Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Slow Cooker Minestrone! This soup is not just hearty and filling; it’s also packed with all those vibrant veggies and beans that make it so healthy. I love how I can toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, my house smells like a cozy Italian kitchen—talk about a win-win! The flavors meld together beautifully, making it feel like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s super versatile, so you can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be craving it all week long! It’s the ultimate meal prep hero, and it never disappoints!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Minestrone
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup green beans, cut into pieces
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Minestrone
Preparing this Slow Cooker Minestrone is as easy as pie—well, easier than pie, really! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, wholesome soup ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab your slow cooker! Add all the ingredients except for the pasta. That means your carrots, celery, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, kidney beans, cannellini beans, green beans, zucchini, oregano, basil, and of course, salt and pepper.
- Give everything a good stir to combine all those lovely flavors. It’s like a veggie party in there!
- Now, cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. I usually go for low so the flavors can really develop over time—trust me, it’s worth it!
- About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, toss in the small pasta. This is a crucial step, as the pasta needs just enough time to cook until tender without getting mushy.
- Once the pasta is cooked, give it a final stir, and then it’s ready to serve hot! You can’t beat the smell wafting through your kitchen at this point!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: This minestrone is like a cozy hug in a bowl, filled with nutritious veggies and beans that keep you satisfied.
- Easy to Make: Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you—no fuss, no stress!
- Packed with Nutrients: You’re getting a rainbow of vegetables in every bowl, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: With this recipe, you can whip up a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week—just reheat and savor!
- Versatile: Feel free to mix and match veggies based on what you have on hand; this soup is a great way to clean out your fridge!
Tips for Success with Slow Cooker Minestrone
Alright, let’s make sure your Slow Cooker Minestrone turns out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t be shy about adjusting the seasonings. I always suggest starting with the basics—salt and pepper—and then tasting as it cooks. You can add more herbs like thyme or parsley at the end for that fresh flavor boost!
If you want to sneak in even more veggies, go for it! Spinach, kale, or even sweet potatoes can be fabulous additions. Just remember to chop them into smaller pieces so they cook through nicely. And if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
Lastly, keep an eye on the pasta—nobody likes mushy pasta! Add it in about 30 minutes before serving, and you’ll have the perfect texture every time. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations of Slow Cooker Minestrone
One of the best things about my Slow Cooker Minestrone is how easy it is to customize! If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the vegetables based on what you have or what’s in season. For example, try adding sweet corn for a pop of sweetness, or diced bell peppers for an extra crunch. You could even toss in some chopped kale or spinach right at the end for a nutrient boost!
Herbs can also make a big difference. Instead of just oregano and basil, why not experiment with fresh thyme or even a bit of rosemary? And if you’re looking for a different flavor profile, you could add a bit of Italian sausage for a meaty twist, or go for a spicy kick with some crushed red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity run wild and make this soup your own!
Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Minestrone
Now, let’s talk numbers! This Slow Cooker Minestrone is not only delicious but also a healthy choice. Each serving, which is about 1 cup of this hearty soup, packs an estimated:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Sugar: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But one thing’s for sure: you’re getting a bowl full of nutrient-rich goodness that’ll keep you energized and satisfied!
FAQ about Slow Cooker Minestrone
Can I use frozen vegetables in this minestrone? Absolutely! Frozen veggies work great and save you some prep time. Just toss them in at the beginning with the rest of the ingredients.
How do I make this minestrone gluten-free? To keep it gluten-free, simply swap out the small pasta for a gluten-free variety or omit it altogether. The soup is still delicious without it!
Can I make this minestrone ahead of time? You bet! This soup is perfect for meal prep. Just store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for later enjoyment.
What can I serve with minestrone? I love serving this soup with crusty bread or a simple green salad. It makes for a fantastic, cozy meal!
Can I add meat to this recipe? Yes! If you’d like to add some protein, cooked Italian sausage or diced chicken can be a delicious addition. Just add it in with the veggies!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Slow Cooker Minestrone
Storing your Slow Cooker Minestrone is super simple! Just let the soup cool down a bit, then transfer it to airtight containers. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, so you can enjoy those cozy leftovers any time! If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to leave a little room at the top of your container since the soup will expand as it freezes.
When you’re ready to enjoy your minestrone again, reheating is a breeze. You can either warm it up on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through, or pop it in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. Just cover it loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s nice and hot. Enjoy that comforting bowl again!
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Slow Cooker Minestrone: 5 Reasons To Crave This Comforting Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty slow cooker minestrone soup loaded with vegetables and beans.
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup green beans, cut into pieces
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except pasta to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add pasta.
- Cook until pasta is tender.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can add any vegetables you prefer.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Minestrone, Minestrone Soup, Vegetarian Soup