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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Soups » Slow Cooker Meatball Soup

Slow Cooker Meatball Soup

by Sarah Olson on August 21, 2023 | Updated September 1, 2023 2 Comments

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Made with frozen meatballs, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and just a few other ingredients, this delicious Meatball Soup is made in your slow cooker for an easy and absolutely delicious comforting soup.

If you like wholesome recipes that can be cooked in the crockpot, then you may also enjoy my Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup or Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Soup.

meatball soup in a slow cooker.

Why this meatball soup recipe works

Most soup recipes either (1) call for a lot of tedious ingredients or (2) take a super long time to cook. With this Italian meatball soup, the prep time is quick thanks to using frozen meatballs instead of making your own. And, you only need to chop the carrot and celery prior to throwing everything into the crockpot.

This is also a hearty soup that can be enjoyed as is or with a few variations. Either way, I love how everything comes together to make a complete meal in one large bowl. Wholesome recipes like this deserve a spot in the cookbook, especially when it’s something the whole family can enjoy.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for meatball soup on a table.
  • Frozen Meatballs: I like to use the Italian style mini meatballs for this recipe but you can choose any brand and flavor of your choice.
  • Pasta: Ditalini pasta is the perfect type for a recipe like this. You won’t have to cook them beforehand as you’ll add them to the crockpot toward the end of cooking time.
  • Tomato Sauce: Used to help create a rich tomato soup base.
  • Beef Broth: Adds to the meaty flavor of the meatballs while enhancing the soup base as well.
  • Fresh Vegetables: A can of fire roasted tomatoes gives the soup a little kick and chopped onion, celery, carrots, and spinach add heartiness.
  • Seasonings: The only two seasonings you need are Italian seasoning and minced garlic.

Step-by-Step Directions

Four images showing how to make meatball soup.

Step One – Add the meatballs, diced celery, diced carrots, chopped onions, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH 4 hours or on LOW 6 hours.

Step Two – 15-30 minutes prior to serving add small pasta to the crockpot. Cover and continue cooking until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness.

Step Three – Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach until it is wilted. This will only take minutes.

Step Four – After the soup ingredients have been combined well, serve and enjoy!

meatball soup with pasta in a slow cooker.

How to serve:

  • Serve a nice helping of this soup in a large bowl topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes (for a little kick), and fresh parsley.
  • You can also turn it into a soup and salad meal by serving it alongside a small garden salad with your favorite dressing.
  • This meatball soup also tastes great with a variety of breads such as garlic sticks or French bread.
overhead shot of meatball soup in a bowl.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

What do I do if my soup thickened too much?

If the soup needs to be thinned after cooking the ditalini pasta, add additional broth or water.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

You can substitute any small pasta for the ditalini pasta.

What other types of meatballs can I use in this recipe?

Beef meatballs, turkey meatballs, or a combination of ground turkey, beef, and pork would all taste great in this recipe.

Can I substitute the beef broth?

Yes. Vegetable broth, tomato broth, or chicken broth can all be used as replacements. And if you need a lower sodium count then you can go with low sodium beef broth.

meatball soup with pasta and spinach in a bowl.

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meatball soup with pasta in a slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Meatball Soup

5 from 2 votes
Made with frozen Italian meatballs, beef broth, 2 types of tomatoes, and several seasonings, this delicious soup is easy to make and is sure to please the whole family.
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Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 4 hours hours 40 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 484kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 20 oz. frozen Italian style meatballs bite sized
  • 2 ribs celery sliced
  • 3 medium carrots sliced
  • ½ medium yellow onion chopped
  • 30 oz. fire roasted tomatoes
  • 8 oz. tomato sauce
  • 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 ½ Cups ditalini pasta (uncooked)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions:

  • Add meatballs, celery, carrots, onions, tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, and beef broth to the slow cooker
  • Cover and cook on high 4 hours or on low 6 hours.
  • 15-30 minutes prior to serving add ditalini pasta to crockpot.
  • Cover and cook until pasta is desired tenderness.
  • Just before serving stir in fresh spinach until it is wilted. (1-2 minutes)
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Recipe Notes:

  • If the soup needs to be thinned after cooking the ditalini pasta, add additional broth or water.
  • Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • You can substitute any small pasta for the ditalini pasta.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 484kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 1081mg | Potassium: 763mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 6782IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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More Slow Cooker Soup Recipes

  • Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli Soup
  • Slow Cooker Ribollita Soup
  • Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
  • Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup
  • Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup

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    Filed Under: Dinner, Soups

    Comments

    1. Michelle says

      August 26, 2023 at 9:24 am

      Do you have any recommendations for replacing the pasta with brown rice? Thank you.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        August 26, 2023 at 7:23 pm

        You can add cooked brown rice or use minute brown rice at the last 45 minutes of cooking time.

        Reply

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