Slow Cooker Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup
ShareA classic vegetable soup with a spicy addition. Mini chicken meatballs give an extra kick and heartiness to this easy dish.
It’s currently 83 degrees as I write this, clearly not soup weather. I promise this wasn’t the case a week ago when I made the soup, it was a nice cool spring day. The Mr requested Italian wedding soup again but I decided to switch things up a bit. I wanted mini meatballs and a similar, but different, variety of vegetables. Let’s not forget the differently shaped pasta, that’s important.
Did you know that the shape of pasta can change the whole feel and taste of a meal? It can. Okay, maybe not but I like to think it can. Why would they make so many varieties and sizes if they do practically the same thing? Is it necessary to have spaghetti and angel hair pasta? Can’t we live with just one of those? Why are some pasta shapes ribbed and others not? Critical questions that need to be answered.
If it’s too hot for soup where you are, bookmark this for a cool day. It’s comforting a dish you’ll be glad to try. The mini meatballs require a bit of planning, best to prepare them a day ahead, but absolutely make this soup. They give a nice kick and heartiness to what could otherwise be a basic meal. The vegetables can easily be changed up depending on what you have on hand or if you have a favorite that you absolutely want to include. A lot of minestrone soup recipes call for tomatoes, I don’t like tomatoes so I didn’t include them. Feel free to add tomato paste or some crushed tomatoes if you’re a fan.
Spicy mini meatballs in a classic vegetable soup, cooked long and slow. Pair with your favorite hot sandwich for a perfect cool weather comforting meal. This can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or may be frozen for up to several months.
Slow Cooker Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 C seasoned breadcrumbs
- 6 Tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 - 3/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Soup Ingredients:
- 6 C chicken broth
- 2 C potatoes cubed
- 1 C carrots chopped
- 1 C celery chopped
- 1/2 C yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp basil
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 3/4 C pasta
Instructions
Meatballs:
- In a large bowl combine meatball ingredients. Mix well by hand or with a wooden spoon. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Using the small end of a melon baller (in between 1/2 and 1 tsp in size), scoop out meat and roll to form even balls. Space evenly on prepared baking sheet. Cover and store refrigerated until ready to make soup.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake meatballs for 10 minutes. Set aside.
- Add broth and spices to slow cooker. Â Chop vegetables, small enough that you can easily fit a variety in a single spoonful. Mince garlic. Add garlic and vegetables to slow cooker, followed by mini meatballs. Stir gently.
- Cover and cook on high for 5 hours, or low for 10. In the last 30 minutes of cooking add pasta.
Notes
I love teeny tiny meatballs. Even when I make meatballs for pasta dinner I make them pretty small. Just something about getting 6 small ones vs 2 big ones.
That looks so comforting! And the mini meatballs are adorable :)
Mmm, this looks too good! I’m all about the slow cooker these days. This is a winner in my book! :D
I’m a fan of year round soup – no matter the weather. Love these meatballs!
It’s definitely cold enough here in England for soup, love those mini-meatballs!
Such a gorgeous bowl of soup! I’d love it anytime of year.
today is cold and rainy. perfect weather for this!!
I love meatballs in my soup :) These are so cute! and tasty!!!
Hah, my mom and I just had that pasta shape debate. She’s convinced linguine tastes different than spaghetti and I refuse to admit it. Pasta is pasta. Same thing, different shapes. ;)
ps- it’s supposed to be 75 here today and I’ve pulled out the slow cooker b/c I have this chicken dish in my head that won’t leave. It’s fine ;)
I wish I had this for lunch today! Love the mini meatballs!
i’m such a huge soup fan – i eat it all year long, whether it’s hot or cold outside. i love italian wedding soup, so i’ll have to try this spin on it!
Love this fabulous comfort food recipe, Rachel! It looks so warm and satisfying for a chilly day.
I will eat soup all year round without any issue, especially minestrone. I love all of the flavors, and these meatballs are a perfect addition!
Ah, mini meatballs – seriously one of the cutest foods out there! I love the way you lined them all up on the tray. The soup sounds delicious!
I loooove meatballs in soup so much! This looks delicious even if it is hot outside!
This sounds so good and heart warming! Love that it’s cooked in a slow cooker! Thank you for your sweet note on my blog!!
I love those adorable little meatballs! This sounds amazing.
i’m thinking St. Louis is done with cool weather, so i bookmarked this to make in several months :)
Love that plate of mini meatballs – my kids would love this soup.
oooh, yum! This looks fantastic!!
Slow cooked perfect soup….fine by me, whatever the weather. I am happy to know I can rely on recipes when the weather is totally unpredictable. Blame it on the weather ;)
That’s comfort in a bowl. Looks super delicious, Rachel. :)
How unique! It sounds like a wonderful combination of flavors!
It is never too hot for soup. I could seriously eat soup in 100 degree whether. The AC just has to be on :)
I can’t wait to try this! I just love the meatballs (who doesn’t) and it’s an added bonus that this can be made in a slow cooker!
Woo…this is nice. But I am thinking try to cook it in pot and not cook for long hours, and then make meatballs noodle soup. :)