This recipe for a slow cooker vegetarian stew is perfect for a chilly evening. It's packed with nutritious vegetables, hearty beans, and warming spices, making it a satisfying and delicious meal for the whole family. This vegetarian stew recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and letting your slow cooker do all the hard work. Get ready to enjoy a comforting and flavorful bowl of goodness!
Ingredients You'll Need for this Amazing Vegetarian Stew
This slow cooker vegetarian stew recipe uses readily available ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chopped butternut squash (or other winter squash)
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 cup chopped potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Stew
This slow cooker vegetarian stew recipe is incredibly easy to follow. Even beginner cooks can achieve amazing results!
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, kidney beans, cannellini beans, butternut squash, green beans, and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Slow cook to perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
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Serve and enjoy: Before serving, stir in some fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Vegetarian Stew
- Customize your vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Add lentils: For an even heartier stew, add a cup of brown or green lentils along with the beans.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking, or add other spices like cumin or coriander.
- Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping.
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