Craving a hearty and nutritious meal that practically cooks itself? This Crock Pot Minestrone Soup recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy Healthy Crock Pot Dinners with minimal effort. It’s packed with vegetables and flavor, perfect for a cozy evening.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Vegetables: Use fresh chopped carrots, celery, onion, zucchini, and spinach.
- Beans: Canned kidney beans and cannellini beans work best. You can swap one for chickpeas if you prefer.
- Pasta: Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni are ideal.
- Broth: Vegetable broth is recommended for a vegetarian option. Chicken broth also works well.
- Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes provide a rich base.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Spices & Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated parmesan cheese (if desired)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on high) or 7-8 hours (on low)
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 (without optional garnish)
- Tools Needed: Large crock pot or slow cooker, cutting board, sharp knife, measuring cups and spoons.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Aromatics (Optional)
If you have a few extra minutes, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil on the stovetop for 5-7 minutes until softened. This step adds depth of flavor to your minestrone. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
2. Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot
Transfer your sautéed vegetables to the crock pot, or if skipping the sauté, add the raw chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic directly. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Add the oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the Soup
Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich broth. Your kitchen will smell amazing as it simmers.
4. Add Beans and Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, add the rinsed kidney beans and cannellini beans to the crock pot. Stir in the small pasta. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender, usually around 15-20 minutes.
5. Stir in Spinach
Just before serving, stir in the fresh chopped spinach. The residual heat from the soup will wilt the spinach quickly, adding a vibrant green color and extra nutrients. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your warm Crock Pot Minestrone Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, if you like. This hearty soup is a fantastic example of Healthy Crock Pot Dinners that are both simple and satisfying.
Variation Ideas:
- Extra Veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, green beans, or sweet potatoes for more variety.
- Spice It Up: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Grain Free: Skip the pasta and add more beans or a spoonful of cooked quinoa at the end.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Crock Pot Minestrone Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make this minestrone vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian if you use vegetable broth and omit any cheese.
Do I have to sauté the vegetables first?
No, you can skip sautéing, but it enhances the flavor. Simply add all the raw chopped vegetables directly to the crock pot.
What kind of pasta works best?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best in this soup.
Can I freeze leftover minestrone soup?
Yes, you can freeze it! If you plan to freeze, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to prevent it from getting mushy.
How can I make this soup thicker?
For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot or reduce the amount of broth slightly.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Crock Pot Minestrone Soup is excellent for meal prep, providing delicious and Healthy Crock Pot Dinners throughout the week.