Description
Experience the comforting embrace of Italian Wedding Soup, perfectly adapted for your slow cooker. This nourishing blend features tender, savory turkey and beef meatballs married with earthy greens and carrots in a rich, aromatic broth. It is a wholesome, protein-packed meal designed to simplify your busy weeknights while providing the soul-warming, traditional flavors of a homemade Italian classic.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground turkey
1 large egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
5 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
1 tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 celery ribs, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1 yellow onion, diced
8 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp Italian seasoning (additional)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, parmesan, 2 cloves minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper then roll into small meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and lightly brown the meatballs on all sides, then set aside.
In the slow cooker, combine carrots, celery, onion, and remaining 3 cloves of garlic.
Add the browned meatballs to the slow cooker.
Pour in the chicken broth and additional Italian seasoning.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Serve hot, optionally topped with extra fresh parmesan.
Notes
You can add a cup of small pasta like acini de pepe or orzo during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a heartier texture. Stir in fresh baby spinach or escarole just before serving until wilted.