Hearty Crockpot Minestrone Soup (Plant-Based & Midlife Friendly)

There’s something about the scent of soup simmering all day that just feels like self-care. On busy days when life is pulling from all directions, I love knowing that dinner is quietly cooking away while I’m getting other things done. And this hearty, veggie-packed Crockpot Minestrone Soup is one of my go-to comfort meals — nourishing, simple, and perfect for hormone and midlife metabolism support.

What makes this recipe especially good for midlife women is its nutrient mix: plant protein from beans, fiber for digestion, and colorful vegetables rich in antioxidants and phytoestrogens that support natural hormone balance.

It’s cozy, but smart.

Healthy Crockpot Minestrone Soup - Ingredients

(Serves 6–8)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup uncooked small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prep the base:
   In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add to the crockpot:
   Transfer the onion and garlic to your slow cooker. Add carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes, both beans, vegetable broth, water, and seasonings.
3. Cook low and slow:
   Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until vegetables are tender.
4. Add pasta and greens:
   About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the pasta and spinach/kale. Continue cooking until pasta is tender.
5. Finish with freshness:
   Just before serving, stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Notes

Each serving delivers:

• 12g+ plant-based protein
• 10g+ fiber
• Rich in magnesium, potassium, and phytoestrogens

Perfect for steady energy, digestive support, and hormone health.

Tip:

If you’re sensitive to gluten or want to boost fiber, swap the pasta for quinoa or a gluten-free lentil pasta.
And if you like extra creaminess, blend one cup of the soup and stir it back in — it gives a rich texture without dairy.

Serving Ideas

• Sprinkle with nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan
• Pair with a slice of whole-grain sourdough
• Add a drizzle of olive oil or a spoonful of pesto on top for extra flavor

Ready to feel energized and light again this season?

Grab my free Midlife Metabolism Reset Guide to simplify healthy eating and balance hormones — one nourishing bowl at a time.