Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 3 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love whipping up this Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew when I want a meal that’s both nourishing and convenient. Using a variety of fresh vegetables, I can create a colorful and flavorful dish that just simmers in the crockpot, letting the flavors meld beautifully. This stew not only fills my home with a delectable aroma but also keeps my family healthy and satisfied. With each bite, we enjoy a medley of tastes that are incredibly comforting and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.

Created by

Natalie Warren

Last updated on 2026-01-13T22:25:12.501Z

When my family comes together for dinner, I love serving up something hearty and wholesome like this stew. The crockpot does all the hard work while I go about my day, and when it's time to eat, all the colorful vegetables are tender and infused with aromatic herbs. The secret lies in letting the ingredients come together slowly, which enhances the flavor without any effort on my part.

One of my favorite aspects is adjusting the ingredients based on what’s in season. Last week, I added some fresh zucchini and vibrant bell peppers, creating a dish that feels alive and fresh. Using fresh herbs like basil and oregano not only enhances the flavor but also brings out a beautiful fragrance that fills the home and makes us excited for dinner!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich flavor from slow-cooked vegetables and herbs
Vibrant colors that brighten up any table
Ideal for meal prep or cozy family dinners

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of this Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew is, of course, the variety of vegetables. Each contributes not only its unique flavor but also a different texture to the stew. The carrots bring sweetness, while the bell peppers add a slight crunch. When chopping your vegetables, aim for uniformity in size to ensure they cook evenly. Overly large chunks may remain crisp, whereas very small pieces could become mushy during the long cooking process.

Dried herbs like oregano and basil play crucial roles in infusing the stew with authentic Italian flavor. I recommend using high-quality herbs for the best flavor impact. If you're using fresh herbs instead of dried, you may want to double the amount for a more vibrant taste. Adding the herbs at the beginning allows them to meld beautifully with the other ingredients, but for a fresher note, sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top just before serving.

Slow Cooking Essentials

Setting the right cooking time and temperature is critical when using a crockpot. For this stew, cooking on low for 8 hours allows the flavors to deepen without risking overcooking. If you're short on time, you can switch it to high for about 4 hours. Just be aware that the texture may differ slightly, with vegetables being less tender. Stirring occasionally, if you can, helps distribute the heat and combine the flavors more evenly, especially towards the end of the cooking time.

If you're new to crockpot cooking, keep an eye on the initial stages. Overfilling the pot can cause longer cooking times and may prevent the ingredients from cooking evenly. A good rule of thumb is to fill the crockpot no more than three-quarters full for optimal heat circulation. It's also worth noting that thicker stews can sometimes take longer to cook; the liquid should always be at a gentle simmer to achieve that desired tender texture.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a delicious and hearty stew:

Ingredients

2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 zucchini, diced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Be sure to adjust the seasoning as per your taste preferences!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew:

Prepare the Vegetables

Chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and place them in the crockpot.

Add the Rest of the Ingredients

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

Slow Cook

Set your crockpot to low and let it cook for 8 hours, or for 4 hours on high. Stir occasionally if possible.

Serve

Once everything is cooked and tender, serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Your stew is ready! Enjoy it with some crusty bread or over your favorite grain.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or seasonal availability. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving can elevate the flavors even more.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Italian Vegetable Stew is perfect for meal prep! You can chop and prepare the vegetables the night before, storing them in the refrigerator. On busy days, simply throw them in the crockpot with the broth and seasonings in the morning. The flavors only improve upon reheating, making this stew an excellent candidate for make-ahead meals.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just ensure that the container is freezer-safe and leave some space for expansion. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

Feel free to customize this stew based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Adding legumes like lentils or chickpeas can enhance the nutritional profile and provide added protein. Just remember to adjust the cooking time, as legumes typically require a longer cook time—either soak them beforehand or use pre-cooked options for best results.

For a heartier version, consider incorporating grains such as quinoa or barley. Add them during the last hour of cooking to ensure they keep their shape and texture. If you enjoy spiciness, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a kick. This flexibility allows you to continuously reinvent the stew to suit different palates or seasonal vegetables.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the leftover stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well! Just portion it into airtight containers, and it can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ Can I add meat to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, sausage, or beef for added protein.

→ What can I serve with this stew?

It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, crackers, or even over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.

→ How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftover stew can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Just reheat before serving.