Slow-Cooker Vegetable Soup

Warm Up with Slow-Cooker Vegetable Soup

When the weather turns chilly, few things are as comforting as a bowl of warm, hearty soup. Indeed, our Slow-Cooker Vegetable Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience that combines wholesome ingredients, incredible flavors, and the ease of slow cooking. Whether you’re an experienced cook or someone just starting in the kitchen, this recipe is absolutely perfect for anyone looking to create a satisfying and healthy dish with minimal effort.

What makes this soup truly special is its versatility. Not only can you customize it by adding extra vegetables or spices, but you can also incorporate beans or lentils for additional protein. At the same time, the slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time. As a result, you get a delicious, hearty meal without standing over the stove.

Additionally, this recipe for Slow-Cooker Vegetable Soup uses everyday ingredients like carrots, zucchini, and green beans, so it’s easy to prepare without a last-minute trip to the store. Furthermore, because it’s packed with vegetables, it’s both nourishing and comforting—a combination everyone can appreciate. If you’re meal prepping, you’ll also love that this soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Not only is this dish a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also perfect for a variety of occasions. For instance, you can serve it as a light dinner, pair it with a sandwich for lunch, or enjoy it as a starter for a larger meal. In short, this Slow-Cooker Vegetable Soup is a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.

So, gather your ingredients, pull out your slow cooker, and, most importantly, get ready to enjoy a timeless favorite that will warm you from the inside out!

Recipe Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 6–8 hrs
Total Time: 6–8 hrs 15 min

INGREDIENTS
3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
2 tbsp olive oil
3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 celery stalks, sliced
4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium recommended)
2 medium zucchini, diced
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 ½ cups frozen corn
1 cup frozen peas
¾ tsp smoked paprika (for depth of flavor)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 ½ tsp dried thyme
1 ½ tsp dried oregano
3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Optional: 1 tsp soy sauce or 1 tsp lemon juice (for extra depth before serving)

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 3 min, then add the garlic and sauté for another 1–2 min, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and softened.
2. Add ingredients to the slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add carrots, celery, potatoes, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), zucchini, green beans, corn, peas, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine evenly.
3. Start cooking: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hrs or on high for 3–4 hrs, until the potatoes and other vegetables are tender but not mushy.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings: About 30 min before the soup is done, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or the optional soy sauce or lemon juice, if needed. This ensures the flavors are perfectly balanced.
5. Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately with crusty bread, crackers, or a light salad for a complete meal.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Choose the Right Broth: Use a flavorful vegetable broth, preferably low-sodium, to ensure the soup is rich without being overly salty. For extra depth, add a teaspoon of soy sauce or a splash of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
• Prep Vegetables in Advance: Save time by chopping all the vegetables the night before and storing them in airtight containers in the fridge. This step makes assembling the soup in the slow cooker quicker and stress-free.
• Customize the Texture: If you prefer a creamier consistency, blend about 2 cups of the soup after cooking and stir it back in. This small adjustment keeps the soup hearty while adding a luxurious thickness.