Apple and Vegetable Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meals

Slow cooker recipes are beloved for their convenience and the way they let flavors meld together effortlessly over hours of gentle cooking. When you combine the natural sweetness of apples with the earthiness of fresh vegetables, you unlock a world of comforting, nutritious meals perfect for any time of the year.

Whether you’re preparing dinner on a busy weekday or looking for a hearty dish to warm up chilly evenings, apple and vegetable slow cooker recipes offer a delightful balance of sweet and savory that will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.

In this post, we’ll explore several slow cooker recipes that highlight the beautiful harmony between apples and vegetables. These recipes are simple to prepare, use wholesome ingredients, and are perfect for vegetarians and anyone wanting to eat more plant-based meals.

Get ready to enjoy vibrant colors, tantalizing aromas, and delicious flavors with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something truly magical about slow cooker meals—they require minimal prep and reward you with deep, rich flavors. The addition of apples adds a subtle sweetness and natural acidity that complements the savory vegetables perfectly.

These recipes are:

• Easy to customize based on your favorite veggies and available produce.
• Nutritious and wholesome, packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• Perfect for batch cooking, so you can make meals ahead for busy days.
• Great for all seasons, especially fall and winter when apples and root vegetables are at their peak.

Plus, using a slow cooker means your kitchen stays cool, and dinner is ready when you are.

Ingredients

• 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), cored and chopped
• 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Slow cooker (at least 4-quart capacity recommended)
• Cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables and apples
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl to toss ingredients (optional)
• Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula for stirring
• Serving bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Wash and peel the carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash. Chop the apples, onion, and garlic.
2. Toss the vegetables and apples: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, carrots, sweet potatoes, onion, butternut squash, garlic, and green beans.
3. Add the spices: Sprinkle the dried thyme, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Drizzle with olive oil and toss everything together until well coated.
4. Transfer to the slow cooker: Pour the vegetable and apple mixture into the slow cooker. Add the vegetable broth and stir gently to combine.
5. Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and 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 and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

“For a creamier texture, stir in 1/2 cup of coconut milk or cashew cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.”

Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables depending on the season. Brussels sprouts, parsnips, or zucchini work wonderfully.

You can also add a can of rinsed chickpeas or white beans for extra protein and heartiness.

If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. For a savory twist, add a splash of tamari or soy sauce during cooking.

To make this recipe vegan and gluten-free, ensure your vegetable broth is suitable, and avoid adding any dairy-based toppings.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This apple and vegetable slow cooker dish is delicious served on its own or paired with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, try serving it over fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.

For added texture, sprinkle toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans on top. A side of crusty whole-grain bread or garlic flatbread is also perfect to soak up the flavorful broth.

Looking for more slow cooker inspiration? Check out Awesome Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy Meals for other comforting plant-based ideas.

Conclusion

Slow cooker recipes that combine apples and vegetables are a fantastic way to enjoy wholesome, flavorful meals with minimal effort. These dishes bring together the natural sweetness of apples and the earthy goodness of fresh vegetables, creating a comforting balance that is perfect for any season.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal, these recipes offer versatility, nutrition, and delicious taste all in one pot.

With simple ingredients, easy instructions, and plenty of room for customization, these slow cooker recipes can become staples in your kitchen. Don’t forget to explore other plant-based recipes like our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or the hearty 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious for more nourishing ideas.

Happy cooking and enjoy every cozy, delicious bite!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Apple and Vegetable Slow Cooker Stew”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and healthy slow cooker stew combining sweet apples with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a cozy meal packed with flavor and nutrition.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT6H”, “totalTime”: “PT6H15M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 large apples, peeled and diced”, “3 carrots, sliced”, “2 celery stalks, chopped”, “1 large onion, chopped”, “2 cups diced potatoes”, “1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 cup vegetable broth”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “1 teaspoon paprika”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan and saut\u00e9 onions and garlic until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add carrots, celery, potatoes, and green beans to the slow cooker.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add saut\u00e9ed onions and garlic, diced apples, and spices to the slow cooker.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth and stir to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “3g”, “fatContent”: “7g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “28g”}}