Slow-Cooker Vegetable Soup

Packed with veggies and flavored with a little bacon, this slow-cooker vegetable soup recipe will warm you up on a chilly day. This hearty soup is as versatile as it is delicious—substitute collards for kale, use another type of small dried beans, or add heat with red pepper flakes, if desired.

And because it's made in a slow-cooker, you don't have to stand over the stove stirring for hours. Just prepare the bacon in the microwave, crumble it, then add it along with the vegetables and other ingredients to the slow-cooker. Cover and cook on low until the potatoes and beans are fork-tender, 5 1/2 to 6 hours, and you'll be ready to serve.

Learn how to make slow-cooker vegetable soup, and let the Crock-Pot do all the work.

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Vegetable Soup

Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients, this slow-cooker vegetable soup offers a variety of colors, textures, and flavors for a satisfying and nourishing main course. To make this vegetable soup, you'll need:

• Thick-cut bacon slices: Adds a smoky, savory flavor to the soup, but can be skipped if looking to make a vegetarian version.
• Baby Yukon Gold potatoes: Bulks up the soup and adds a tender, velvety touch.
• Yellow onion, carrots, and celery: This classic mirepoix adds an aromatic base to the soup.
• Dried navy beans: For a boost of protein and fiber. Can be substituted with other types of dried beans, including Great Northern beans, cannellini beans, kidney beans, and more.
• Parsnip: A sweet, earthy, and licorice-like flavor.
• Chicken broth: A flavorful base liquid that can be substituted with vegetable broth if preferred.
• Minced garlic: Adds a flavorful touch and robust flavor to the soup.
• Black pepper and kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Curly kale: Hearty green that holds up well in soup applications. Can substitute with Swiss chard, collard greens, mustard greens, or spinach, if preferred.
• Lemon juice: For a touch of acidity to balance and brighten the soup.
• Thyme leaves: A mild floral note.

How To Make Slow-Cooker Vegetable Soup

Just 15 minutes of hands-on time, and the slow-cooker takes this vegetable soup over the finish line. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Cook and crumble bacon: Cook bacon in microwave and crumble.
• Step 2. Add vegetables and beans to slow-cooker: Place potatoes, onion, carrots, beans, parsnips, celery, broth, garlic, pepper, salt, and bacon in a slow-cooker.
• Step 3. Cook soup: Cover and cook on LOW until potatoes are tender, 5 1/2 to 6 hours.
• Step 4. Add kale and lemon juice: Stir in kale and cook until tender. Stir in lemon juice.
• Step 5. Garnish and serve: Garnish with pepper and thyme before serving.
  

Variations for Slow-Cooker Vegetable Soup

If you're looking for ways to change up this slow-cooker vegetable soup, we've got some ideas to get you started:

• Make it vegetarian: Omit the bacon and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
• Add protein: Shredded chicken or turkey, or cooked sausage can be added for additional protein.
• Spices: Add cumin, paprika, cayenne, or any other desired seasonings.
• Herbs: Fresh rosemary or parsley can add an earthy, herbal note.
• Veggies: Bell peppers, butternut squash, or other favorite vegetables can be added to bulk up the soup.
• Starch: Swap the potatoes for cooked quinoa, rice, or pasta at the end of cooking, if preferred.
• Beans: Substitute the navy beans with other dried bean varieties, including cannellini or kidney beans.
• Additional flavor: Add pesto, tomato paste, or a Parmesan rind while cooking for additional depth of flavor.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Slow-Cooker Vegetable Soup

Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze in small portions, if possible, for quick thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout, adjusting the consistency with broth, if needed, and the seasoning to taste before serving.

What To Serve With Slow-Cooker Vegetable Soup

This vibrant soup is a meal all on its own. Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or warm rolls for dipping. You can also pair with your favorite protein, including chicken, turkey, beef, or fish, for a filling meal.

More Slow-Cooker Soup Recipes You'll Love

Slow-cooker soups aren't just perfect for busy weekdays—they're a great way to get ahead of the day no matter what the occasion. Give these satisfying soups a try and we promise you'll be hooked:

• Slow-Cooker French Onion Soup
• Slow-Cooker Chipotle Tomato Soup
• Ham-and-Bean Soup
• Slow-Cooker Peas and Greens Soup with Turkey Sausage
• Slow-Cooker Lentil Soup
• Slow-Cooker Black Bean Soup
• Slow-Cooker Cheddar Soup
• Chicken-and-Rice Soup with Mushrooms
• Slow-Cooker Corn Chowder
• Slow-Cooker Green Minestrone

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.