Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the most tantalizing aroma of perfectly seasoned turkey meatballs simmering in a rich, hearty broth. This Crock Pot Turkey Meatball Soup is not just a meal – it's a culinary hug that promises to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary comfort food experience. Whether you're a busy parent, a meal prep enthusiast, or simply craving a delicious and nutritious dinner, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort classic!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until well incorporated.
- Form the turkey mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1-inch in diameter. You should yield about 20-24 meatballs.
- Lightly spray or grease the interior of your 6-quart crock pot to prevent sticking.
- Chop the onion into fine pieces and mince the garlic cloves. Spread these evenly across the bottom of the crock pot.
- Gently place the prepared meatballs into the crock pot, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
- Pour chicken broth over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Sprinkle remaining Italian seasoning into the liquid.
- Add mixed vegetables around and between the meatballs.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat. Cook for 5-6 hours, or until meatballs are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving.
- Serve hot, ladling meatballs, vegetables, and broth into bowls. Optional: Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Meat Mixing Technique: When combining meatball ingredients, use a light touch. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough and dense.
- Size Matters: Keep meatballs uniform in size (about 1-inch) to ensure even cooking. Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon for consistent sizing.
- Prevent Sticking: Always lightly grease your crock pot to make cleanup easier and prevent meatballs from sticking.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 165°F for food safety.
- Vegetable Variation: Feel free to swap mixed vegetables based on season or preference. Fresh or frozen both work great!
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup freezes beautifully. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for quick future meals.
- Flavor Boost: For extra depth, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth or topping with fresh herbs before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
