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In today’s fast-paced world, where every minute counts, slow-cooked meals have become increasingly popular. The beauty of using a crockpot lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying dish with minimal effort. With just a few moments of preparation, you can set your crockpot to work, allowing the ingredients to meld together over hours, creating a depth of flavor that is simply unmatched. The Hearty Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup is no exception and is an ideal choice for families and individuals looking to save time without sacrificing taste.

Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup

Warm up your winter nights with this Hearty Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup, a comforting dish that combines savory meatballs, fresh veggies, and a rich broth bursting with Italian flavors. Perfect for busy weeks, this slow-cooked meal requires minimal effort while delivering maximum taste. Enjoy a nourishing bowl that not only satisfies but also provides essential nutrients from lean proteins and vibrant ingredients. Discover the joy of easy, delicious home cooking!

Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef or turkey

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

6 cups beef broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

1 cup carrots, diced

1 cup celery, diced

1 cup onion, chopped

1 cup frozen peas

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

2 cups fresh spinach or kale

Fresh basil, for garnish

Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.

    Load the Crockpot: In your crockpot, add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (including the juices), diced carrots, diced celery, and chopped onion. Stir to combine.

      Add the Meatballs: Carefully place the prepared meatballs into the soup mixture in the crockpot, ensuring they are submerged in the broth for even cooking.

        Season: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes at this stage. Stir gently, being cautious not to break the meatballs.

          Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs should be cooked through, and the vegetables should be tender.

            Add Greens: In the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach or kale. This will add vibrant color and nutrition to the soup.

              Serve: Once cooked, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese as desired.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high) | 6 servings