Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchinis, chopped; 1 large bell pepper, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup green beans, trimmed; 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 cup vegetable broth; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making this Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew, especially on busy days when I want a wholesome meal with minimal effort. The rich blend of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs fills my kitchen with an inviting aroma. Cooking it in a crockpot makes the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting stew that's perfect for any season. The best part is, I can set it and forget it while I tackle other tasks. Whether served with crusty bread or over quinoa, it’s a dish I return to time and again.

Created by

Eleanor Briggs

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:43:14.107Z

When I first made this Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew, I was genuinely surprised by how much flavor could come from such simple ingredients. For me, the secret lies in the fresh veggies and a handful of herbs that I always keep on hand. I love adding a splash of balsamic vinegar right before serving to elevate the taste even further, and it’s a trick I recommend trying out!

During the cooking process, the vegetables break down beautifully, creating a luscious, thick broth that tastes like it has been simmering for hours. I also discovered that letting it cook overnight yields even richer flavors, allowing for a delicious dinner waiting for me by morning. It’s become a staple in my meal prep!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables for a healthy dinner option
Effortless preparation with a hands-off cooking method
Full of flavors that develop beautifully over slow cooking

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The success of this Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew largely lies in the selection of vegetables. Each vegetable brings a unique flavor profile and texture to the final dish. For instance, zucchini has a high water content, which helps to create a broth-like consistency, while the bell peppers add a sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables; for instance, substituting eggplant for zucchini can give your stew a deeper, more savory taste.

Utilizing fresh, high-quality vegetables ensures the stew will have vibrant colors and distinct flavors. When prepping, aim for uniform chopping to ensure even cooking. Keep the pieces relatively small, around 1-inch, so they tenderize properly during the slow cooking process. If you’re short on time, frozen vegetables can be a great alternative; just remember to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding them.

Mastering the Slow Cooking Technique

Cooking this stew in a crockpot allows for the flavors to meld beautifully, but it's important to understand the settings. Using the low setting for 6 hours gives all the vegetables time to soften while allowing their natural sugars to caramelize, intensifying the overall flavor. If you're in a pinch, the high setting for 3 hours can be used as well, but the texture may not be as tender. Always check that the vegetables are cooked through by ensuring they are fork-tender before serving.

One key technique to enhance this dish is to sauté the onions and garlic briefly before adding them to the crockpot. This step elevates the aromatic profile right from the start. If you decide to skip this, make sure to not omit the garlic entirely; it contributes essential flavors that define Italian cuisine. Adjusting the salt towards the end can also drastically improve the flavor; the stew might need a bit more due to the dilution from the vegetable broth.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a wholesome stew that’s easy to prepare!

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, chopped
1 large bell pepper, diced
2 carrots, sliced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup green beans, trimmed
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup vegetable broth
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Mix everything well in your crockpot for a seamless cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious stew!

Prepare the Ingredients

Chop all the vegetables and prepare them for your crockpot by adding them into the pot.

Add Liquid and Seasoning

Pour in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Set the Crockpot

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

Finish and Serve

Once cooked, stir in the balsamic vinegar and serve hot with your favorite bread or grains.

Enjoy your flavorful and healthy crockpot Italian vegetable stew!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add in any of your favorite vegetables or beans to customize this stew to your liking.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. If you'd like to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. When freezing, allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last for up to 3 months. Remember to leave some headspace in the containers as the stew will expand when frozen.

When it’s time to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If you find that the stew has thickened too much after freezing, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore its desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this stew with a side of crusty whole-grain bread, perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, pairing it with quinoa not only complements the stew but also adds extra protein. Another delightful option is topping it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative, which adds a savory, umami kick.

For a more filling meal, consider serving the stew over a bed of brown rice or alongside a simple salad. The bright, fresh flavors of a mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette can enhance the overall dining experience. Experiment with toppings like fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare this stew in advance?

Absolutely! This stew can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

→ How can I make this stew thicker?

You can blend a portion of the stew and mix it back in to achieve a thicker consistency.

→ Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, it freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

→ Can I add protein to this stew?

Definitely! Feel free to add cooked chicken, lentils, or beans for an added protein boost.