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Warm, filling, and incredibly affordable, this Crockpot Minestrone Soup is packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta — perfect for meal prep or feeding a family on a budget. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work!
💰 Why This Recipe Is Budget-Friendly
- Uses canned beans and pantry staples
- Flexible — use whatever vegetables you have
- Makes 6–8 hearty servings
- Freezer-friendly
Estimated cost: $8–$12 total (about $1–$1.50 per serving)
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini or great northern beans, drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (elbow, ditalini, or small shells)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional topping)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Add to Crockpot
Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, zucchini, tomatoes, beans, broth, and seasonings to your slow cooker.
2️⃣ Cook
- Low: 6–8 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
3️⃣ Add Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in pasta. Cover and cook until tender.
4️⃣ Finish
Stir in spinach (if using) and let wilt for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5️⃣ Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
🍽 Serving Ideas
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast
- Pair with a simple side salad
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for heat
🧊 Storage Tips
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Freeze up to 3 months (freeze without pasta for best texture)
- Add a splash of broth when reheating
🔄 Budget Swaps & Variations
- Swap zucchini for green beans or potatoes
- Use leftover vegetables from the fridge
- Add a bay leaf for deeper flavor
- Stir in cooked ground turkey for added protein
🥕 Nutrition Highlights
- High in fiber
- Plant-based protein from beans
- Loaded with vegetables
- Low in fat and customizable
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