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: 1 zucchini, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz); 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love making this Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew on busy days when I want a wholesome meal with minimal effort. Just toss in fresh vegetables, herbs, and a splash of tomato sauce, and let the crockpot do all the work! The flavors meld beautifully as it cooks, leaving me with a hearty stew that’s both nutritious and satisfying. It’s perfect for meal prep and even gets better after a day in the fridge, allowing the flavors to deepen.

Created by

Freya Cooper

Last updated on 2026-01-13T18:22:12.806Z

Making this stew has become a staple in my cooking routine. I always appreciate how easy it is to adapt based on what vegetables I have on hand. On one occasion, I added some leftover kale and zucchini, and it worked splendidly, proving that this recipe is versatile and forgiving.

Moreover, I learned that using a blend of herbs enhances the flavor profile without adding extra calories. The basil and oregano really shine, making every bowl incredibly satisfying. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Nutritious blend of fresh vegetables packed with vitamins
Convenient one-pot meal that requires minimal cleanup
Flavorful herbs that elevate the simplicity of the dish

      

Maximizing Flavor with Fresh Ingredients

The backbone of this Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew is the fresh, quality ingredients you choose. Opt for vibrant vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, as they not only add color but also distinct flavors. When selecting your zucchini, look for one that's firm and glossy with no blemishes, while colorful bell peppers should feel heavy in the hand. This ensures the vegetables hold their shape and absorb spices beautifully during cooking.

Garlic is a crucial flavor player in this stew. It transforms as it cooks, losing its raw sharpness and developing a sweet, mellow essence. When mincing garlic, aim for a fine consistency to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the stew. If you prefer a milder garlic taste, consider sautéing it briefly in olive oil before adding it to the crockpot, which can help temper its pungency.

Perfect Cooking Times for Tender Vegetables

Cooking the stew properly is essential for achieving the ideal texture. Using a slow cooker set on low for 6 hours allows the vegetables to become wonderfully tender without losing their shape. If you're pressed for time, cooking on high for 3 hours is a suitable alternative. Keep an eye out for visual cues; the stew should be bubbling gently, and the vegetables should appear bright and vibrant, signaling they are cooked but not mushy.

To ensure even cooking, try layering the harder vegetables, like carrots and onions, at the bottom of the crockpot. This can prevent them from becoming too soft while allowing the zucchinis and bell peppers on top to retain some crunch. If you find that some vegetables are cooking faster than others, stirring the pot halfway through can help mix everything and balance the cooking process.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

1 zucchini, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 carrots, sliced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew:

Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing and chopping all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial for even cooking.

Combine Ingredients

In the crockpot, add the diced zucchini, bell pepper, carrots, onion, and garlic. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices and the vegetable broth.

Season the Stew

Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and sprinkle the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything gently to combine.

Cook

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until the vegetables are tender.

Serve

Once cooked, stir the stew and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, and enjoy!

This hearty stew can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add any additional vegetables like green beans or spinach for a more colorful stew. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top when serving for added flavor.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This stew is incredibly meal prep-friendly. After cooking, allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, and the flavors will actually deepen over time, making it even tastier on the second day. If you're looking to make it ahead for a busy week, consider portioning it out in single servings – perfect for quick lunches or dinners.

For longer storage, this stew freezes beautifully. Just pack it in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. Frozen, it can last up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize this stew to your liking! For a heartier version, consider adding cooked beans or lentils, which not only amp up the protein content but also add new textures. White beans like cannellini are fantastic here, providing a creamy contrast to the vegetables. Additionally, you can incorporate seasonal vegetables such as green beans, eggplant, or even mushrooms for varied flavor profiles.

Herb variations can also lead to exciting new flavor combinations. While basil and oregano are classic Italian favorites, throwing in some fresh thyme or parsley as a garnish before serving can brighten the dish. For an added depth of flavor, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can introduce a hint of heat, making each bowl uniquely your own.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables are a great option. Just add them directly to the crockpot, and adjust cooking time as needed.

→ Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely! This stew tastes even better as leftovers, so it's perfect for meal prep.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this stew is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth.

→ Can I add beans or lentils?

Yes, beans or lentils are excellent additions for extra protein and fiber. Just make sure to adjust the liquid accordingly.