Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup
This slow cooker Italian meatball soup can also be made on a stove top. For a thicker, heartier soup, omit the water in this recipe.
This slow cooker Italian meatball soup can also be made on a stove top. For a thicker, heartier soup, omit the water in this recipe.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 medium carrots diced small
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 2 small
- 1 small onion diced small
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 16 ounces (2 liquid cups) organic beef stock
- 12 ounces (1.5 liquid cups) water
- 1 pound cooked cocktail size italian meatballs
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or to your taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to your taste)
- Carbohydrate 15.8143785912189 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.09982960208151 g
- Fiber 3.93328267007425 g
- Protein 3.07084183441092 g
- Saturated Fat 0.169812443154398 g
- Serving Size 1 1 cup (389g)
- Sodium 195.444312291515 mg
- Sugar 11.8810959211447 g
- Trans Fat 0.169958047222224 g
- Calories 74 calories
Step-by-step
- Add all ingredients except oil into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cover and heat on low for 4-5 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Add oil to a medium, heavy bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat.
- When oil is shimmering, add carrots, onion and celery.
- Cook over medium heat 4 to 5 minutes or until vegetables begin to soften, stirring occasionally.
- Push the vegetables aside to one side of the pan.
- Add tomato paste; cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until tomato paste begins to caramelize.
- Add garlic and seasonings. Mix well.
- Stir in tomatoes and stock, and bring to a simmer.
- Cut meatballs in half and add to soup.
- Simmer an additional 10 to 12 minutes; season to taste with salt and pepper.
Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy meal can feel like an impossible task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and after-school activities, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes. They’re my secret weapon for creating flavorful, hearty meals without sacrificing precious time. This Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup is a perfect example. It's incredibly simple to make, bursting with flavor, and provides a comforting warmth that's perfect for chilly evenings or a busy weeknight.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your own preferences. Love extra veggies? Throw in some spinach or zucchini during the last half hour of cooking. Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different types of meatballs – turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options would work wonderfully. The best part is that you can largely prep this the night before or that morning, throwing everything into the slow cooker before leaving for work or running errands. It's the perfect set-it-and-forget-it recipe, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without the usual stress.
This soup isn’t just about convenience; it’s about nourishing my family with wholesome ingredients. The rich tomato broth, tender meatballs, and colorful vegetables make it a well-rounded and satisfying meal. It's packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, providing the energy we all need to tackle our busy days. And let's be honest, the aroma that fills the house while it simmers is enough to make anyone's day a little brighter. The combination of oregano, thyme, and garlic creates a captivating scent that invites everyone to the dinner table, creating a lovely family atmosphere.
Beyond the weeknight convenience, this recipe is also great for meal prepping. Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week. It freezes beautifully too, so you can always have a comforting bowl of soup ready to go on those particularly hectic days. It's the kind of recipe that brings a sense of comfort and ease to my life, proving that healthy and delicious meals don't have to be time-consuming or complicated. It’s a testament to the fact that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, we can still prioritize nourishing ourselves and our families with flavorful, homemade goodness.
So, if you're looking for a simple, healthy, and delicious meal that won't steal your precious time, I highly recommend giving this Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup a try. It's a recipe that's become a staple in my kitchen, and I hope it finds its way into yours as well. Enjoy!
