Minestrone Soup (Crockpot) 

This low-carb minestrone soup recipe combines fresh vegetables and savory, herbaceous seasonings in a tomato-based broth. Cooked in the crockpot, it’s an easy, hand-off, vegetarian comfort food meal perfect for fall and winter! 

What can I expect? 

Traditional minestrone soup recipes contain small pasta noodles and cook long and slow on the stovetop. However, this version omits the pasta and adds extra veggies instead. Then, all the ingredients combine and cook in a crockpot. 

As a result, it’s a hands-off meal that’s low-carb and full of nutrients. All you have to do is combine the ingredients and let the crockpot do all the hard work. After a few hours, you can come back to a complete meal waiting for you! 

This recipe is plenty filling enough to enjoy on its own for a family-friendly meatless Monday option. However, it also pairs well with a variety of main courses and side dishes. Even better, leftovers store well. So, you can prepare a large batch, and keep leftovers on hand for quick meals you’ll look forward to eating. 

It’s the perfect way to warm up and fuel your body on a chilly day! 

Is Crockpot Minestrone Soup Healthy? 

Let’s take a look at the main ingredients: 

• Zucchini
• Cauliflower
• Onion
• Carrots
• Tomatoes
• Broth

Zucchini, cauliflower, onion, carrots, tomatoes, and broth are natural, nutritious food sources. Use them to add flavor and nutrients to a variety of recipes. 

Sugar is what makes food unhealthy. 

Most minestrone soup recipes are made with small pasta noodles (refined grains), which digest very similarly to sugar. 

In a single serving, you’re already up to 42g or more of sugar. Next, you’re looking at heartburn with an energy crash. (And you’ll be scouring the pantry for your next sugar snack within the hour.)

Omit the starchy noodles, and this recipe becomes nourishment. The ingredients provide vitamins, minerals, and quality, whole-food energy. 

Enjoy this crockpot minestrone soup knowing it supports your well-being. Learn more about eating less sugar here.

Crockpot Minestrone Soup Tips

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Substitute the canned diced tomatoes with about 4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. You might need to adjust the seasoning to taste.

2. How do I prevent the vegetables from becoming too mushy?

To avoid overly mushy vegetables, chop them into larger pieces. If you’re cooking on high, check the vegetables at the 3-hour mark. 

3. Can I add pasta or rice to this soup?

Traditional minestrone often includes pasta or rice. To keep this recipe low-carb, we omit it, but you can substitute a low-carb alternative like shirataki noodles or cauliflower rice instead. Add these in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. 

4. What can I use as a substitute for vegetable broth?

You can use water with vegetable bouillon cubes or powder. Adjust the amount to match the broth strength. Chicken broth can also be used if you’re not strictly vegetarian.

5. Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of the Crockpot?

Yes, you can. To do so, sauté the onions, garlic, and celery in a large pot with olive oil until softened. Add the remaining ingredients (except the leafy greens), and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for about 45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Add the greens in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

6. How can I make this soup more flavorful?

For added depth of flavor, you can sauté the onions, garlic, and celery in olive oil before adding them to the crockpot. You can also add a parmesan rind during cooking or include fresh herbs in addition to the dry seasonings. Alternatively, you can include a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for even more complexity. 

7. What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Adjust cooking times as needed as some vegetables cook faster than others.

8. How do I store leftovers?

Store the soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. We like to use soup cubes for easy portioning! 

9. What can I use instead of zucchini and yellow squash?

You can substitute zucchini and yellow squash with other low-carb vegetables like chopped bell peppers, eggplant, or even additional leafy greens.

10. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used. Add them directly to the crockpot without thawing, and adjust the cooking time if necessary.

11. How can I make this soup spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes used. Or, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.

12. How should I serve this minestrone soup? 

Feel free to enjoy this recipe on its own as a complete meal. Or, add sides like lemon parmesan salad or low-carb dinner rolls. It also makes for a great appetizer or side dish with protein-rich main courses like balsamic chicken, lemon garlic butter salmon, or feta artichoke chicken! 

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1 – Chicken Noodle Soup Crockpot

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4 – Lasagna Soup