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function for ingredients, then pressure cook on high for about 15 minutes. Allow for natural pressure release to keep the chili rich and flavorful.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

You can use regular paprika if smoked isn’t available, but the smokiness adds a fantastic depth. A small dash of chipotle powder can be a great alternative to bring that smoky flavor too.

Can I add meat to this Easy Crock Pot Lentil Chili Recipe?

Of course! Ground turkey or beef can be browned and added before slow cooking. However, this chili stands powerfully on its own as a vegetarian protein-packed meal.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Crock Pot Lentil Chili Recipe is a true lifesaver for busy days when you want a flavorful, healthy meal without standing over the stove. Its vibrant ingredients and simple steps come together to create a cozy, satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own staple comfort food!