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Easy Crock Pot Minestrone Soup – Healthy & Hearty

If you’re looking for a wholesome and flavorful dish that’s both comforting and nutritious, this Easy Crock Pot Minestrone Soup is the perfect choice. Packed with a rainbow of vegetables, beans, and classic Italian herbs, this soup delivers everything you love about minestrone — rich tomato broth, hearty texture, and bold flavor — with the ease of slow cooking. The best part? This soup is not just tasty; it’s also nourishing. With ingredients like spinach, zucchini, potatoes, beans, and carrots, you’re getting plenty of fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein in every serving. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, making it ideal for cozy nights at home, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week. The crock pot does all the hard work, slowly blending flavors to perfection while you go about your day.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 bowls
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetables & Greens
  • 1 cup yellow onion chopped
  • 1 cup carrots sliced
  • 1 cup celery diced
  • 2 cups russet potatoes cubed
  • 1 cup zucchini diced
  • 1 cup green beans frozen, cut
  • 1 cup corn kernels frozen
  • 2 cups baby spinach leaves loosely packed
Canned Ingredients
  • 1 15 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
  • 1 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 oz. can white beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
Seasonings & Spices
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar balances acidity
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 dried bay leaves
Toppings
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish, optional
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Equipment

  • To make this hearty minestrone soup, you’ll need:
  • Slow cooker (crock pot)
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener
  • Wooden spoon or ladle
  • Soup bowls for serving

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
  1. Wash, peel (if needed), and chop carrots, potatoes, zucchini, onion, and celery.
  2. Set aside spinach for later.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
  1. Place onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, zucchini, green beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and white beans into the crock pot.
  2. Pour in vegetable broth.
Step 3: Season the Soup
  1. Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sugar, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves.
  2. Mix gently to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Cook Slowly
  1. Cover with lid and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Add Spinach
  1. About 10 minutes before serving, stir in baby spinach. Allow it to wilt gently in the hot broth.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
  1. Remove bay leaves before serving.
  2. Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if soup thickens too much.
🥄 Variations
Pasta Minestrone: Stir in 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni) in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Protein Boost: Add cooked shredded chicken or turkey.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
Low-Carb Version: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets.
Herb Upgrade: Use fresh basil and parsley for a bright finish.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a crock pot?
Yes, simmer on medium-low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
2. Do I have to add sugar?
No, but it helps balance the acidity of tomatoes.
3. Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
Yes, but pre-cook them first since dried beans take longer to soften.
4. Is Parmesan necessary?
It’s optional, but it adds a savory, umami-rich finish.
5. Can I add pasta directly to the slow cooker?
Yes, but do so in the last 20–30 minutes to avoid overcooking.
6. How do I keep vegetables from turning mushy?
Cut them into uniform sizes and avoid overcooking on high heat.
7. Can I make it vegan?
Yes — just skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
8. Will frozen spinach work instead of fresh?
Yes, add frozen spinach in the last 10 minutes just like fresh.
9. Can I thicken the soup?
Mash some of the beans or potatoes directly in the crock pot for a creamier texture.
10. What can I serve with minestrone?
Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad make great sides.
🏁 Conclusion
This Easy Crock Pot Minestrone Soup is the perfect healthy comfort food. It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a meal, yet light enough to enjoy any time of the year. With fresh vegetables, beans, and Italian herbs slowly cooked into a rich tomato broth, this recipe combines flavor, nutrition, and convenience.
The slow cooker makes it incredibly easy — simply prep, set, and let it simmer while you go about your day. When it’s ready, you’ll have a nourishing soup that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights at home.