Slow Cooker Turkey Meatball Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Meatball Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any day of the week. Tender turkey meatballs simmered in a flavorful broth with fresh vegetables make it both nutritious and satisfying. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground turkey (for meatballs)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (to help bind the meatballs)
• 1 large egg (to bind the mixture)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced for flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for seasoning)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for simmering the soup)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional for added flavor)
• 1 cup carrots (diced)
• 1 cup celery (diced)
• 1 cup spinach or kale (chopped, optional greens)
• fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated, then roll into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Step 2: Place the meatballs on a plate or baking sheet and set aside while preparing the broth and vegetables.
3. Step 3: Pour the broth into the slow cooker and add diced tomatoes, carrots, and celery. Stir briefly to combine.
4. Step 4: Gently drop the meatballs into the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the broth. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
5. Step 5: About halfway through cooking, check the broth level and stir gently to prevent sticking. This helps the flavors develop evenly.
6. Step 6: In the last 30 minutes, stir in greens like spinach or kale if desired, allowing them to wilt into the soup and add vibrant color and nutrients.
7. Step 7: Once cooking is complete, taste the broth and adjust seasonings with more salt or herbs if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use homemade broth or add a splash of white wine to the slow cooker before cooking.
• Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or beef if preferred.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Add cooked pasta or rice near the end of cooking for extra heartiness.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of fresh?

It’s best to use fresh meatballs to ensure they cook evenly in the slow cooker. If using frozen, increase the cooking time and make sure they are fully cooked before serving.

Can I prepare this soup on the stove instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer the broth and vegetables on the stove, then gently poach the meatballs in the simmering soup until cooked through, about 20–30 minutes.

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatball Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 102 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A comforting slow cooker meatball soup featuring tender ground turkey meatballs simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables and optional greens. This easy, hands-off recipe is perfect for a hearty, nutritious meal with minimal prep.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs

• 1.5 pounds ground turkey
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Soup

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated, then shape the mixture into small meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter.
2. Set Meatballs Aside: Place the formed meatballs on a plate or baking sheet and set aside while you prepare the soup base and vegetables.
3. Prepare the Broth and Vegetables: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes (if using), carrots, and celery. Stir gently to combine.
4. Add Meatballs to Slow Cooker: Carefully drop the meatballs into the broth in the slow cooker, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the slow cooker.
5. Cook the Soup: Cook on low heat for about 6 hours, allowing the meatballs to cook through and become tender. This slow cooking extracts maximum flavor and ensures a hearty texture.
6. Midway Stir: About halfway through the cooking process, check the broth level and gently stir the soup to prevent sticking and to help the flavors blend evenly.
7. Add Greens: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in spinach or kale if desired. Allow the greens to wilt into the soup for added color and nutrients.
8. Final Seasoning and Serving: Once cooking is complete, taste the broth and adjust seasonings with additional salt or herbs as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them and add a little oat flour as a binder.
• You can substitute ground chicken or beef for turkey based on preference.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth to 3 cups or allow the soup to cook uncovered in the last hour.
• Vegetables like diced potatoes or zucchini can be added for variety.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze nicely for up to 3 months.
• Adjust salt and pepper according to dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: slow cooker soup, turkey meatball soup, healthy soup recipe, easy slow cooker meal, ground turkey recipe, hearty soup