There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Italian wedding soup with meatballs on a chilly day. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The flavors in this soup are truly amazing, with a perfect blend of herbs and spices.
- It requires minimal prep time, so you can set it and forget it in the slow cooker.
- This soup is great for meal prep – make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground Italian sausage (or plain ground pork) and ground beef add depth of flavor to the meatballs.
- The egg and breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs together.
- Italian seasoning, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese provide classic Italian flavors.
- Celery, carrots, onion, and garlic add a savory base to the soup.
- Acini de pepe pasta and fresh spinach bulk up the soup.
- Chicken broth and olive oil create a rich and flavorful broth.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the ground Italian sausage, ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then form into meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides.
- In a slow cooker, combine celery, carrots, onion, garlic, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and the browned meatballs. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the Acini de pepe pasta and spinach to the slow cooker. Cook until pasta is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Helpful Tips:
- For a lighter version, use turkey instead of beef.
- Make extra meatballs and freeze them for future use.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for a bright finish.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a mix of sweet and hot Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Allow the meatballs to rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
- Replace the spinach with kale for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions:
This soup pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. For drinks, try a glass of Chianti or a crisp Pinot Grigio.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch? Yes, but homemade meatballs will provide the best flavor.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, feel free to use any small pasta shape you prefer.
- Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead? Yes, simply simmer the soup on low for about 45 minutes until the flavors meld together.
Conclusion:
Next time you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup, give this slow cooker Italian wedding soup with meatballs a try. It’s sure to become a family favorite, perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy every bite!
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Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs Recipe is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. The homemade meatballs, tender veggies, and flavorful broth come together beautifully in the slow cooker for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs:
-
- ½ lb. ground Italian sausage (or plain ground pork)
- ½ lb. ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp. dried parsley
- 1 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
Soup:
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 2 whole carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning
- ¾ cup Acini de pepe pasta
- 5 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground Italian sausage, ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Form into meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides. Set aside.
- Assemble the Soup: In a slow cooker, combine celery, carrots, onion, garlic, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and browned meatballs. Cook on low for several hours.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in Acini de pepe pasta and fresh spinach. Cook until pasta is tender. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the veggies in this soup by adding other favorites like zucchini or bell peppers.
- For a lighter version, use turkey or chicken meat in the meatballs.
- This soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg