Slow Cooker Soup
A comforting and hearty slow cooker soup filled with vegetables, legumes, and optional protein, perfect for family dinners and meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian (optional meat)
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 pound diced chicken, beef, or sausage (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) of beans or 1 cup of lentils, rinsed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
- Chopped kale or spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Add them to the slow cooker.
- Add protein: If you’re using meat, add it to the slow cooker on top of the vegetables.
- Pour in the broth: Add the vegetable or chicken broth along with the rinsed beans or lentils.
- Season it well: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and bay leaves, along with any additional herbs you prefer.
- Set to cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Ensure the chicken or beef is fully cooked.
- Final stir: Before serving, stir the soup well and adjust seasoning if necessary. Discard bay leaves.
Notes
For best results, chop vegetables evenly and watch for overcooked ingredients. This soup is even better the next day for meal prep.