Easy Vegetable Slow Cooker Recipes for Quick Healthy Meal

Updated On: September 29, 2025

Slow cookers are a true blessing for busy home cooks who want to enjoy wholesome, hearty meals without spending hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking to eat more vegetables or simply want an easy, comforting dish, easy vegetable slow cooker recipes are the way to go.

These recipes allow fresh veggies to simmer gently, creating rich flavors and tender textures that will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body. Best of all, you can prep your ingredients in the morning, set your slow cooker, and come home to a delicious dinner ready to serve.

Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker lover or just getting started, this recipe guide will inspire you to make the most of your vegetables with minimal effort. From fresh herbs to vibrant root vegetables, you’ll discover how simple ingredients can transform into a delightful meal perfect for any day of the week.

Plus, these recipes are great for meal prep and make excellent leftovers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with easy vegetable slow cooker recipes. First, they are incredibly convenient.

You just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work, freeing you up to focus on other tasks. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Second, slow cooking enhances the natural flavors of vegetables, making them taste richer and more satisfying. The gentle heat helps meld the ingredients together, creating a comforting, stew-like dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Finally, these recipes are highly customizable. You can swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.

Want more protein? Add beans or lentils.

Craving a different flavor profile? Experiment with herbs and spices.

The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Carrots, peeled and chopped 3 medium
Potatoes, diced (Yukon gold or red) 2 large
Zucchini, sliced 1 medium
Bell peppers, any color, chopped 2 medium
Onion, diced 1 large
Garlic cloves, minced 3 cloves
Celery stalks, sliced 2 stalks
Can of diced tomatoes (with juice) 14.5 oz (1 can)
Vegetable broth 3 cups
Chickpeas, cooked or canned, drained and rinsed 1 cup
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Dried thyme 1 tsp
Smoked paprika 1 tsp
Salt To taste
Black pepper, freshly ground To taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 2 tbsp

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (4-6 quart size recommended)
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
  • Can opener (if using canned tomatoes and chickpeas)
  • Serving bowls and utensils

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables. Wash, peel, and chop the carrots, potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and celery into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Sauté the aromatics (optional but recommended). In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent. This step enhances flavor but you can skip it to save time.
  3. Combine ingredients in the slow cooker. Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the chopped carrots, potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, celery, canned tomatoes with juice, chickpeas, vegetable broth, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Mix gently. Stir all the ingredients to combine well and distribute the spices evenly.
  5. Cook low and slow. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The vegetables should be tender but not mushy.
  6. Check seasoning. About 30 minutes before serving, taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed. You can also add fresh herbs at this stage if desired.
  7. Garnish and serve. Once cooked, ladle the vegetable stew into bowls, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

“For an even heartier meal, consider adding cooked lentils or your favorite beans along with the chickpeas. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño adds a nice kick.”

Feel free to experiment with the vegetables — sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or green beans can all work wonderfully in this recipe. To add a Mediterranean flair, try tossing in some olives or a splash of lemon juice just before serving.

For a creamy texture, stir in a dollop of coconut milk or cashew cream near the end of cooking. And if you want a quick side to accompany this dish, check out our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade for a simple homemade flatbread.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (approximate)
Calories 220 kcal
Protein 7 g
Carbohydrates 38 g
Dietary Fiber 9 g
Fat 5 g
Sodium 450 mg
Vitamin A 150% DV
Vitamin C 60% DV
Iron 15% DV

Serving Suggestions

This hearty vegetable stew pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal that’s both filling and nutritious.

For bread lovers, a crusty baguette or our Vegan Bread Maker Recipe for Soft and Delicious Loaves is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.

If you prefer something lighter, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the warm stew nicely. For an exotic twist, try serving it alongside some warm Vegan Maqluba Recipe: Easy One-Pot Middle Eastern Meal to enjoy a fusion of plant-based flavors.

Conclusion

Easy vegetable slow cooker recipes are an excellent way to bring delicious, wholesome meals to your table without the fuss. This recipe showcases the versatility and convenience of slow cooking, turning simple ingredients into a comforting and flavorful dish that everyone will love.

The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, allowing the vegetables to develop rich flavors and soft textures that are satisfying and nutritious.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a simple dinner solution, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite veggies and spices, and explore our other plant-based recipes to keep your menu exciting.

Happy slow cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Easy Vegetable Slow Cooker Stew

Description: A hearty and healthy vegetable stew perfect for busy days. Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the work.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT6H
Total Time: PT6H15M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 cups diced carrots
  • 2 cups diced potatoes
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Add all vegetables to the slow cooker.
  2. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes.
  3. Stir in garlic, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Drizzle olive oil over the top and stir gently.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
  6. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 26 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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