Craving a soup that’s packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor? This slow cooker vegetable minestrone soup is just what you need. It’s a versatile dish that you can set and forget, letting your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy the delightful aromas wafting through your kitchen.
This recipe is all about comfort and nutrition, combining tender vegetables, hearty beans, and fragrant herbs. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making this soup on repeat!
The beauty of this minestrone soup is in its simplicity. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying meal that can easily be tailored to your preferences. Want to make it vegetarian? Just skip the meat or add your favorite protein.
The Heart of Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a staple in Italian cuisine, celebrated for its versatility and rich flavor profile. At its core, this dish is a medley of seasonal vegetables, beans, and pasta, all simmered together to create a comforting and filling meal.
The combination of fresh ingredients, such as carrots, zucchini, and green beans, contributes to both the visual appeal and nutritional value of the soup. Each bite offers a burst of flavors and textures, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.
A Colorful Array of Ingredients
The vibrant colors of the vegetables play a significant role in this dish, as they not only enhance the soup’s appearance but also provide a variety of nutrients. The sweetness of the carrots and the earthiness of the zucchini blend seamlessly, while the green beans add a satisfying crunch.
This soup is easily adaptable; you can include your favorite vegetables or whatever is in season. This adaptability makes minestrone a fantastic option for utilizing leftovers or whatever you have on hand, ensuring that each batch can be unique.
Slow Cooking for Depth of Flavor
Using a slow cooker to prepare minestrone allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time. As the ingredients simmer together, the aroma fills your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere. The slow cooking process ensures that the vegetables become tender without losing their integrity.
This method also means you can set it and forget it—perfect for busy days when you want to return home to a warm, hearty meal ready to be served.
The Perfect Accompaniment
No bowl of minestrone is complete without a slice of crusty bread. The combination of the two offers a satisfying dining experience, allowing you to soak up every last drop of the savory broth.
Pairing the soup with a fresh, rustic loaf enhances the overall meal, adding texture and a satisfying crunch. Whether you opt for sourdough or a simple Italian bread, the bread acts as an excellent vehicle for enjoying the soup.
A Cozy Atmosphere
Serving minestrone soup evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. Picture a rustic kitchen table, adorned with bowls of soup and fresh bread, surrounded by family and friends sharing stories over a hearty meal.
This inviting setting makes it the perfect dish for gatherings, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive get-together. The communal aspect of sharing food adds to the enjoyment, fostering connections and creating lasting memories.
Nutrition Packed in Every Bowl
Minestrone is not just delicious; it’s also a nutritious option for any meal. Loaded with vegetables, this soup provides essential vitamins and minerals while being low in calories and fat.
The inclusion of beans adds protein, making it a well-rounded dish that can keep you satisfied for hours. This balance makes minestrone a wise choice for those looking to enjoy a flavorful meal without compromising on health.
Hearty Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
This delightful minestrone soup is a hearty blend of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta simmered in a savory broth. It’s filled with seasonal produce, making it a vibrant and nutritious choice for lunch or dinner.
Expect a comforting taste that balances the sweetness of fresh vegetables with the savory notes of herbs and spices, creating a bowl of soup that warms your soul.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables: In your slow cooker, add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, zucchini, bell pepper, and green beans.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, vegetable broth, water, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the pasta. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Once the pasta is cooked, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy hot!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 bowls
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
