Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew

Name: Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 zucchini, chopped; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup green beans, trimmed; 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love the convenience of making this Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew! It simplifies my meal preparation and allows me to indulge in a flavorful, nutritious dish at the end of a long day. The fresh vegetables and herbs combine beautifully, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. I also appreciate that it’s customizable; I can add whatever veggies I have on hand. In my experience, letting the stew cook low and slow truly enhances the flavors, making every bowl wonderful.

Created by

Heidi Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-13T21:34:13.421Z

Every time I make this Healthy Crockpot Italian Vegetable Stew, my kitchen fills with the most inviting aroma. I love how the ingredients meld together while simmering for hours, allowing each flavor to shine through. One time, I added some leftover quinoa, which not only bulked up the stew but also elevated its nutritional profile.

I find that using a variety of vegetables keeps things interesting. My favorites are zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots, but honestly, you can throw in anything you have. Make sure to season generously—herbs make a significant difference to the final taste of this comforting dish!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with nutritious vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals
Cooked slowly for deep, delicious flavors that develop over time
Perfect for meal prep; just serve and enjoy throughout the week

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to a hearty and flavorful stew lies in its vegetables. Each vegetable contributes its unique texture and taste, enhancing the overall dish. The combination of carrots, celery, and bell peppers creates a solid flavor base, while zucchini adds a tender bite. If you have seasonal vegetables or leftovers, feel free to substitute or add them; for instance, spinach or kale can be great for added nutrition. Just remember to adjust cooking times as denser vegetables may require longer cooking.

Using high-quality vegetable broth significantly affects the stew's flavor. Opt for a low-sodium or homemade version to control the saltiness. If you prefer a heartier stew, consider using mushroom broth for an even richer taste. For those sensitive to legumes, omit the chickpeas or replace them with lentils, which integrate smoothly over slow cooking without needing pre-soaking.

Cooking Techniques for Success

To achieve the deepest flavors, it’s crucial to properly layer your ingredients within the crockpot. Start by placing denser vegetables like carrots and celery at the bottom, allowing them to simmer longer. This stratification not only enhances texture but also ensures that softer vegetables don't become mushy. The slow cooker’s low heat allows the natural sugars to release from the vegetables, creating a sweet and savory balance that intensifies when the stew is left to cook undisturbed.

Stirring the stew midway, about halfway through your cooking time, helps to redistribute the spices and seasonings, ensuring an even flavor profile throughout. If using the high setting, be cautious not to cook it too long, as vegetables can overcook and lose their desirable texture. A good visual cue is to look for tender vegetables that still hold their shape, while the liquid should be steaming but not boiling rapidly.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful stew:

Ingredients

1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 zucchini, chopped
1 bell pepper, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup green beans, trimmed
1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Once you have all your ingredients, you're ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare the stew:

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Add Ingredients to Crockpot

Transfer the vegetable mixture to the crockpot. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.

Finish with Green Beans and Chickpeas

In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the green beans and chickpeas to heat through.

Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, and enjoy your healthy vegetable stew!

These steps create a delicious, hearty meal perfect for any occasion!

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability. You can also add some fresh herbs right before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Italian Vegetable Stew is an excellent candidate for meal prep and makes for tasty leftovers. After cooling, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, divide the stew into serving portions and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, just place it in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, or use the microwave until hot.

If you want to maintain the quality of the vegetables when freezing, consider undercooking them slightly. This will help retain their texture once reheated. Always allow the stew to cool to room temperature before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your serving experience, consider garnishing the stew with fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also add a deliciously creamy touch. Pair the stew with crusty Italian bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal, giving your taste buds a burst of flavors with each bite.

For a heartier option, serve the stew over cooked quinoa or whole grain pasta. These additions not only enhance the dish's nutritional profile but also provide a satisfying base that absorbs the stew's rich broth. You can also serve it topped with a dollop of pesto to introduce a vibrant flavor contrast.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this recipe. Just add them during the last hour of cooking.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

→ Can this stew be frozen?

Absolutely! You can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

→ What can I serve with this stew?

This stew pairs well with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or quinoa.