Minestrone soup, a hearty Italian classic, is perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe leverages the slow-cooking magic of a crock-pot to deliver a deeply flavorful, incredibly convenient, and surprisingly easy minestrone soup. Forget about slaving over a stove – let your crock-pot do the work while you relax! This recipe is packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
What Makes This Crock-Pot Minestrone Soup Recipe Special?
This isn't your average minestrone recipe. We've focused on maximizing flavor through long, slow cooking, ensuring every ingredient melds perfectly. The crock-pot allows the vegetables to soften beautifully, releasing their natural sweetness, while the pasta cooks to al dente perfection without becoming mushy. We've also included tips and variations to make this recipe truly your own.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work well)
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1/2 cup chopped kale or spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary, briefly sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil before adding them to the crock-pot will enhance the overall flavor. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of sautéing.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed vegetables (or just the raw chopped vegetables) along with the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, cannellini beans, kidney beans, pasta, zucchini, green beans, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to your crock-pot.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pasta is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally.
- Add Greens: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the kale or spinach.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
How Long Does Crock-Pot Minestrone Soup Last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftover minestrone soup will last for 3-4 days. It also freezes well; allow it to cool completely before freezing in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Can I Use Different Beans in My Crock-Pot Minestrone Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other beans such as great northern beans, pinto beans, or even a mix of different beans. The variety of textures and flavors will add depth to your soup.
What Kind of Pasta is Best for Crock-Pot Minestrone Soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are ideal for crock-pot minestrone soup as they cook evenly and don't become mushy. Avoid using larger pasta shapes, as they may not cook completely in the crock-pot.
Is it Possible to Make Vegetarian/Vegan Minestrone Soup in a Crock-Pot?
Yes! This recipe is easily adaptable for vegetarian or vegan diets. Simply ensure you use vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan cheese.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to My Crock-Pot Minestrone Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced potatoes, chopped bell peppers, or even some chopped butternut squash for extra sweetness and nutrients. Just be mindful of adding harder vegetables like potatoes earlier in the cooking process to ensure they become tender.
Tips for the Best Crock-Pot Minestrone Soup:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Start checking for doneness about 30 minutes before the recommended cooking time to avoid mushy pasta.
- Season to taste: Adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your preference.
- Add a splash of acidity: A tablespoon or two of red wine vinegar or lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors.
- Garnish generously: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil make a beautiful and flavorful garnish.
Enjoy your delicious and effortless crock-pot minestrone soup! Remember to adjust seasonings to your liking. Happy cooking!
