1. Introduction

As the gentle warmth of a late May evening settles over Marrakesh, there's a unique comfort in knowing a delicious and hearty meal is slowly simmering away, filling your home with its inviting aroma. Today, we're bringing you just that with our Crock-Pot Italian Meatball Soup. This isn't your average soup; it's a flavorful and satisfying blend of tender ground beef "meatballs" (achieved through browning the beef), vibrant vegetables, and small pasta, all simmered in a rich and herby tomato broth in your trusty Crock-Pot. It's the epitome of easy, hands-off cooking that results in a truly comforting and soul-warming dish.

This recipe simplifies the process of making a classic Italian meatball soup, allowing the slow cooker to do most of the work. The result is a deeply flavorful soup where the beef becomes incredibly tender, the vegetables soften beautifully, and the herbs infuse every spoonful with that unmistakable Italian essence.

Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to come home to, this Crock-Pot Italian Meatball Soup is a fantastic choice. It offers the same kind of effortless satisfaction as our Easy Creamy Pea Soup Recipe (Vegan Option) but with a hearty, meaty twist. Let's get this comforting soup simmering in your Crock-Pot!

2. Recipe Summary

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Total preparation and cooking time: 4 hours 20 minutes (low), 2 hours 20 minutes (high)
• Dietary classification: Not vegetarian

3. Equipment and Utensils

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 6-quart Crock-Pot (or larger)
• Spoon or spatula
• Colander (for draining grease)

4. Serving Suggestions

• Plating: Serve hot in bowls, generously garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.
• Side Dish Ideas: Crusty Italian bread, garlic knots, or a simple green salad with Italian dressing.
• Complementary Side Dishes: Consider serving alongside our Zucchini and Yellow Squash Au Gratin Recipe for an extra serving of vegetables.
• Wine or Beverage Pairings: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot would pair well. For non-alcoholic options, try a sparkling Italian soda or a robust iced tea.

5. Nutritional Information

• Detailed Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, estimated):
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
  • Protein: Approximately 20-25g
  • Fat: Approximately 10-15g
• Macronutrient Distribution: Roughly 40% Carbohydrates, 30% Protein, 30% Fat.
• Dietary Information: Contains meat and dairy.
• Potential Health Benefits: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene and vitamin C. Vegetables provide various vitamins and fiber.

6. Storage and Reheating

• Proper Storage Instructions: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Refrigeration Instructions: Keep refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C).
• Freezing Recommendations: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat on the stovetop. The pasta's texture might be slightly softer after freezing.
• Reheating Methods:
  • Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  • Microwave: Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 1-2 minutes until hot.

7. Expert Tips and Variations

• Tips from Professional Chefs: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the Crock-Pot adds a significant depth of flavor. Don't skip this step! You can also add a bay leaf to the Crock-Pot for extra aroma, remembering to remove it before serving.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Adding the pasta too early, which can result in mushy pasta; not browning the beef, which reduces the overall flavor.
• Creative Recipe Variations:
  • Meat: You can use a mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage for a richer flavor.
  • Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, or spinach. Add heartier vegetables at the beginning and leafy greens towards the end of the cooking time.
  • Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano can be added at the end for a brighter flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat.
  • Cheese: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or provolone towards the end of cooking for extra cheesiness.
• Seasonal Adaptations: This soup is perfect for cooler weather. In the summer, you might prefer a lighter Italian-inspired dish like our Italian Grinder Pasta Salad Recipe.

8. Ingredients Section

• 1 kg lean ground beef (approximately 2.2 lbs)
  • Quality and Sourcing Recommendations: Look for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher).
  • Preparation Notes: Ensure it's broken into small pieces while browning.
• 1 cup chicken broth
  • Quality and Sourcing Recommendations: Low sodium is recommended to control salt.
• 1 cup frozen peas
  • Sourcing: Frozen vegetable aisle.
  • Preparation Notes: No need to thaw before adding.
• 1 cup diced carrots
  • Sourcing: Fresh carrots.
  • Preparation Notes: Peel and dice into small pieces.
• 1 cup chopped celery
  • Sourcing: Fresh celery stalks.
  • Preparation Notes: Wash and chop into small pieces.
• 1 medium onion, chopped
  • Sourcing: Yellow or white onion.
  • Preparation Notes: Finely chop.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Sourcing: Fresh garlic.
  • Preparation Notes: Finely mince.
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • Sourcing: Canned goods aisle.
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato puree
  • Sourcing: Canned goods aisle.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Sourcing: Dairy aisle.
  • Preparation Notes: Freshly grated is best.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Sourcing: Fresh herbs in the produce section.
  • Preparation Notes: Roughly chop for garnish.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Quality and Sourcing Recommendations: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended.
• Approximately 1/2 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini, orzo)
  • Sourcing: Pasta aisle.

Metric Conversions (Approximate):

• 1 kg ground beef ≈ 2.2 lbs
• 1 cup ≈ 240 ml
• 100g frozen peas ≈ 3.5 oz
• 1 cup diced carrots ≈ 120g
• 1 cup chopped celery ≈ 100g
• 1 medium onion ≈ 150g
• 2 garlic cloves ≈ 10g
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes ≈ 794g
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato puree ≈ 425g
• 1 teaspoon ≈ 5 ml
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ≈ 50g
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley ≈ 15g
• 1 tablespoon olive oil ≈ 15 ml
• 1/2 cup small pasta ≈ 50g

9. Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking the meat into small pieces. Drain off any excess grease.
   • Culinary Technique: Browning the beef adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup. Sautéing the onion and garlic first builds a flavorful base.
2. Combine in Crock-Pot: In the Crock-Pot, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, salt, diced carrots, chopped celery, and frozen peas.
3. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth.
4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
   • Explanation of cooking method: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and tenderizes the beef.
5. Add Pasta: Stir in the small pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking on low.
   • Timing Note: Adding the pasta towards the end prevents it from becoming overcooked and mushy.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• 1. Can I use frozen meatballs instead of ground beef?
  Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. You may want to brown them slightly in the skillet first for added flavor, then add them to the Crock-Pot. Adjust cooking time as needed until the meatballs are heated through.
• 2. What other vegetables can I add to this soup?
  You can customize this soup with other vegetables you enjoy, such as sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or chopped spinach (add spinach in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking).
• 3. Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a Crock-Pot?
  Yes, you can. After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a large pot. Add the remaining ingredients (including pasta) and bring to a simmer. Cook until the vegetables and pasta are tender, about 20-30 minutes.
• 4. How can I make this soup thicker?
  If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the soup during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking on high.
• 5. Can I omit the pasta?
  Yes, you can omit the pasta if you prefer a soup without it. You might want to add more vegetables or increase the amount of ground beef for a heartier soup.
• 6. Is it necessary to drain the fat from the browned beef?
  Yes, it's recommended to drain off any excess grease from the browned ground beef before adding it to the Crock-Pot to prevent the soup from becoming too oily.
• 7. Can I add fresh herbs earlier in the cooking process?
  While dried herbs are added earlier to infuse their flavor throughout the soup, fresh herbs like parsley are best added at the end as a garnish to preserve their bright flavor and color. You could stir in some fresh basil during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a more pronounced fresh basil taste.