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Slow Cooker Ratatouille Recipe

4.5 from 139 reviews

This Slow Cooker Ratatouille is a hearty, flavorful vegetable stew perfect for a comforting meal. Combining eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and tomatoes, slow-cooked to tender perfection with herbs like thyme and basil. It’s an effortless, healthy dish that brings out the natural sweetness and depth of the vegetables while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 eggplant, diced
  • 2 zucchinis, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

Seasonings and Oils

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables: Begin by washing and chopping all the vegetables as specified: dice the eggplant, slice the zucchinis, chop the bell pepper and onion, and mince the garlic to ensure even cooking and flavor integration.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the diced eggplant, sliced zucchinis, chopped bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Add the undrained can of diced tomatoes to the mix, ensuring all liquids are incorporated for a stew-like consistency.
  3. Add Seasonings and Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables, then sprinkle the dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper evenly over the mixture. Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly without mashing the vegetables.
  4. Slow Cook the Ratatouille: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have fully melded together.
  5. Finish and Serve: Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving to add a bright, herbal note and vibrant color. Serve hot as a main or side dish.

Notes

  • For a thicker ratatouille, you can drain some of the liquid from the tomatoes before adding.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or carrots for variation.
  • This dish pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or quinoa for a more filling meal.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove.

Keywords: slow cooker ratatouille, slow cooker vegetables, French stew, healthy vegetarian recipe, easy slow cook dinner