20 Dairy-Free Crockpot Recipes for Cozy, Easy Meals
There's something magical about coming home to the delightful aroma of a home-cooked meal that's been simmering away all day. For those of us avoiding dairy, finding comforting and convenient recipes that still hit the spot can be a bit of a challenge.
That's why I’ve put together this collection of 20 Dairy-Free Crockpot Recipes for Cozy, Easy Meals. These recipes are not only incredibly easy to make but also packed with flavor, ensuring you don't miss the dairy at all. So, whether you’re trying to accommodate dietary restrictions or simply looking to switch things up, there's something here for everyone.
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1. Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
This dairy-free twist on a classic Indian dish is full of rich, aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken in the crockpot. Add diced onions, garlic, and ginger.
- In a bowl, mix together coconut milk and tomato sauce, then add all the spices.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and stir to coat.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve over rice or with naan.
2. Dairy-Free Minestrone Soup
A warming, hearty soup packed with vegetables and beans.
Ingredients:
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 can red kidney beans, drained
- 1 can white beans, drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup pasta (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add all the ingredients except pasta to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until vegetables are tender.
- Add pasta and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil.
3. Pulled BBQ Jackfruit
A delicious vegan alternative to pulled pork that's perfect for sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans young green jackfruit, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (dairy-free)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Shred the jackfruit using your hands or a fork.
- Add jackfruit, onion, garlic, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Serve on buns or with coleslaw.
4. Crockpot Chili
A robust, satisfying chili that’s bursting with beans and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a skillet, brown the ground meat until fully cooked.
- Transfer meat to the crockpot. Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
- Add all remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve with avocado or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
5. Coconut Milk Chicken Curry
An easy, creamy curry that's perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into chunks
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric, and diced tomatoes to the crockpot.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Serve over rice or with naan bread.
6. Vegetable Lentil Soup
A hearty and nutritious soup ideal for a light dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add all the ingredients to the crockpot.
- Stir to combine, ensuring lentils are submerged in the broth.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot with crusty bread.
7. Crockpot Ratatouille
A rustic French dish teeming with vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add all the vegetables and garlic to the crockpot.
- Pour in the olive oil and add thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours or until vegetables are tender.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta.
8. Crockpot Sweet Potato Stew
A comforting and filling stew that's both sweet and savory.
Ingredients:
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until vegetables are tender.
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
9. Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Easy, flavorful fajitas without the dairy.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet fajita seasoning (dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken, bell pepper, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
- Add fajita seasoning, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
10. Slow Cooker Carnitas
Tender, juicy pork perfect for tacos or burritos.
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
Instructions:
- Place pork shoulder in the crockpot and add onions, garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour orange juice and lime juice over the top.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours until pork is tender.
- Shred pork with two forks and serve in tacos or burritos.
11. Black Bean and Corn Soup
A zesty, protein-packed soup that's perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Serve with tortilla chips or avocado slices.
12. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
This classic comfort food is full of tender beef and veggies.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place beef, potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic in the crockpot.
- Add beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender.
- Serve with crusty bread.
13. Crockpot Moroccan Chickpea Stew
A fragrant, spicy stew that's vegan-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans chickpeas, drained
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to the crockpot.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve over couscous or rice.
14. Thai Coconut Soup
A flavorful soup that's light yet filling.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 can coconut milk
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Add chicken, coconut milk, chicken broth, bell pepper, onion, garlic, ginger, red curry paste, fish sauce, and lime juice to the crockpot.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Serve with a garnish of cilantro.
15. Crockpot Jambalaya
A Cajun-inspired dish full of bold flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1/2 lb andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup rice (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken, sausage, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and garlic in the crockpot.
- Add chicken broth, rice, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot.
16. Crockpot Stuffed Peppers
These peppers are stuffed with a flavorful, dairy-free filling.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef
- 1 cup cooked rice (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a skillet, cook the ground meat until fully browned.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the meat mixture into the bell peppers.
- Place stuffed peppers in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Serve hot.
17. Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
A Mexican-inspired soup that's perfect for a cozy night.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips and lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove chicken breasts, shred, and return to the crockpot.
- Serve with tortilla chips and lime wedges.
18. Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
A classic Italian dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, garlic, chicken broth, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve over pasta or rice.
19. Crockpot Lentil Bolognese
A meaty, rich sauce that's completely plant-based.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, grated
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve over pasta.
20. Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
A warm and comforting dessert without the dairy.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
Instructions:
- Place apple slices in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix together coconut sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and sprinkle over apples.
- In another bowl, mix rolled oats, almond flour, and melted coconut oil.
- Sprinkle oat mixture over the apples.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Serve warm, optionally with dairy-free ice cream.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! Twenty delightful dairy-free crockpot recipes that will make your meal planning a breeze. These dishes are not only easy to whip up but are sure to bring a sense of warmth and comfort to your dining table. Enjoy!