Fall Crockpot Meatball Soup Recipe

This Slow Cooker Turkey Meatball Soup is a hearty, wholesome meal filled with tender homemade turkey meatballs, colorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. Everything slowly simmers together, allowing the meatballs to stay juicy while the vegetables become perfectly tender, creating a comforting soup that’s ideal for busy weeknights or chilly days.

Seasoned with garlic, oregano, and simple pantry spices, the turkey meatballs absorb the flavorful broth as they cook. Fresh carrots, celery, tomatoes, and leafy greens make every bowl satisfying without feeling heavy. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete and comforting meal.

Why I Love This Recipe?

• It’s a comfort that awakens childhood memories and brings a sense of calm.
• The chaos of prepping is minimal, perfect for lazy weekends.
• The aroma of herbs and simmering meatballs is unbelievably satisfying.
• It’s versatile, add your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch.
• Seasonally perfect, it captures fall’s comforting essence in a bowl.

Slow Cooker Meatball Soup

This meatball soup is made by simmering seasoned ground meatballs in a flavorful broth with herbs and vegetables in a slow cooker. The dish results in tender meatballs that soak up the savory broth, creating a hearty and comforting final appearance with a brothy, vegetable-filled soup topped with fresh herbs.

Hit the Rating button

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes minutes

Total Time: 6 minutes minutes

Calories: 350kcal

Author: James Taylor

Servings: 4

Equipment

• ▢
  Slow Cooker
• ▢
  Mixing Bowl

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

• 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.
  1.5 pounds ground turkey
  
• Place the meatballs on a plate or baking sheet and set aside while preparing the broth and vegetables.
  
• Pour the broth into the slow cooker and add diced tomatoes, carrots, and celery. Stir briefly to combine.
  1.5 pounds ground turkey
  
• 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.
  
• About halfway through cooking, check the broth level and stir gently to prevent sticking. This helps the flavors develop evenly.
  
• 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.
  1.5 pounds ground turkey
  
• 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.
  1.5 pounds ground turkey
  

Notes

For an extra depth of flavor, sauté the vegetables briefly before adding them to the slow cooker. You can also add other herbs like thyme or bay leaves during cooking. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 900mg | Potassium: 650mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition Information

Tips for Tender Turkey Meatballs

• Overmixing the Meat: Mix only until everything is combined to avoid dense meatballs.
• Making Uneven Meatballs: Keep them about the same size so they cook evenly.
• Using Extra-Lean Turkey: Extremely lean turkey can dry out. If possible, use 93/7 ground turkey for the best texture.
• Adding Greens Too Early: Stir them in during the final 30 minutes so they stay bright and tender.
• Skipping the Broth Check: Add extra broth if the liquid level becomes too low during cooking.
• Serving Immediately: Let the soup rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the flavors settle.

Easy Ways to Customize This Soup

• Italian Herb Style: Mix chopped basil, parsley, and grated Parmesan into the turkey meatballs.
• Creamy Turkey Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Mushroom Addition: Add sliced mushrooms along with the carrots and celery.
• Spicy Version: Mix crushed red pepper flakes into the broth for gentle heat.
• White Bean Upgrade: Stir in cooked cannellini beans for extra protein and texture.
• Rice Lover’s Bowl: Add cooked rice just before serving for an even heartier meal.
• Mediterranean Twist: Finish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.

More Comforting Recipes to Try

1. Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup
2. Chicken Tetrazinni
3. Lentil Vegetable Stew
4. Maple Glazed Slow Cooker Beans
5. Stuffed Peppers

Storage Tips for Easy Weeknight Meals

• Make Ahead: Prepare the turkey meatballs up to one day ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
• Refrigerator Storage: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer Storage: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until the turkey meatballs are heated through. Add a splash of broth if needed.
• Freshness Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley after reheating to brighten the flavor and appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
   Yes. Ground chicken works well and creates meatballs with a similar texture and mild flavor.
2. Can I cook this soup on High instead of Low?
   Yes. Cook on High for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the turkey meatballs reach a safe internal temperature and the vegetables are tender.
3. Do I have to add spinach or kale?
   No. The greens are optional, but they add extra color and nutrition.
4. How do I know the turkey meatballs are fully cooked?
   Ground turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
5. Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
   Absolutely. Shape the meatballs up to one day ahead and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.
6. Can I freeze leftover soup?
   Yes. Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
7. What vegetables can I add?
   Zucchini, green beans, peas, potatoes, or diced bell peppers all work well in this soup.
8. What should I serve with turkey meatball soup?
   Garlic bread, crusty artisan bread, buttered rolls, roasted vegetables, or a simple garden salad all pair perfectly with this comforting soup.

James Taylor

hi there,
i’m James
The home cook and food blogger behind Beyond the Bayou Blog. Cooking has always been my happy place.
know more