Hearty High Protein Crockpot Lentil Taco Chili
A comforting and protein-packed lentil taco chili made easy in the crockpot, perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (300g) dried brown or green lentils
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 14 oz (400g) canned diced tomatoes
- 3 cups (720ml) vegetable broth, low sodium preferred
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream
Instructions
- Rinse 1 ½ cups (300g) dried lentils under cold water in a fine mesh colander and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Transfer sautéed vegetables to the crockpot. Add rinsed lentils, 14 oz (400g) canned diced tomatoes, 3 cups (720ml) vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Add more broth or water if too thick, or cayenne/hot sauce for extra heat.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, shredded cheese, or sour cream.
Notes
Rinse lentils well to avoid gritty texture. Sautéing veggies before slow cooking adds depth but is optional. Stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking. For richer flavor, add cocoa powder or lime juice before serving. Adjust spices to taste. This chili freezes well and tastes better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups per s
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 12
- Protein: 18
Keywords: lentil chili, crockpot chili, high protein chili, vegetarian chili, slow cooker recipe, taco chili, healthy dinner