Crockpot Meatball Soup
This Crockpot Meatball Soup is a hearty, slow-simmered dish featuring tender meatballs, vibrant vegetables, and a savory broth. The dish develops rich flavors over time as it gently cooks, resulting in a comforting, rustic soup with a clear, inviting appearance.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Soup ladle
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef or a mix of pork and beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian seasoned
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth low-sodium preferred
- 2 carrots carrots sliced thin
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently until just combined to keep the meat tender.
- Shape the mixture into about 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until they are browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
- Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced onion, and diced tomatoes into the slow cooker. Pour in the broth and stir to combine. Turn the slow cooker to low.
- Gently place the cooked meatballs into the broth and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover the lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. During the cooking process, the flavors meld, and the vegetables become tender.
- Once the cooking time is complete, check the seasoning and add more salt and pepper if needed. Give the soup a gentle stir to distribute the meatballs and veggies evenly.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy the comforting aroma and hearty textures of this fall-inspired meal.
Notes
For deeper flavor, let the slow cooker cook longer, up to 8 hours. Customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs for variety.