Name: Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 6 h 30 min
Total time: 6 h 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ lb. ground Italian sausage (or plain ground pork); ½ lb. ground beef; 1 egg; ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp. dried parsley; 1 tsp. salt; ½ tsp. black pepper; 1 tbsp. olive oil; 2 celery ribs, diced; 2 whole carrots, peeled and diced; 1 yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups chicken broth; 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; ¾ cup Acini de pepe pasta; 5 cups fresh spinach; Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs Recipe, especially on those chilly evenings when you want a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. This soup brings together tender, flavorful meatballs and fresh spinach in a savory broth with just the right hint of garlic and herbs. It’s one of those recipes I return to again and again because it’s so fuss-free yet impressively delicious.

What I love most about this Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs Recipe is how effortlessly it comes together in the morning, letting you go about your day while the slow cooker works its magic. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for lunches, it’s a hearty, satisfying dish that feels a little special without any extra work. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become one of your go-to cozy meals too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs Recipe plays an important role — from the different meats that bring depth and flavor, to the fresh veggies that add texture and nutrition. Here are some tips to help you shop smart and get the best flavors:

Ground Italian sausage: Using sausage instead of just beef adds extra seasoning and moisture to the meatballs. You can choose mild or spicy based on your preference.
Ground beef: A good quality ground beef will balance out the sausage and help create tender meatballs.
Egg: This acts as a binder so your meatballs hold together well during cooking.
Breadcrumbs: I prefer plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs to add texture without overpowering flavor.
Italian seasoning: This classic herb blend brings in warmth and depth; a little can go a long way for flavor balance.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best—it melts into the meatballs and adds umami.
Garlic (minced): Double garlic is the secret to the soup’s irresistible aroma and taste.
Dried parsley: This adds a subtle earthiness; fresh parsley can be a nice garnish later on.
Salt and black pepper: Season carefully; remember you can adjust at the end before serving.
Olive oil: For searing the meatballs, which really locks in flavor.
Celery, carrots, and yellow onion: The classic mirepoix trio to build a flavorful soup base.
Chicken broth: I always use low-sodium broth so I can control the saltiness better.
Acini de pepe pasta: These tiny pasta pearls cook perfectly in the slow cooker without turning mushy.
Fresh spinach: Added at the end for a pop of color, nutrition, and freshness.
Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish): It’s that finishing touch that elevates the whole bowl.

Variations

One of the things I truly enjoy about Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs Recipe is that it’s so adaptable. I often tweak it based on what I have around or the time of year, and you should feel free to make it your own too.

Meat variation: Sometimes I swap out the sausage for ground turkey to make a lighter version, and it still turns out wonderfully flavorful.
Vegetable twist: On cooler days, I’ll add chopped zucchini or kale instead of spinach for a different texture and more greens.
Grain-free option: If you’re avoiding pasta, try swapping the Acini de pepe for cauliflower rice added near the end of cooking.
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or soup base adds a nice gentle heat that I enjoy.
Cheese upgrade: For a richer soup, stir in a bit of cream or mascarpone cheese right before serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Shape Your Meatballs

Start by combining the ground Italian sausage, ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, Parmesan, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. I like to use my hands for this to really ensure everything is evenly mixed but be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender. Next, form the mixture into small meatballs—about ¾ inch in diameter works perfectly for even cooking and bite-sized goodness.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. This step locks in flavor and creates a beautiful crust. Don’t worry about cooking them through since they’ll finish cooking in the slow cooker, but browning really elevates the taste.

Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the seared meatballs into your slow cooker, then add diced celery, carrots, onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently stir everything together to combine. This layering ensures the veggies cook evenly and the broth develops a rich, savory base.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cook on high for about 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. The longer cooking time makes the meatballs melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the broth becomes deeply flavorful as the ingredients meld together.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Spinach

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the Acini de pepe pasta to the slow cooker. Because of its tiny size, it cooks quickly and won’t get mushy if timed right. Five minutes before the end, stir in the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt gently. This keeps the spinach bright green and adds a fresh, healthy punch to the soup.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs Recipe

The image shows a white plate with four round raw meatballs that have a mix of red and white parts, placed at the bottom right. Above the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with finely shredded white cheese. To the left of the cheese, a small glass bowl holds light yellow olive oil. Above the oil, there is a white bowl full of small yellow pasta shapes. On the left side of the plate, two fresh orange carrots lie diagonally, partially covering a halved white onion. Below the carrots, there is a small white bowl filled with dried green herbs. Along the bottom left edge, fresh green celery stalks, spinach leaves, and green onion are arranged vertically. A whole white garlic bulb is placed on the top right corner. All items are set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I almost always top my bowls with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese—it melts slightly into the hot broth and rounds out the flavors beautifully. A little fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of brightness. Occasionally, I’ll add a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who love a bit of heat!

Side Dishes

Since this soup is so hearty and filling, I keep sides simple. Crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia pairs perfectly to soak up any leftover broth. Occasionally I serve a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this soup in rustic bread bowls—just hollow out a small round loaf and ladle the soup right inside for an edible container. It makes for a cozy, impressive presentation that always wows guests without extra effort. You can also add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a swirl of pesto on top for a colorful, flavorful finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and this soup keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. After it sits, the flavors actually deepen, though you’ll want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the pasta and broth since it thickens in the fridge.

Freezing

I’ve had good luck freezing the soup without the pasta, then adding fresh pasta when reheating. This prevents the pasta from becoming overly soft or mushy. Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding extra broth or water as needed to get your desired soup consistency. Stir gently so the meatballs stay intact, and add fresh spinach or extra herbs to brighten the dish again after reheating.

FAQs

Can I skip the browning step for the meatballs?

Technically yes, you can skip browning and just place raw meatballs directly into the slow cooker. However, browning them first adds extra flavor and texture that really elevates the soup. It only takes a few minutes and is well worth the effort.
What can I substitute for Acini de pepe pasta?

If you don’t have Acini de pepe, small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or tiny elbow macaroni work well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to make sure the pasta is tender but not mushy.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You could make a vegetarian version by skipping the meatballs and using vegetable broth, but the meatballs are really the star here. For a similar protein boost, try adding cooked lentils or plant-based meatballs as a swap.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

The key is adding the pasta about 30 minutes before the soup finishes cooking. If you want leftovers, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it at serving time or just before reheating.
Can I use frozen spinach?

Fresh spinach is preferred for its texture and color, but frozen spinach works in a pinch. Just thaw and drain it well before stirring it in during the last few minutes of cooking.

Final Thoughts

I hope whenever you’re craving something homey, filling, and delicious, this Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup with Meatballs Recipe becomes your trusty go-to, just like it is for me. There’s a special kind of joy in sharing a simple yet flavorful meal with loved ones, knowing it was mostly hands-off while you went about your day. Try making it this weekend—you’ll love the cozy comfort it brings and how easy it is to get dinner ready with minimal stress.