Crock Pot Recipes Vegetable Stew for Easy Healthy Meals

There’s nothing quite as comforting and wholesome as a warm bowl of vegetable stew, especially when it’s made effortlessly in a crock pot. This slow-cooked vegetable stew is a vibrant medley of fresh, seasonal vegetables simmered to perfection, creating a hearty, nourishing meal that satisfies both the body and soul.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent looking for easy dinners, or someone wanting to eat more plant-based meals, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.

Using a crock pot means you can prepare your ingredients quickly, set it, and forget it while the flavors develop slowly throughout the day. This recipe is versatile, budget-friendly, and packed with nutrients, making it perfect for any season.

You’ll find it easy to customize, with options to add your favorite vegetables or spices. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to warm up on a chilly evening or enjoy a light yet filling lunch.

Let’s dive into this delicious crock pot vegetable stew recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crock pot vegetable stew is a true crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make — just chop, add, and let the slow cooker do the work.

The slow cooking process allows the vegetables to absorb all the rich flavors of herbs and broth, resulting in a stew that’s bursting with taste.

It’s also wonderfully nutritious, packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from a variety of colorful vegetables. This stew is vegan, gluten-free, and can be adapted to suit many dietary needs.

It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for meal prep, leftovers, or feeding a hungry family without spending hours in the kitchen.

Lastly, it’s highly customizable! You can swap in seasonal vegetables or add beans and grains for extra protein and heartiness.

If you’re interested in exploring more vegetarian dishes, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for inspiration.

Ingredients

• 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup frozen peas (added at the end)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Crock pot/slow cooker (at least 4-quart capacity)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Can opener (for diced tomatoes)
• Ladle for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash, peel, and chop the carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, butternut squash, bell pepper, and green beans into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the diced onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This helps deepen the stew’s flavor.
3. Add ingredients to crock pot: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the crock pot. Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, green beans, butternut squash, bell pepper, and canned diced tomatoes along with their juices.
4. Season and add broth: Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the bay leaf. Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld together.
6. Add frozen peas: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. Replace the lid and continue cooking until peas are heated through.
7. Final touches: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Try adding a cup of cooked lentils or chickpeas for a protein boost and extra heartiness.

Feel free to swap vegetables based on your pantry or seasonal availability. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or zucchini all work wonderfully.

For a smoky twist, add a splash of liquid smoke or substitute smoked paprika with chipotle powder – learn how to make your own at home with our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.

If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk or unsweetened plant-based cream just before serving.

To make this stew even more filling, serve it over cooked grains like quinoa or brown rice. You can explore more wholesome grain-based dishes with our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable stew pairs beautifully with crusty whole-grain bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the delicious broth. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple vegan salad dressing like in our Vegan Salad Dressing Recipe for Fresh and Flavorful Meals.

For a heartier meal, spoon the stew over cooked polenta or mashed potatoes. You can also add a dollop of plant-based yogurt or sour cream substitute for extra creaminess.

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme to add a burst of freshness.

Conclusion

This crock pot vegetable stew is a brilliant way to enjoy a comforting, nutritious meal with minimal effort. The slow-cooked vegetables become tender and flavorful, creating a stew that’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping for the week.

Its flexibility means you can easily adapt it to your favorite veggies or dietary preferences, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is designed to be simple, delicious, and satisfying. Dive into the world of vegetarian slow cooker meals and discover how easy it is to eat well without the fuss.

For more slow cooker inspiration, be sure to check out our Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes NZ For Easy Meals.

More Delicious Crock Pot Recipes Vegetable Stew Variations

Spicy Southwest Vegetable Stew

Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a teaspoon of cumin and smoked paprika. Serve with avocado slices and fresh cilantro.

Mediterranean Vegetable Stew

Include chopped eggplant, zucchini, artichoke hearts, and kalamata olives. Season with oregano and basil.

Serve with warm pita bread.

Indian-Style Vegetable Stew

Incorporate cauliflower, peas, and diced tomatoes with garam masala, turmeric, and cumin. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon.

Hearty Mushroom and Barley Stew

Add sliced mushrooms and ½ cup barley to the basic recipe. Cook until barley is tender.

This adds a chewy texture and extra protein.

Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew

Swap potatoes for sweet potatoes and add a can of chickpeas. Season with curry powder and a splash of coconut milk for creaminess.

For more creative vegetarian stew recipes and hearty plant-based meals, explore our Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love and 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious collections.

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