This Slow Cooker Meatball Soup recipe takes just a bit of prep work, and then the slow cooker does the rest! Delicious, flavorful, hearty rich soup that will warm you right up!
There are days when only slow cooker soup will do. Rich, hearty, satisfying hot soup that takes minutes to put together, and then cooks low and slow while you go about your day.
I love this slow cooker meatball soup recipe. Some people might call it a "dump recipe" – meaning, you
Tips for making this meatball soup recipe
What to serve with meatball soup
This is a hearty dish with big flavors. And it already has pasta and tons of vegetables in it. So it stands well on its own as a complete meal.
However, it's also great enjoyed with your favorite side salad and some breadsticks or rolls.
What wine pairs well with meatball soup?
I love a medium- to full-bodied red wine with this soup. The robust flavors call for a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Syrah, or an Italian Nebbiolo.
Should you brown meatballs before slow cooking?
You don't have to brown the meatballs before slow cooking this soup. The meatballs come out delicious without browning first.
But if you want a crisp outer edge to the meatballs, you can brown them in a separate pan on your stovetop first. Toss them with some olive oil over medium heat for a couple of minutes. Then continue with the recipe.
Can I keep meatballs warm in a crockpot?
Yes! Absolutely. If you aren't going to be eating this meatball soup recipe right away, you can leave it in the slow cooker for up to an hour after it's done cooking. Use the Buffet setting or Warm setting if you have it; otherwise, use whatever the lowest setting is to keep your soup warm.
Can I freeze meatball soup?
Yes! This soup recipe is soup-er (ha!) freezer-friendly.
Allow the soup to cool before transferring portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. When you're ready to eat, heat up frozen soup in a stockpot over medium heat until it's warmed up and thawed out.
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Slow Cooker Meatball Soup
Ingredients
- 1 package 24 ounces frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs, thawed
- 1 ½ cups carrots sliced (about 3 medium)
- 1 cup celery sliced or chopped (about 2 celery ribs)
- 1 cup yellow onion chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 2 cups frozen baby spinach
- 3 cans 14.5 ounces each beef broth
- 2 cans 14.5 ounces each petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- ¾ cup dry red wine or water
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme or ¼ teaspoon dried
- ½ teaspoon fresh oregano or ¼ teaspoon dried
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¾ cup ditalini or other small pasta
Instructions
- In a 6-quart or 8-quart slow cooker, add all of the ingredients except the pasta (the first 13 ingredients: meatballs through pepper). Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours, until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in pasta; cover and cook on high until pasta is tender, about 15-20 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
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Shelley says
Oh wow - such rich, hearty comfort food, just perfect as we are having some really chilly fall evenings here in Ohio now! And even better? My slow cooker does all the hard work lol - so awesome for busy weeknights!
Jess says
Slow cooker recipes are life-changing and this recipe is no exception!
Aimee Mars says
This soup looks absolutely delicious and like it's not too heavy. Thanks for suggesting the best wine pairing too! It makes planning the meal so much easier.
Toni Dash says
This is so good!! Everyone at my house really loved it! So comforting!
sarah says
Love that I didn't have to brown the meatball before adding them to the slow cooker, The recipe turnout great!
Erika says
Love that slow cooker season is back! I also like to brown the meatballs before cooking. This looks delicious!