Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups chopped carrots; 2 cups chopped zucchini; 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color); 1 cup chopped celery; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juice; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Fresh Planning

I love coming home to the warm aroma of this Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew after a long day. It’s a comforting and nutritious dish that requires minimal effort and packs a punch in flavor. Perfect for busy evenings, I simply throw all the ingredients into my crockpot in the morning and let them simmer throughout the day. By the time dinner rolls around, everything is tender and infused with delightful Italian herbs. This stew is not only heartwarming but is also loaded with various vegetables to nourish my body.

Created by

Fern Holloway

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:13:36.026Z

Creating my Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew was a spontaneous decision one rainy afternoon. I had an abundance of fresh vegetables and decided to experiment with my crockpot. I quickly learned that layering the ingredients thoughtfully enhances the flavor, allowing the vegetables to meld perfectly with the herbs and spices. Each bite bursts with freshness.

What I particularly love is how versatile this stew is; you can easily swap in your favorite veggies or whatever is in season. Plus, adding a touch of balsamic vinegar at the end elevates the flavors, making the dish feel gourmet without the fuss. It’s an easy way to get your daily dose of vegetables!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Packed with colorful vegetables that are both delicious and nutritious
Effortless preparation—just set and forget!
A comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings

Ingredient Insights

The variety of vegetables in this stew not only adds vibrant color, but also layers of flavor and nutrients. Carrots offer a subtle sweetness, while zucchini contributes a tender texture that soaks up the stew’s rich broth. Cannellini beans provide creaminess along with protein, making this dish filling without meat. If you don’t have cannellini beans, great substitutes include chickpeas or even navy beans. Each choice brings its unique taste and texture, so feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand.

Tomatoes are a central flavor component in this stew, providing acidity that balances the sweetness of the carrots and the earthiness of the beans. Using diced tomatoes with juice ensures that your stew retains moisture as it cooks. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can opt for crushed tomatoes instead. For an added twist, consider adding a splash of red wine to deepen the flavor—just let it simmer for a few extra minutes to cook off the alcohol.

Cooking Techniques

When preparing this stew, proper layering of ingredients in your crockpot can greatly enhance the cooking process. Start by placing dense vegetables like carrots and celery at the bottom, as they take longer to cook. Follow with softer vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, which do best on top, ensuring they don’t become overly mushy. This technique allows everything to cook evenly, preserving the textures and flavors of each component.

For best results, it’s crucial to stir the mixture before cooking to distribute the seasonings evenly. If you can, look for a low-sodium vegetable broth, especially if you’re watching your salt intake. Adjusting the amount of salt to taste at the end of cooking will give you greater control over the dish’s final flavor, allowing you to fine-tune it to your preference.

Ingredients

For the Stew

2 cups chopped carrots
2 cups chopped zucchini
1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
1 cup chopped celery
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables

Chop the carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.

Combine Ingredients

In your crockpot, layer the chopped vegetables, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, and minced garlic.

Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the vegetable broth and stir in the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Cook the Stew

Cover the crockpot and set it to low for approximately 6 hours or high for 3 hours.

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, give the stew a good stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust if necessary and serve hot!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of balsamic vinegar during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Making Ahead & Storage

This stew is perfect for meal prep, as the flavors develop even further when stored. After cooking, cool the stew completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. When freezing, consider portioning it into smaller containers for easier reheating, allowing you to enjoy a warm bowl anytime without the need to defrost a large batch.

To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If you find the stew is too thick after thawing, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. This is a great way to keep the stew fresh and inviting, even days or weeks after its preparation.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra touch, serve your Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew with a slice of crusty bread or over a bed of cooked quinoa or rice. This adds heartiness and absorbs the delicious broth. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top can add a delightful richness without overwhelming the dish’s healthy profile. If you prefer a vegan option, consider nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor without the dairy.

This stew isn’t just a standalone meal; you can also pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded dining experience. For added flavor, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving can elevate the dish, enhancing the appealing aroma and taste while providing healthy fats.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I add meat to this stew?

Absolutely! You can add diced chicken or turkey for extra protein, but make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.

→ How long can I store leftover stew?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well! Just allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

→ What can I serve with this stew?

This stew pairs nicely with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.