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Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup

Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup
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Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup is a comforting, hearty soup featuring tender homemade meatballs, savory tomato broth, fresh herbs, and wholesome vegetables all slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for chilly days, this easy-to-make recipe delivers classic Italian flavors with minimal effort and maximum coziness.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Soup Base Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Finishing Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
  • Parmesan cheese, grated, for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then shape into small bite-sized meatballs and set aside.
  2. Layer the Soup Ingredients: Add diced onions, chopped carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, broth, and Italian seasoning to the crockpot. Stir to combine, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
  3. Add the Meatballs: Carefully place the uncooked meatballs into the broth, nestling them evenly so they cook evenly and absorb the soup’s flavors.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours to allow the meatballs to cook thoroughly and the flavors to meld deeply without drying out.
  5. Finish with Greens and Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in fresh spinach or kale to wilt. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a flavorful finishing touch.

Notes

  • Make smaller meatballs to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
  • Gently mix meatball ingredients to prevent toughness; avoid overmixing.
  • For deeper flavor, sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the crockpot.
  • Add greens near the end of cooking to preserve color and nutrients.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning after cooking to avoid over-salting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian meatball soup, crockpot soup, comfort food, slow cooker soup, meatballs, tomato soup, healthy soup, family-friendly soup

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/crockpot-italian-meatball-soup/