Description
Slow Cooker Ratatouille is a hearty, veggie-packed dish that combines fresh vegetables slow-cooked to perfection, delivering rich, savory flavors with minimal hands-on effort. Perfect as a main dish, side, or base for other meals, it’s a nutritious, comforting recipe ideal for meal prep and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium fresh eggplant, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium yellow squash, diced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Other
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare and Chop the Vegetables: Wash and dice the eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and slice the onions thinly to help them soften evenly during cooking.
- Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Start by spreading the onions and garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the chopped vegetables in layers. This helps the flavors meld as the cooking progresses. Drizzle olive oil over everything, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Set the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours depending on your schedule and the tenderness you want. The slow cooking allows the vegetables to break down just enough while keeping their distinct textures.
- Stir and Adjust Seasoning: Once cooked, gently stir the ratatouille to combine fully and taste for seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
- Serve Warm or Store: Serve the Slow Cooker Ratatouille immediately, or let it cool before refrigerating or freezing for later.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm vegetables for best texture after slow cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker to allow even cooking and avoid steaming.
- Layer onions and garlic at the bottom to build a deep flavor base.
- Add fresh thyme and basil near the end for bright herbal notes.
- Slow and low cooking enhances flavor richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg