Slow Cooker Lentil Soup is hearty, veggie-forward with lentils, tomatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and simple seasonings. Serve with warm, crusty bread or a quick green salad on the side.
Lentil Soup in the Crockpot
I like this crockpot recipe for its simplicity and budget-friendly ingredients list. Pantry staples and a few basic veggies are all you need, which is the same reason I make my Slow Cooker Pinto Beans on repeat.
On busy days, it’s nice to have dinner already simmering away while I’m doing other things. By evening, the lentils are tender, the vegetables have softened, and the broth has a rich, savory aroma.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
Here’s what you’ll need. Exact amounts are listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Dried Lentils – Use regular brown lentils; they hold their shape nicely in long cooking.
- Petite Diced Tomatoes – The smaller size blends evenly throughout the soup.
- Carrots, Celery, and Onion – This classic vegetable trio softens nicely and adds steady flavor as the lentils cook.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds a mellow, savory flavor to the broth.
- Smoked Paprika – For warmth with a hint of smokiness.
- Dried Thyme – A subtle herbal note that works well with lentils.
- Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper – For light seasoning throughout the pot.
- Bay Leaves – Infuse the soup with gentle flavor while it simmers.
- Chicken-Style Broth – Use your favorite vegetarian broth; I like Better Than Bouillon’s No-Chicken Base.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lentil Soup
STEP ONE: Combine Ingredients.
Add all ingredients to a 6-quart slow cooker and stir well.
STEP TWO: Cook.
Cover and cook on Low for 7 hours or High for 3 hours, until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
STEP THREE: Finish.
Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.
Slow Cooker Lentil Soup FAQs
Can Green or Red Lentils Be Used Instead of Brown Lentils?
Yes. Green lentils cook at a similar rate and hold their shape well. Red lentils won’t work for this one; they break down too much and change the texture.
Can this Recipe be Doubled?
Yes, but you’ll need a larger 10-quart slow cooker to allow enough room for the broth and for the lentils to expand.
Should the Lentils be Soaked First?
No soaking is needed. Just rinse and add them straight into the slow cooker.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth as needed to loosen the soup.
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Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried brown lentils rinsed
- 1 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup yellow onion chopped
- 1 cup carrots sliced
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 cups chicken-style broth
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a 6-quart slow cooker and stir well.
- Cover and cook on Low for 7 hours or High for 3 hours, until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.
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