Name: Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Frozen or homemade meatballs (quantity based on preference, approx. 1 lb); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 4 cups beef or chicken broth; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 3 garlic cloves, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh spinach or kale (optional, added at the end); Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish; Optional: cooked pasta or rice, for added heartiness

Jump to Recipe

This Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup is the perfect meal for busy days when you want a delicious, comforting dish with minimal effort. Packed with flavorful meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or preparing a meal ahead of time, this hearty and satisfying soup will have everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s made in the slow cooker, which means you can set it and forget it while it simmers to perfection.

The combination of tender meatballs, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant Italian seasoning creates a rich, flavorful broth. Add in the crunch of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and zucchini, and you’ve got a soup that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. This recipe is customizable and can be adapted with your favorite greens, pasta, or rice for a filling meal. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup is the ultimate comfort food. With tender meatballs, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth, it offers a delicious, balanced meal in one pot. It’s incredibly easy to make – simply toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker, and let it cook slowly throughout the day. The result is a satisfying, flavorful soup that’s packed with wholesome ingredients. It’s a great option for meal prep or feeding a crowd, and the addition of greens, pasta, or rice makes it even more filling. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

Frozen or homemade meatballs
Canned diced tomatoes
Tomato paste
Beef or chicken broth
Carrots, sliced
Celery, diced
Onion, chopped
Zucchini, diced
Italian seasoning
Garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh spinach or kale (optional, added at the end)
Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Optional: cooked pasta or rice

Variations

Meatball Options: You can use homemade meatballs or store-bought frozen meatballs to save time. Turkey or chicken meatballs are also great lean alternatives.
Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, or peas to the soup for added color and nutrition.
Greens: If you prefer spinach, kale, or another leafy green, you can easily swap them in based on your preference. Add them at the end of the cooking process to keep them fresh and tender.
Pasta or Rice: For a heartier soup, add cooked pasta like ditalini or small shells, or cooked rice for extra texture. You can even use a gluten-free pasta if needed.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

Place the frozen or homemade meatballs in the bottom of the crockpot. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef or chicken broth, sliced carrots, diced celery, chopped onion, diced zucchini, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Soup

Cover the crockpot and set it on low heat. Cook for 6-8 hours or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but the flavors will develop better on low heat.

Step 3: Add Greens (Optional)

About 15 minutes before serving, add fresh spinach or kale (if using) to the soup. Stir it in and let it wilt in the heat of the soup.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. If desired, serve with a side of crusty bread or a sprinkle of extra seasoning.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the vegetables with a potato masher before serving.
Use Low-Sodium Broth: To control the salt levels, use low-sodium broth or adjust the amount of salt added.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the soup if you like a bit of heat.
For Extra Flavor: Sauté the garlic and onions in olive oil for a couple of minutes before adding them to the slow cooker to enhance their flavor.

How to Serve

This Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup is filling enough to be served on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a light salad. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and improve over time, making it even better the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, frozen or store-bought meatballs are a convenient option for this recipe. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the crockpot.

2. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like green beans, peas, or bell peppers for more variety.

3. How long do I cook the soup in the crockpot?

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

4. Can I add pasta or rice to the soup?

Yes, you can add cooked pasta or rice to make the soup heartier. Add it at the end of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming mushy.

5. Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, you can use beef, chicken, or vegetable broth based on your preference or what you have on hand.

6. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for later use.

7. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free meatballs and gluten-free pasta, this soup can be made gluten-free.

8. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but canned diced tomatoes are typically easier to work with and provide a consistent flavor.

9. How do I thicken the soup?

To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the vegetables or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.

10. Can I add more seasonings?

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to taste. Adding extra Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy day. With minimal prep and the help of your slow cooker, you can enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of soup filled with savory meatballs, vegetables, and a rich broth. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty meal or serve it with a side of bread, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s customizable, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy!