Few dishes can rival the comforting, nourishing power of a bowl of slow cooker vegetable soup. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner, a meal-prep wonder, or just a way to use up the bounty from your fridge and pantry, this recipe is a true kitchen hero.
The magic of the slow cooker is that it does all the work for you: toss in your favorite vegetables, add broth and seasonings, and come home hours later to a house filled with a savory, homey aroma.
In this post, I’ll share a slow cooker vegetable soup recipe that’s hearty, wholesome, and endlessly customizable. You’ll discover tips for deepening the flavor, nutritional information, and creative ways to serve it.
Plus, I’ll link to more veggie-packed inspirations like Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating so you can keep your healthy eating streak going strong.
Let’s dive into the coziest, easiest slow cooker vegetable soup you’ll ever make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Chop, drop, and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. Perfect for busy schedules or lazy weekends.
- Super Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from a rainbow of vegetables, this soup is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
- Budget-Friendly: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand—fresh or frozen. No need for fancy ingredients or a trip to the specialty store.
- Customizable & Flexible: Swap, add, or omit veggies based on your preferences. This recipe is vegan and gluten-free, but you can easily tailor it to your dietary needs.
- Meal Prep Dream: Makes a big batch that keeps and freezes beautifully. Enjoy healthy lunches and dinners all week long.
“Homemade soup is a hug in a bowl—warm, nourishing, and always just what you need.”
Ready to make your new favorite soup? Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For sautéing (optional) |
Yellow onion | 1 large, diced | Sweet or white onion also works |
Garlic cloves | 3, minced | More or less to taste |
Carrots | 3, peeled and sliced | About 1 ½ cups |
Celery stalks | 3, sliced | About 1 ½ cups |
Russet potatoes | 2, peeled and diced | Gold or red potatoes also great |
Green beans | 1 cup, cut into 1-inch pieces | Fresh or frozen |
Zucchini | 1 medium, diced | About 1 cup |
Diced tomatoes | 1 (14.5 oz) can, with juices | Fire-roasted for extra flavor |
Tomato paste | 2 tbsp | Optional, for richness |
Vegetable broth | 6 cups | Low-sodium preferred |
Frozen corn | 1 cup | Add at the end for crunch |
Kale or spinach | 2 cups, chopped | Add at the end to wilt |
Dried thyme | 1 tsp | |
Dried oregano | 1 tsp | |
Bay leaf | 1 | |
Salt & pepper | To taste | |
Lemon juice | 1-2 tbsp | For brightness at the end |
Fresh parsley | For garnish | Optional |
Equipment
- Slow cooker (6-quart recommended for this batch size)
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle (for serving)
- Large skillet (optional, for sautéing aromatics)
- Soup bowls and storage containers
Instructions
-
Prep your vegetables:
Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables into bite-size pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and are easy to eat.
If you’re short on time, pre-chopped veggies or frozen options work beautifully.
-
Sauté aromatics (optional but recommended):
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until translucent.
Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Tip: Sautéing the onion and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker deepens the flavor of your soup, but you can skip this step if you’re in a rush.
-
Layer ingredients in the slow cooker:
Add carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, zucchini, diced tomatoes (with juices), and tomato paste into the slow cooker. If you sautéed your aromatics, add them now.
Pour in the vegetable broth.
-
Add seasonings:
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
-
Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender but not mushy.
-
Add quick-cooking veggies:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen corn and chopped kale or spinach. Continue cooking uncovered so the greens wilt and flavors meld.
-
Finish the soup:
Remove the bay leaf. Squeeze in lemon juice for brightness and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
-
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if desired.
-
Store leftovers:
Let soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Tips & Variations
-
Change up the veggies:
Swap in whatever you have—sweet potatoes, butternut squash, peas, bell peppers, or cabbage. Just keep the total volume similar for best results.
-
Make it protein-packed:
Add a can of drained chickpeas, white beans, or lentils with the vegetables for a more filling soup. For even more ideas, check out Healthy Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meals.
-
Boost the flavor:
Add a parmesan rind, a splash of soy sauce, or extra herbs like basil or rosemary. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro for an herby finish.
-
Spice it up:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a subtle kick.
-
Make it creamy:
Stir in a splash of coconut milk or swirl in Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for a rich, velvety texture.
-
Try international flavors:
Use curry powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning for a new twist. Or, add a spoonful of miso paste for umami depth.
-
Thicken the soup:
Blend a cup or two of the cooked soup and stir it back in, or mash some of the potatoes right in the pot.
-
Short on time?
Use frozen mixed vegetables. No need to thaw—just toss them right into the slow cooker.
“The beauty of vegetable soup is that it’s never exactly the same twice—and that’s what makes it so special!”
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1.5 cups) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 |
Protein | 4g |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Fiber | 6g |
Fat | 2g |
Sugar | 7g |
Sodium | 400mg (with low-sodium broth) |
Vitamin A | 110% DV |
Vitamin C | 45% DV |
Calcium | 8% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the vegetables and broth used.
Serving Suggestions
-
Crusty Bread:
Serve with a slice of sourdough or a warm, homemade loaf. Try this Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for a perfect pairing.
-
Salad:
Pair with a crisp green salad, or a bean salad for extra protein and texture.
-
Grains:
Ladle soup over cooked brown rice, quinoa, or farro for a heartier meal.
-
Garnishes:
Top each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, red pepper flakes, or a handful of fresh herbs.
-
Soup and Sandwich:
Pair with a veggie-packed sandwich or a simple avocado toast for a filling lunch or dinner.
“Soup’s versatility is its secret weapon—no two bowls ever need to be the same!”
Conclusion
There’s nothing like coming home to the rich aroma of slow-cooked vegetable soup simmering away—especially when it’s full of vibrant flavors, nourishing ingredients, and endless possibilities for customization.
This recipe is your blueprint for healthy, hearty comfort food that makes the most of your slow cooker and your crisper drawer.
Whether you’re a meal prep enthusiast, a busy parent, or someone just looking for a cozy bowl on a chilly evening, this slow cooker vegetable soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to explore more inspiration with our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or get creative with global flavors from Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.
Let your slow cooker do the work and enjoy a meal that’s as good for your soul as it is for your body. Happy cooking, and be sure to share your own favorite veggie combinations in the comments below!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup
Description: This hearty slow cooker vegetable soup is packed with nutritious veggies and savory flavor. It's easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT6H
Total Time: PT6H15M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned, with juice)
- 2 cups chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 1 g | Carbs: 26 g
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