When summer rolls in with all its sunshine and sticky afternoons, the last thing I want is to hover over a hot stove. That’s where summer crockpot recipes come in and honestly, they feel like a little gift to myself. I can toss in fresh vegetables, maybe a handful of herbs from the garden if the rabbits haven’t beaten me to them, and then just let the slow cooker do its thing. Hours later, I’ve got dinner that tastes like I spent all day working on it, when really, I was just lounging with a cold drink and pretending to be productive. This veggie stew is one of those meals that’s hearty enough to satisfy but light enough to keep you from regretting that extra scoop. It’s flexible too. Got zucchini piling up on the counter? Toss it in. Bell peppers giving you the side-eye from the crisper? In they go. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t nag you with strict rules but instead says, “Hey, let’s make something delicious with what you’ve got.” If you’ve been hunting for the Best Crockpot Recipes Dinners that don’t weigh you down, or maybe scrolling through pages of Healthy Crockpot Recipes and wondering if they taste like cardboard, this stew will change your mind. It’s one of my favorite Crockpot Recipes Easy enough for weeknights but still fancy-looking enough for weekend gatherings. Call it a healthy crockpot recipe or just call it dinner, either way, it’s a winner.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Slow Cooker Summer Veggie Stew Recipe
3) Ingredients for Slow Cooker Summer Veggie Stew
4) How to Make Slow Cooker Summer Veggie Stew
5) Tips for Making Slow Cooker Summer Veggie Stew
6) Making Slow Cooker Summer Veggie Stew Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Slow Cooker Summer Veggie Stew
8) Try these Dinner Recipes next!
9) Slow Cooker Summer Veggie Stew
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This is one of those summer crockpot recipes that keeps you out of the kitchen and still gives you a hearty meal.
You can mix and match vegetables based on what you have on hand, making it flexible and fun.
The stew is healthy, satisfying, and a perfect way to use seasonal produce without much fuss.
Cooking in a crockpot frees up your time, so you can enjoy summer evenings instead of babysitting a stove.

2) Easy Slow Cooker Summer Veggie Stew Recipe

Every summer, I reach for my slow cooker as a way to trick myself into thinking I’m not cooking at all. With this veggie stew, the crockpot does the heavy lifting while I get to relax. It fits perfectly into that group of summer crockpot recipes that make you feel smart for planning ahead.

I love this recipe because it’s simple, honest, and forgiving. You can swap vegetables, toss in beans, or even add pasta if you like. It’s like the stew says, “Don’t stress, I got this.” That’s the energy I want during hot afternoons when standing near the oven feels like punishment.

When you take the lid off at the end of the day, the smell alone makes the house feel welcoming. It’s a bowl that feels both light and filling, making it ideal for those long evenings when family or friends gather without much fuss.

3) Ingredients for Slow Cooker Summer Veggie Stew

Zucchini: This is the vegetable that always multiplies in summer gardens. Toss it in chopped and it melts beautifully into the stew.

Bell Peppers: Sweet, colorful, and slightly crisp, they add a cheerful look and flavor to every spoonful.

Carrots: They bring a natural sweetness and stay tender but firm, so the stew feels balanced.

Onion: A diced onion softens and adds that subtle depth of flavor you notice in the background.

Garlic: Minced garlic brings warmth to the broth and gives the dish a little edge without overpowering it.

Diced Tomatoes: They add acidity and body to the stew, helping tie all the vegetables together.

Vegetable Broth: The base that carries everything, light yet flavorful enough to let each ingredient shine.

Oregano and Basil: Dried herbs that remind me of summer gardens, giving the stew its familiar comfort flavor.

Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings, but they matter. They bring the whole dish to life.

Olive Oil: A drizzle at the end adds richness and makes the stew feel more complete.

4) How to Make Slow Cooker Summer Veggie Stew

Step 1. Gather all the vegetables and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Don’t worry about perfect cuts; rustic looks good in a stew.

Step 2. Add the vegetables, tomatoes, and broth into your slow cooker. Sprinkle the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper over the top.

Step 3. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours or high for about 3 to 4. Then walk away and enjoy your day.

Step 4. When the timer goes off, open the lid and give the stew a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 5. Serve warm, maybe with a side of bread or a bowl of rice, and enjoy the comfort of a dish that practically cooked itself.

5) Tips for Making Slow Cooker Summer Veggie Stew

One tip I always follow is to keep the vegetables roughly the same size, so they cook evenly. This prevents one veggie from turning mushy while another stays tough.

I often throw in fresh herbs at the end to brighten the stew. A handful of parsley or basil right before serving makes it taste fresh and summery.

If you like more texture, add beans or chickpeas halfway through the cooking. They bulk up the stew without making it heavy, which keeps it in line with the feel of summer crockpot recipes.

6) Making Slow Cooker Summer Veggie Stew Ahead of Time

Sometimes I prepare the vegetables in the morning, place them in the crockpot with the broth, and store the pot in the fridge. Later in the day, I just set it back in the base and start cooking. It’s a quiet way of getting ahead.

The stew also holds up well if you want to cook it the night before and reheat it the next day. The flavors deepen, and the broth gets richer.

That makes it perfect if you’re planning a family gathering. You can enjoy the company instead of scrambling in the kitchen, since the work was already done earlier.

7) Storing Leftover Slow Cooker Summer Veggie Stew

I keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. When I reheat it, the stew tastes just as comforting, maybe even better.

If I make a large batch, I’ll freeze half of it. I portion the stew into freezer-safe bags so I can thaw only what I need. It makes future dinners much easier.

Reheated stew pairs well with a quick grilled cheese sandwich or a simple salad. It’s a flexible meal that feels homey even days later.

8) Try these Dinner Recipes next!

9) Slow Cooker Summer Veggie Stew