Italian Wedding Soup, with its delicate broth, tiny meatballs, and tender vegetables, is a classic comfort food. Making this beloved dish in a slow cooker simplifies the process, freeing up your time and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This guide provides a detailed recipe and answers common questions about making Italian Wedding Soup in a Crock-Pot.
What Makes Crock-Pot Italian Wedding Soup Special?
The magic of slow cooking lies in the gentle, even heat that infuses the broth with deep, rich flavor. In a Crock-Pot, the meatballs simmer slowly, developing a tender texture and absorbing the delicious broth. The vegetables soften perfectly, contributing their sweetness and nutrients. The result? A deeply satisfying soup that's bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients for Crock-Pot Italian Wedding Soup
- Broth: 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred) or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Meatballs: 1 pound ground beef (or a blend of beef and pork), 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon dried basil, salt and pepper to taste.
- Vegetables: 1 medium carrot (diced), 1 celery stalk (diced), 1 small onion (diced), 2 cups chopped escarole or spinach (added in the last hour).
- Pasta: 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or tiny elbow macaroni). Add this in the last hour of cooking.
- Seasoning: 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.
Step-by-Step Crock-Pot Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing. Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Layer in the Crock-Pot: Place the diced carrots, celery, and onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the meatballs evenly on top of the vegetables. Pour the chicken broth over everything.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Add Pasta and Greens: About an hour before serving, add the small pasta and escarole or spinach to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine. Allow to cook until the pasta is tender and the greens are wilted.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh Parmesan cheese, if desired.
How Long to Cook Italian Wedding Soup in a Crock-Pot?
The cooking time will depend on whether you use the low or high setting on your slow cooker. On low, it's generally 6-8 hours; on high, 3-4 hours. Always ensure the meatballs are fully cooked through before serving. You can test this by cutting one open; it should be no longer pink inside.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to My Crock-Pot Italian Wedding Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even chopped potatoes can add extra flavor and texture. Just remember to add them along with the carrots, celery, and onion at the beginning of the cooking process.
What Kind of Pasta Works Best in Italian Wedding Soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, tiny elbow macaroni, or even rice work best. These cook quickly and don't overpower the delicate flavors of the soup. Larger pasta shapes might not cook through completely in the slow cooker.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the meatballs. You can add extra vegetables like chickpeas or lentils for added protein.
Tips for the Best Crock-Pot Italian Wedding Soup
- Don't overmix the meatballs: Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning.
- Garnish generously: Fresh Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the presentation and flavor of your soup.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping.
This Crock-Pot Italian Wedding Soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the convenience of slow cooking and the delicious flavors of this classic Italian dish. Buon appetito!
