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I’m excited to share this hearty, healthy, and delicious vegetarian chili that also happens to be Zero (0) WW Points! It’s the kind of recipe I love to make on a lazy day—you just toss everything into the slow cooker, give it a stir, and let dinner cook itself.

Lentils are the star here. They are loaded with protein and fiber, so this chili is incredibly filling and satisfying, even without meat. Sometimes I will stir in a can of beans for variety, but honestly, it’s so good on its own you won’t even miss them.

This recipe makes a big batch, which means you can enjoy a bowl tonight and freeze the rest for easy, healthy meals later.

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Bowl of Vegetarian Lentil Chili garnished with feta cheese and cilantro on a Christmas tablecloth.
WW Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Zero WW Points makes it a guilt-free comfort food.
  • Protein-packed lentils keep you full and satisfied.
  • Hands-off cooking — the slow cooker does all the work.
  • Versatile and customizable with beans, veggies, or spices.
  • Freezer-friendly — perfect for meal prep and busy weeks.
Uncooked brown lentils in a large wooden spoon.
Dry Brown Lentils

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to make this easy vegetarian lentil chili:

  • Onion – Adds savory depth and sweetness as it cooks down.
  • Bell pepper – I used red, but any color will work to add freshness and crunch.
  • Carrots – Natural sweetness and hearty, they balance the spices.
  • Garlic – Fresh cloves or jarred minced garlic both work well.
  • Chili powder – Gives the chili its warm, smoky backbone of flavor.
  • Ground cumin – Adds earthy, nutty spice that pairs beautifully with lentils.
  • Dried oregano – A touch of herbal flavor that rounds out the seasoning.
  • Water – Forms the base of the chili and allows the lentils to cook through.
  • Brown lentils – The heart of the dish; protein- and fiber-rich.
  • Fire-roasted diced tomatoes – Add tang, richness, and a hint of smokiness.
  • Salt – Brings all the flavors together.
  • Optional garnishes – Fresh cilantro and lime wedges brighten each bowl.

Variations

  • Add beans – Stir in black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans for variety.
  • Spice it up – Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
  • Try different spices – Smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor.
  • Vegetable boost – Corn, zucchini, or spinach would work well here.

Calories and WW Points

According to my calculations each generous 1-1/4 cup serving has:

  • Calories: 101 calories
  • Points: 0
    To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
    (You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
  • Old WW Points: 3 PointsPlus

How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Lentil Chili, Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

Chop the onion, bell pepper, carrots, and garlic. Pick through, rinse, and drain the lentils.

Step 2: Add everything to the slow cooker

Combine the onion, bell pepper, carrots, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, water, lentils, tomatoes, and salt in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook low and slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Garnish and serve

Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot, topped with cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Serving Suggestions

  • Top with your favorite chili toppings: cheese, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, chopped onion, light sour cream or plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • Over rice, cauliflower rice, baked potato, zucchini, cornbread, or noodles
  • Rolled or stuffed into a tortilla

Additions and Variations

Possible Additions: canned beans, rinsed and drained. Black bean, pinto bean, kidney bean would all work well.

Spicier? Add a chopped jalapeno chili or two and/or bit of cayenne pepper.

Different spices? smoked paprika would be nice.

Serving Suggestions

This lentil chili is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

  • Topped with cheese, avocado, onions, or Greek yogurt.
  • Served over rice, cauliflower rice, or a baked potato.
  • With a side of cornbread or warm tortillas.
  • Rolled into a wrap for an easy next-day lunch.

If you like this WW Zero Point Vegetarian Lentil Chili you might also like: Spicy Red Lentil Soup, Savory Slow Cooker Brown Rice & Lentils, 3-Ingredient Crock Pot BBQ Lentils, WW Slow Cooker Vegetarian 2-Bean Burritos and Vegetarian Chili

If you’ve made this Vegetarian Crock Pot Lentil Chili, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

WW Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili
4.14 from 45 votes

WW Slow Cooker Vegetarian Lentil Chili

Simple and delicious Vegetarian Lentil Chili you make in the crock pot. With just 101 calories and Zero WW Points per serving, it's the ideal guilt-free meal.
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 6 hours
Total: 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
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Ingredients 

  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 medium green bell pepper (I used red instead)
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (I used 1 teaspoon jarred instead)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder (or to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 6 cups water
  • 2 cups brown lentils, picked over, rinsed and drained
  • 14 ounces canned diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish, optional

Instructions 

  • Ideal Slow Cooker Size: 4- to 6-Quart.
  • Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on LOW until the lentils and vegetables are tender, 6 to 8 hours.
  • Serve garnished with lime and chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Serving size: 1-1/4 cups
WW Points: 0
Check the WW Points for this recipe and track it in the WW app.
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
3 PointsPlus (Old plan)
Variations
  • Add beans – Stir in black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans for variety.
  • Spice it up – Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
  • Try different spices – Smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor.
  • Vegetable boost – Corn, zucchini, or spinach would work well here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.25cups, Calories: 101kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Sodium: 414mg, Potassium: 575mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 922IU, Vitamin C: 17mg, Calcium: 75mg, Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @simplenourishedliving or tag #simplenourishedliving!

Source: WW Veg Power Cookbook (affiliate link)

More WW-Friendly Chili Recipes to Try

If you liked this WW Vegetarian Lentil Chili, you might also enjoy some of my other lightened-up chili recipes:

Discover More WW-Friendly Recipes

Make dinnertime easier with my Slow Cook Yourself Slim Ultimate eBook Bundle. It’s packed with easy, healthy, WW-friendly recipes designed for busy cooks who love comfort food without the guilt.

About Martha McKinnon

Weight Watchers Lifetime Member, Yoga Practitioner and Blogger who loves to share her passion for trying to create a happy, healthy, balanced life in what often feels like an overwhelming out of control world.

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4.14 from 45 votes (42 ratings without comment)

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13 Comments

  1. I made this in the Instant Pot – 10 minutes, natural release. It was so good! The only changes I made was to add a huge scoop of Better Than Bouillon Beef Base and a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste that I had in the fridge. The Beef Base really amped up the flavor. Your recipes are always so good, thank you so much for posting them, Martha…

    1. Hi Jan,
      Thanks for providing details of your experience making this in the Instant Pot as well as other modifications for ampking up the flavor! Your comments are very much appreciated. ~Martha

    1. Hi Jane, You want to look through them to make sure there are no stones mixed in. It is rare but it does happen. ~Martha

  2. 5 stars
    I thought this chili was very tasty! Very filling!!! I topped the chili with 2 Tablespoons of Greek Yogurt and 2 Tablespoons of 2% cheese! Delish.

  3. 5 stars
    Love it! It’s now a regular in the meal planning.
    It’s early in the afternoon, so I’m going to try this in the instant pot. Fingers crossed.

  4. There is certainly a great deal to learn about this issue. I really like all the points you’ve made.

  5. My chili was more like soup. Lots of liquid. Not sure what I did wrong, but it was flavorful and smelled great.! Topped it with a little shredded Mexican cheese and a dollop of Greek yogurt.

  6. 5 stars
    I’m trying to go meatless at least one day a week. Thanks for providing meatless options. I added a couple hot peppers to spice it up a little.