slow cooker minestrone recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best slow cooker minestrone recipe

I’m so excited to share this slow cooker minestrone recipe with you all! Minestrone is a classic Italian soup that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a rich, flavorful broth.

I love making it in my slow cooker because it’s so easy to prepare and cook – just toss all the ingredients in the pot and let the slow cooker do the rest. My family and I have been enjoying this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit. We love the combination of tender vegetables, creamy beans, and al dente pasta in every bite.

Plus, it’s incredibly healthy – the vegetables provide a boost of vitamins and antioxidants, while the beans offer protein and fiber. It’s also incredibly versatile – we’ve served it as a main course, as a side dish, or even as a fun snack for kids. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize to your tastes.

Want more vegetables? Add them! Prefer less broth?

Use less water. The beauty of slow cooker recipes is that they’re incredibly forgiving – just toss everything in the pot and let it cook. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and each time it turns out deliciously different depending on what ingredients I add or subtract.

My kids love helping me prepare this recipe – they get to add their favorite veggies and watch as the slow cooker does all the work. It’s such a great way to spend time together as a family, cooking up something delicious and healthy. And when we sit down to enjoy our meal together, I know we’ll be savoring not just the flavors but also the memories we’re making around the table.

Slow Cooker Minestrone

4.7 from 1214 votes

This hearty Slow Cooker Minestrone is a comforting Italian-inspired soup filled with vegetables, beans, and pasta. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and easy to make in a slow cooker.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time8 hrs
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 300 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Vegetables

1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

Beans and Pasta

1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup small pasta shapes, such as ditalini or elbow macaroni

Seasonings

1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 bay leaves

Broth

6 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Optional Toppings

grated Parmesan cheese
fresh basil leaves

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the diced onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell pepper in the slow cooker.
2Add the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
3Stir to combine.
4Add the cannellini beans, kidney beans, and pasta to the slow cooker.
5Sprinkle with oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaves.
6Pour in the broth and stir well to combine.
7Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the pasta is cooked.
8Once the minestrone is done, remove the bay leaves.
9Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
10If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker to release their starches.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 300 kcal🧈Total Fat: 2g💛Saturated Fat: 0.5g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: Stir the minestrone occasionally during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add 1 tsp of cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp of water during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Add the pasta during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to prevent it from overcooking and becoming mushy.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Minestrone Works

This slow cooker minestrone recipe has become a staple in our household – it’s easy to make, packed with nutritious ingredients, and always a hit with my family.

We love serving it at family gatherings because everyone can customize their bowl with their favorite toppings.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can serve it as a main course or add some crusty bread on the side for dipping into that delicious broth.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Minestrone

Q: What is minestrone?

Minestrone is a classic Italian soup that originated in Tuscany. It typically consists of vegetables such as onions, carrots, celery, beans, tomatoes, potatoes, and sometimes meat or sausage.

Q: What type of pasta should I use?

You can use any type of small pasta you like – elbow macaroni is a classic choice for minestrone.

Q: Can I make minestrone without beans?

You can omit the beans if you prefer or don’t have them on hand.

Q: How long does minestrone take to cook?

This recipe cooks in about 8-10 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

Q: Can I store leftover minestrone?

Yes – you can store leftover minestrone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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