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Hearty Slow Cooker Minestrone

A comforting and savory minestrone soup simmered in a slow cooker, packed with vibrant vegetables, pasta, and rich flavors, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetables and Aromatics
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup green beans, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups spinach or kale
  • 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or macaroni)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
  2. Follow up with garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cooking
  1. Transfer the sautéed vegetables into the slow cooker. Add zucchini, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, kidney beans, green beans, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Let it cook for 4-6 hours, or on high heat for 2-3 hours.
  3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the spinach or kale along with the small pasta. Cover again, allowing the pasta to cook until tender.
  4. Before serving, taste your soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Ladle the minestrone into bowls and serve hot.

Notes

Feel free to mix and match your veggies according to what you have available. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in individual containers for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.