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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Set Meatballs Aside: Place the formed meatballs on a plate or baking sheet and set aside while you prepare the soup base and vegetables.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
