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This hearty slow cooker lentil soup stew is packed with vegetables, herbs, and rich flavor for a cozy, comforting meal. It’s wholesome, budget-friendly, and easy enough for weeknights. Bonus: it reheats beautifully for meal prep.
Looking for more cozy dinner inspiration? Try my creamy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Soup, classic Hearty Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, or easy pantry-friendly 8 Can Chicken Taco Soup.
Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Stew is a hearty vegetarian crockpot recipe made with carrots, celery, onion, diced tomatoes, and lentils simmered in broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, this healthy slow cooker soup is protein-packed, flavorful, and freezer-friendly. A wholesome, budget-friendly recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
If you love veggie-packed meals, don’t miss my Slow Cooker Italian Vegetable and Sausage Soup, hearty Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew, or creamy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe…
- Step-by-Step Recipe Video
- Lentil Soup Stew Main Ingredients
- Rest of the Ingredients
- Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Stew Variations
- How To Make Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Stew
- Tips & Tricks
- Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Stew FAQs
- Serving Suggestions for Lentil Soup Stew
- Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating for Lentil Soup Stew
- Desserts You Need to Make with These Soups
- Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Stew Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe…
This slow cooker lentil stew is hearty and filling without being heavy. It’s loaded with vegetables, naturally high in protein, and seasoned with Italian herbs for big flavor. The balsamic vinegar adds depth, while Parmesan brings it all together.
Recipe at a Glance
⏰ Ready In: 7 hours
🛒 Key Ingredients: Lentils, carrots, diced tomatoes
🍽️ Servings: 6–8
👩🍳 Difficulty: Easy
🧊 Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for fridge or freezer storage
For cozy comfort flavors, try Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup, cheesy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, or spicy Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Made With Love,
– Julia
Step-by-Step Recipe Video
Don’t scroll any further just yet — watch this quick 1-2 minute video to see exactly how this recipe comes together! It’s the easiest way to learn before you cook.
Lentil Soup Stew Main Ingredients
This recipe uses simple, budget-friendly pantry staples that transform into a satisfying and nourishing soup.
- Lentils: Green or brown lentils hold their shape while cooking, making the stew hearty and filling.
- Carrots, celery, onion: Classic aromatic trio for flavor and bulk.
- Diced tomatoes: A mix of Italian-seasoned and plain tomatoes adds richness and acidity.
- Balsamic vinegar + brown sugar: Balance the flavors and add subtle sweetness.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts on top of each serving for a savory finish.
Fans of Tex-Mex flavors will love my Slow Cooker Taco Soup, flavorful Slow Cooker Chili, and creamy Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup.
Rest of the Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 6 cups vegetable broth
A full ingredient list with exact amounts is available in the recipe card below.
Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Stew Variations
- Protein: Stir in cooked chicken sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Greens: Add spinach or kale in the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Texture: Blend part of the soup with an immersion blender for creaminess.
- Vegan: Skip the Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese.
For another cozy crockpot meal, try my Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup.
How To Make Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Stew
This easy meatless main dish comes together for a quick weeknight dinner.
Step 1: Prep the Veggies. Dice the onion, slice the celery and carrots, and rinse the lentils.
Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker. Add onion, celery, carrots, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic, diced tomatoes (with juices), broth, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and lentils. Stir well.
Step 3: Cook.
Low: 7 hours
High: 5 hours
The lentils should be tender and the vegetables soft.
Step 4: Finish & Serve. Taste, adjust seasoning, and ladle into bowls. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.
Full step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below, which you can also print to save for later.
Tips & Tricks
- Rinse lentils well and pick over them for debris before adding.
- Use green or brown lentils — red lentils will break down too much.
- Add greens near the end to keep them bright and tender.
Round out your meal with Easy One Hour Dinner Rolls or pair with a hearty casserole like Onion Chicken Potato Casserole, Zuppa Toscana Casserole, Spinach Chicken Orzo Casserole, or my comforting Creamy Chicken and Egg Noodles.
Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Stew FAQs
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Which lentils are best?
Green or brown lentils hold up well in the slow cooker. Avoid red lentils.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes — just skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
Serving Suggestions for Lentil Soup Stew
- Add warm crusty bread for dipping.
- Serve with a fresh green salad.
- Top with extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or olive oil drizzle.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating for Lentil Soup Stew
Store: Refrigerate up to 5 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop or in microwave.
Desserts You Need to Make with These Soups
No cozy dinner is complete without a sweet ending! Pair your favorite slow cooker soup with one of these easy desserts:
If you liked this Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Stew, tag me on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking to be shared on my story!
Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Stew
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, sliced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes with Italian seasonings
- 1 15 oz can plain diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups green or brown lentils, rinsed and picked over
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Dice onion, slice celery and carrots, rinse lentils.
- Add onion, celery, carrots, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic, tomatoes, broth, vinegar, brown sugar, and lentils to slow cooker. Stir.
- Cover and cook on LOW 7 hours or HIGH 5 hours.
- Stir, taste, and adjust seasoning.
- Ladle into bowls, top with Parmesan, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
