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 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 1 cup diced zucchini; 1 cup chopped carrots; 1 cup chopped bell peppers; 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 1 cup chopped celery; 1 cup sliced green beans; 4 cups vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making this Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew! It's such a comforting dish that fills my home with wonderful aromas as it cooks. With all the vibrant vegetables simmering in rich Italian flavors, I feel good serving it to my family. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep – I can whip up a big batch at the start of the week and enjoy hearty servings throughout. It’s nutritious, satisfying, and the best part is, it practically cooks itself while I go about my day!

Created by

Skylar Jennings

Last updated on 2026-01-13T19:58:20.952Z

When I first started experimenting with crockpot meals, I knew I wanted to create something simple yet full of flavor. This Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew quickly became a favorite. Each ingredient brings its own unique taste, but when they meld together, the result is simply delightful. I recommend adding a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end for an unexpected zing!

Over time, I fine-tuned the recipe, incorporating seasonal vegetables and herbs from my garden. It’s amazing how versatile this stew can be! Feel free to swap out veggies or adjust the spices based on what you have on hand. Kitchen creativity at its best!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Packed with seasonal vegetables for vibrant flavor
Effortless one-pot meal that saves time and cleanup
Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices

      

Choosing the Right Vegetables

The success of this Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew relies heavily on choosing the right vegetables. I recommend using a variety of seasonal produce because they offer the best flavor and nutritional value. Fresh zucchini, bell peppers, and darker leafy greens can add depth and texture, while colorful vegetables such as carrots and green beans ensure a visually appealing stew. If you have leftovers or want to incorporate some favorites, feel free to substitute any vegetable that's in season or that you have on hand.

One common misconception is that any vegetable can be added without consideration of cooking time. For example, root vegetables like carrots may require longer cooking compared to delicate vegetables like mushrooms. Aim to chop your vegetables into uniform pieces to guarantee even cooking, so that they all reach a tender consistency without falling apart.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to tweak the flavors, consider substituting the herbs. For instance, swapping out dried Italian herbs with fresh basil or oregano can enhance the dish’s brightness. Furthermore, experimenting with different types of broth can yield unique flavors. If you’re after a heartier taste, try using vegetable broth infused with garlic or a vegetable bouillon for an extra kick.

For those following a low-sodium diet, you can find low-sodium vegetable broth options. Alternatively, making your own broth at home allows you to control the seasoning. Simply simmer vegetable scraps like onion skins, celery tops, and carrots in water for about an hour, then strain. This homemade broth can significantly elevate the dish while keeping the sodium content in check.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This stew is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and store it for later use. After cooking, allow the stew to cool before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to one week or frozen for up to three months. Just be sure to leave some space at the top of the container if freezing, since liquids expand when frozen.

When it comes time to reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If you find the stew has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of vegetable broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency. This not only keeps it flavorful but also helps restore some of the fresh texture.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a hearty and healthy stew:

Vegetables

2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 cup diced zucchini
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped bell peppers
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup sliced green beans

Liquids & Seasonings

4 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have everything prepared, you’re ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious stew:

Prepare the Vegetables

Chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes for a nice presentation.

Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

Place all the chopped vegetables into the crockpot. Add in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, olive oil, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Set the Crockpot

Cover the crockpot and set it on low for 6 hours, or high for 3 hours. Stir occasionally if you have time.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the stew is cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm, perhaps with some crusty bread or over rice.

Enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade stew!

Pro Tips

For a heartier stew, feel free to add beans or lentils. They not only enhance the texture but also boost the protein content. Keep an eye on the cooking time if you add dried beans, as they will need additional time to cook through.

Enhancing Flavors

To really elevate the flavors of your Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. This bright acid will enhance the richness of the vegetables and create a more rounded flavor profile.

If you have time, consider sautéing the garlic in olive oil before adding it to the crockpot. This step brings out a deeper, more caramelized flavor, which infuses the entire dish with warmth and complexity.

Serving Suggestions

This stew can serve as a hearty main course or a comforting side dish. If you prefer a more filling option, try serving it over a bed of cooked grains like quinoa or brown rice. This adds protein and fiber, complementing the stew's nutrients beautifully.

Another delicious serving idea is to top the stew with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of pesto to add a burst of flavor and creaminess. This not only enhances the taste but also makes your presentation more attractive.

Scaling the Recipe

Feel free to scale this recipe up or down based on your needs. The ingredients can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd, making it an excellent option for gatherings or potluck dinners. Just ensure that your crockpot can accommodate the increased volume, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

If you're cooking for fewer people, you can halve the ingredients, but I recommend preparing the full recipe anyway. Leftover stew can be frozen or served on busy weeknights, providing a quick and convenient meal solution.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables can work well in this recipe. Just ensure they are thawed beforehand for even cooking.

→ How long will the stew last in the fridge?

The stew can last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave as needed.

→ Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan as it only contains vegetables and broth. Just ensure your broth is plant-based.

→ What if I don't have Italian herbs?

If you don’t have Italian herbs, feel free to substitute with any mix of dried oregano, basil, or thyme for a lovely flavor.