Hereβs a cozy, healthy, and hands-off recipe for Crock Pot Vegetable Soup β a comforting, customizable dish thatβs perfect for meal prep or a light dinner. Just toss everything in and let your slow cooker do the work!
π₯£ Crock Pot Vegetable Soup
Servings: 6β8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6β8 hours (low) or 3β4 hours (high)
π₯ Ingredients:
-
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra flavor)
-
1 medium onion, diced
-
2β3 cloves garlic, minced
-
3 medium carrots, sliced
-
2 stalks celery, chopped
-
2 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or red work well)
-
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
-
1Β½ cups green beans, fresh or frozen
-
1 cup corn, fresh, canned, or frozen
-
1 cup peas, frozen
-
6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian)
-
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
-
Β½ tsp black pepper
-
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
-
1 bay leaf (optional)
-
Optional: 1 zucchini, chopped (add in last hour of cooking)
-
Optional: 1 can beans (like kidney or cannellini), drained and rinsed
π§βπ³ Instructions:
1. Prep Ingredients
Chop all veggies and gather ingredients.
2. Layer in Crock Pot
Add everything except peas and zucchini (if using) to the Crock Pot. Stir to combine.
3. Cook
-
Low for 6β8 hours
-
High for 3β4 hours
(You want the potatoes and carrots tender.)
4. Final Add-Ins
-
Add peas and zucchini in the last 30β60 minutes of cooking so they donβt get mushy.
5. Taste & Serve
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve hot with bread, crackers, or a sprinkle of Parmesan.
π₯ Variations:
-
Add protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken, lentils, or beans.
-
Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
-
Low-carb: Swap potatoes for cauliflower.
-
Hearty version: Stir in cooked pasta or rice before serving.
π§ Storage:
-
Fridge: Up to 5 days
-
Freezer: Up to 3 months β freezes beautifully!
-
Reheat: On stove or microwave, add broth if too thick