Slow Cooker Minestrone
A hearty, flavorful slow cooker minestrone packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners and vegetable lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 c. red beans ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped parsley
- 1 (16 oz.) pkg. frozen mixed vegetables ⓘ
- 1/4 head shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. macaroni ⓘ
- 1 can beef broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine ground beef and red beans in a slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 2 hours.
- Add all remaining ingredients except macaroni and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- One hour before cooking is done, stir macaroni into the slow cooker contents.
- Cover and cook on high for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker. You can substitute the red beans with kidney beans or cannellini beans if preferred. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste; use fresh basil instead of dried if available. Adjust the vegetable mix based on your preference or what's in season for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestrone hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an Italian-inspired dinner, consider serving alongside Italian recipes like Very Easy Lasagna or Italian-Style Burgers for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The minestrone can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen if necessary.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slow Cooker Minestrone contains roughly 252 calories, with 14g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (119% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2085mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this minestrone vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make the minestrone vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and replacing the beef broth with vegetable broth. You can also add more beans or lentils for protein and fiber.
How do I adjust the cooking time if I'm using a smaller slow cooker?
If you're using a smaller slow cooker, you might need to reduce the cooking time slightly. Check the minestrone after 5 hours on low to see if the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
What can I do if the minestrone is too thick?
If the minestrone turns out too thick, simply stir in a bit of additional broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. You can also add more frozen mixed vegetables for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).