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 zucchini; 1 cup diced bell peppers; 1 cup chopped carrots; 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup vegetable broth; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love using my crockpot to create comforting meals that are both nutritious and easy to prepare. This Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew is one of my favorite go-to recipes, especially on chilly days. It allows me to combine a variety of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, simmered to perfection while I go about my day. The best part is that it requires minimal effort and delivers rich flavors that everyone in my family enjoys. I can’t wait for you to try this deliciously healthy dish!

Created by

Bethany Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-13T22:52:17.270Z

Creating this Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew has become one of my cherished kitchen rituals. I love to assemble a colorful array of fresh vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots, and toss them into the pot with herbs like basil and oregano. Each ingredient adds its own layer of flavor, culminating in a hearty stew that warms me from the inside out.

The magic of this recipe lies in the slow cooking process. Allowing the stew to simmer for hours means the vegetables become tender and the flavors meld beautifully. I often serve it with crusty bread on the side for a comforting meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with vibrant vegetables for a nutrient-rich meal
Minimal prep time with maximum flavor payoff
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Comforting and filling yet healthy

      

Choosing the Right Vegetables

The key to a delicious Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew lies in selecting the freshest vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms not only add vibrant color but also contribute distinct textures. For instance, zucchini softens beautifully, while bell peppers provide a slight sweetness. You can experiment with seasonal vegetables, such as adding green beans or sweet potatoes, to keep the stew exciting and varied while ensuring it remains healthy.

When chopping your vegetables, aim for uniformity in size. This helps them cook evenly in the crockpot and ensures that each bite is packed with flavor. If you're short on prep time, pre-chopped vegetables from the grocery store can be a convenient alternative, though fresh ingredients will elevate the stew’s flavor.

Enhancing Flavor with Herbs and Spices

Fresh herbs can significantly enhance the flavor of your stew. While this recipe relies on dried basil and oregano for convenience, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme during the last hour of cooking for a more vibrant flavor. Fresh herbs bring a brightness that contrasts nicely with the earthiness of the cooked vegetables.

Garlic is another ingredient worth mentioning—when sautéed for a minute before adding to the crockpot, it develops a sweet, aromatic quality that permeates the dish. If you want to kick it up a notch, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes and bell peppers.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delicious stew:

Vegetables and Herbs

2 cups chopped zucchini
1 cup diced bell peppers
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup vegetable broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Have all your ingredients ready and let’s make this delicious stew!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your stew:

Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly in the crockpot.

Combine Ingredients

In the crockpot, mix together the chopped zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, and garlic. Stir well to combine.

Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the vegetable broth and sprinkle the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper over the veggies. Stir to evenly distribute the herbs.

Cook the Stew

Cover the crockpot and set it on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 4 hours. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor.

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, serve the stew hot. It’s delightful on its own or served with crusty bread.

Enjoy the delicious and healthy flavors of your homemade stew!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the vegetables according to what you have on hand. Adding leafy greens like spinach or kale in the last 30 minutes of cooking makes it even greener and more nutritious.

Storage and Leftovers

The Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew is not only delicious fresh but also holds up wonderfully in the refrigerator. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This makes it ideal for meal prep, allowing you to savor a homemade dish throughout the week without extra cooking time.

If you're thinking of making it ahead, you can prepare the vegetables and store them in the fridge for a day or two before cooking. Alternatively, consider freezing the stew in portions; it freezes well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

While the stew is satisfying on its own, serving it with crusty bread can take the experience to a new level. The bread adds a delightful texture and can be used to scoop up the hearty vegetables. For a touch of luxury, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving can introduce a salty richness that complements the stew's flavors.

For a lighter meal, pair the stew with a fresh green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. This adds a bright counterpoint to the comforting stew, balancing the meal beautifully. If you're looking for variations, consider adding cooked pasta or quinoa directly into the stew for a more filling option.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I add meat to this stew?

Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

You can keep the stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze this stew?

Yes, it freezes well! Just store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this stew?

It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or even a simple side salad.