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 carrots, chopped; 2 stalks of celery, chopped; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 cup green beans, trimmed; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices; 3 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp dried oregano; 1 tbsp dried basil; Salt and pepper, to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I love coming home to the delightful aroma of a warm, hearty stew. This Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew is my go-to recipe for a comforting meal that’s not only nourishing but also bursting with flavors. I typically prepare it on busy weekdays since all the ingredients can be tossed into the pot before heading out. By the time I return, dinner is ready to serve. Plus, it accommodates whatever vegetables I have on hand, making it a flexible and sustainable choice for any household.

Created by

Phoebe Drake

Last updated on 2026-01-13T20:52:14.630Z

When experimenting with this recipe, I discovered that layering the vegetables brought out a depth of flavor I hadn't anticipated. The vibrant colors alone make it a feast for the eyes, and each bite resonates with the freshness of the ingredients. I like to add a splash of balsamic vinegar right at the end for an extra zing.

What truly elevates this dish is the use of fresh herbs. I always opt for basil and oregano, and it transforms the humble stew into something special. I've also found that letting it simmer for hours allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with nutrient-dense vegetables to boost your health
Perfectly seasoned for a warm, comforting flavor
Conveniently cooks itself while you go about your day

      

Adapting to Seasonal Vegetables

One of the best aspects of this Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew is its adaptability. Depending on the season, you can swap out ingredients based on what’s fresh and available. For example, in summer, you might add ripe tomatoes or bell peppers, while in fall, root vegetables like parsnips or butternut squash work beautifully. Just ensure that harder vegetables are chopped into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking with the others.

If you're looking to reduce prep time, you can also use pre-chopped vegetables available at most grocery stores. However, to retain the stew's fresh flavor, avoid those that have been frozen prior to packaging. Fresh is often best in this recipe, aiding in achieving that vibrant color and rich taste.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This vegetable stew is enjoyable on its own, but I love to serve it with a side of crusty whole-grain bread or a light salad for added texture and nutrition. Try a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which will brighten up the meal and complement the stew's robust flavors.

You can also top the stew with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh basil just before serving to enhance the flavor. If you prefer a vegan option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without dairy, making it a wonderful alternative.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This stew stores wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prep. Once cooled, transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate, where it can stay fresh for up to 5 days. Alternatively, it freezes well in portions, perfect for quick weeknight dinners. Just ensure you leave some space in the container, as the stew will expand when frozen.

When reheating, use a stovetop pot for even warming, or a microwave if you're short on time. On the stovetop, heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it seems thickened, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to restore your preferred consistency. This will keep the stew flavorful and prevent it from drying out.

Ingredients

Vegetables

2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1 bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 cup green beans, trimmed
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
3 cups vegetable broth
1 cup frozen peas
1 onion, chopped

Herbs & Seasonings

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large crockpot, combine the chopped carrots, celery, bell pepper, zucchini, green beans, mushrooms, and onion. Add the minced garlic.

Add the Liquid Ingredients

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and vegetable broth. Stir everything gently to combine.

Season the Stew

Add the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Adjust seasonings to your taste.

Cook the Stew

Set your crockpot on low heat and cook for 6 hours. If using high heat, cook for about 3 hours.

Finish with Peas

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the pot. Stir to incorporate.

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or seasonal produce. Always taste and adjust the seasonings before serving to ensure the flavors are balanced.

Key Techniques for Flavor Success

A vital technique in creating a deep and layered flavor in your stew is the process of sautéing your aromatics briefly before adding to the crockpot. While not mandatory, doing this with the onions and garlic until they’re fragrant can enhance the overall flavor spectrum, creating a more mature taste in your finished dish.

Be patient during cooking; the longer your stew simmers, the more the flavors will evolve and meld together. A low and slow cooking method draws the natural sugars from the vegetables into the broth, resulting in a naturally sweet and rich profile.

Customization for Dietary Needs

This stew is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it accessible for many dietary preferences. If you want to add protein, consider incorporating canned beans like chickpeas or cannellini beans, which pair well with the flavors of the dish and add extra fiber and nutrients without compromising the overall recipe.

For those who prefer not to use vegetable broth, homemade or low-sodium options are great because they allow you to control the salt levels. You could even substitute it with water, but keep in mind that this may result in a less complex flavor base.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I add meat to the stew?

Yes, you can add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and frozen for up to 3 months.

→ Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Absolutely! Use fresh herbs, but increase the quantity since they are less potent than dried.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.