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Every once in a while, a recipe surprises me with just how much flavor it delivers for so little effort. These Slow Cooker BBQ Lentils are one of those recipes. With just a few simple ingredients, the slow cooker transforms dry lentils into a hearty, smoky-sweet meal that’s both budget friendly and satisfying.
I often skip the vegetarian hot dogs altogether because the lentils are hearty enough to stand on their own. But if you’re serving heartier appetites or want something that feels a little more like traditional barbecue, they’re an easy addition.
One batch goes a long way, which is another reason I keep coming back to this recipe. Spoon the lentils into bowls, pile them onto sandwich buns, tuck them into baked potatoes, or use them as a filling for tacos, wraps, or grain bowls.
Why You’ll Love These BBQ Lentils
- Just 3 main ingredients.
- Budget-friendly pantry meal.
- Easy slow cooker recipe with almost no prep.
- High in fiber and plant protein.
- Great for meal prep and freezing.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Dry lentils – Brown or green lentils work best because they hold their shape.
- Barbecue sauce (affiliate link) – Use your favorite. Sweet, smoky, spicy, or sugar-free all work.
- Water
- Vegetarian hot dogs (optional) – Add extra protein and a nostalgic barbecue flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Lentils
Ideal Slow Cooker Size: 4-Quart.
- Rinse the lentils and put them in the slow cooker.
- Add the barbecue sauce (affiliate link), water and hot dog slices and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 9 hours. If possible, check every few hours during cooking and add a little more water if the lentils seem to be getting too dry. The lentils will be soft when they are done cooking.
Tips for Success
- Rinse and sort the lentils before cooking.
- Check once or twice during cooking and add more water if needed.
- Don’t use red lentils—they’ll break down and become mushy.
- Taste before serving and adjust with a little extra barbecue sauce (affiliate link) if you’d like a stronger flavor.
Variations
This recipe really benefits from a few ideas.
Sloppy Joe Style
Pile onto whole wheat hamburger buns.
BBQ Baked Potatoes
Spoon over baked sweet potatoes or russet potatoes.
BBQ Bowls
Serve over brown rice with coleslaw.
Taco Filling
Use in tacos, burritos, or lettuce wraps.
Add Vegetables
Stir in diced onions or bell peppers during cooking.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave (affiliate link).
How Many Calories and WW Points?
According to my calculations, each serving has about 272 calories and 8 WW Points.
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.)
7 PointsPlus (Old plan)
This recipe makes a big batch that will serve a game day crowd, but if you don’t have a large crowd to feed, you can portion out the leftovers and freeze them for future quick and easy lunches or dinners. Or, make a half batch in a smaller (2- to 3-Quart) crock pot, which is what I’ll do next time.
If you’ve made these Barbecue Crock Pot Lentils, 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.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Lentils
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry lentils (about 1 pound)
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 4 cups water
- 1 package (12 ounces) vegetarian hot dogs, sliced, (optional)
Instructions
- Ideal Slow Cooker Size: 4-Quart.
- Rinse the lentils and put them in the slow cooker.
- Add the barbecue sauce, water and hot dog slices and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 9 hours. If possible, check every few hours during cooking and add a little more water if the lentils seem to be getting too dry. The lentils will be soft when they are done cooking.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 6 PointsPlus (Old plan) If you’re not a fan of vegetarian hot dogs, substitute your favorite fat free hot dogs. I like the ones from Hebrew National with 1 Point.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Source: slightly adapted from Fix-It and Forget-It Big Cookbook: 1400 Best Slow Cooker Recipes!
FAQs
Can I make these without vegetarian hot dogs?
Absolutely. They’re delicious with just the lentils, barbecue sauce, and water.
What kind of lentils work best?
Brown or green lentils are ideal because they stay tender without falling apart.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes. Simmer gently until the lentils are tender, adding water as needed.
Can I freeze BBQ lentils?
Yes. They freeze exceptionally well and make excellent meal prep lunches.
What can I serve with BBQ lentils?
They’re delicious on sandwich buns, over baked potatoes, rice, quinoa, or alongside coleslaw and a green salad.
I would love to make this but I only have an 8 quart slow cooker. Doubling the recipe would make too much. Can this be prepared in the oven?
Hi Evelyn,
I haven’t tried to make this recipe in the oven, but I believe it would work. I’d bake the lentils at 350 until tender, which will probably take 60 – 90 minutes. Just check on them and give them a stir every 30 minutes or so. ~Martha
Now why didn’t I think of this? I’ve got a lentil spaghetti sauce, a lentil snobby joe, and a lentil taco filling. But did it ever occur to me, a southern gal, to make a lentil bbq? No! So, thank you, Martha!
You’re so welcome, Cammy!Gotta check out your lentil spaghetti sauce!!
I’m curious as to what barbecue sauce you use?