This Easy Cheesy Meatball Soup is a cozy dish filled with tasty meatballs, cheesy goodness, and warm broth. It’s perfect for a chilly day or when you just need a hug in a bowl!
I love making this soup in my Instant Pot—it’s super fast! Plus, who can resist big, cheesy meatballs? I always serve it with some crunchy bread. Yum! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Turkey: I like ground beef for its rich flavor, but ground turkey is a healthier option. You can also use ground chicken or even meat alternatives if you want a vegetarian soup!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds great flavor to the meatballs. If you’re out, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Pasta: I used ditalini because it’s small and fun. You can swap in orzo, macaroni, or any small pasta. Just check the cooking time, as some may need longer.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is my favorite for its taste and texture, but you can use other greens like kale or Swiss chard. Just chop them up a bit. You could also use frozen spinach; just thaw and squeeze out excess water!
How Do You Make Tender Meatballs?
Getting meatballs just right is all about mixing the ingredients without overworking them. Here’s how:
- Combine ground meat, cheese, and breadcrumbs in a bowl. Mix gently.
- Add the egg and seasonings. Make sure everything is incorporated, but don’t overmix; this helps keep them tender.
- Form into uniform balls, about 1 inch in size. This helps them cook evenly.
To brown the meatballs, preheat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for a few minutes until golden, then transfer to your slow cooker or Instant Pot. Remember, you can skip browning if you’re short on time or prefer a simpler approach!
How Can You Make the Soup Creamier?
If you love a creamy soup, here’s how you can amp up the richness:
- Add cream or half-and-half during the last minutes of cooking. This gives it a great creamy finish.
- Stir in more cheese! Extra mozzarella or some cream cheese can help achieve a cozy, rich texture.
These simple tweaks can elevate your Easy Cheesy Meatball Soup to a whole new level!
Easy Cheesy Meatball Soup in Crock Pot or Instant Pot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning meatballs, optional)
For the Soup:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or orzo)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (additional for soup)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and form the meatballs. If you’re using a Crock Pot, it will take about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. If you’re using the Instant Pot, the total cooking time is around 10-15 minutes, plus some time for the pressure to release. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey) with Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, the egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything gently until just combined. Then, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them aside.
2. Brown the Meatballs (Optional):
If you like, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs for about 3-4 minutes on all sides; this adds wonderful flavor! If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step and put the raw meatballs directly into the Crock Pot or Instant Pot.
3. Cook in the Crock Pot:
Place the meatballs in the crock pot. Then, add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (if you’re using them), chopped onion, carrots, celery, additional minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Cook in the Instant Pot:
Add the meatballs (browned or raw) to the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, onion, carrots, celery, additional garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Close the lid, set it to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. Let it naturally release for 5 minutes before quick releasing the remaining pressure.
5. Add the Pasta:
Once the meatballs are cooked and the veggies are soft, stir in the pasta. If you’re using the Crock Pot, cover and cook on high for another 25-30 minutes until the pasta is tender. For the Instant Pot, switch to sauté mode and cook the pasta in the hot soup for about 6-8 minutes, adding water or broth if necessary.
6. Finish with Cheese and Spinach:
Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped spinach. Mix until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts into the soup.
7. Taste and Serve:
Give your soup a taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with your favorite crusty bread on the side! Enjoy this comforting meal!
This recipe is super flexible, so don’t hesitate to replace the pasta or toss in any other fresh veggies you have on hand. Enjoy your delicious Easy Cheesy Meatball Soup, a perfect heartwarming bowl of goodness!
FAQ: Easy Cheesy Meatball Soup
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs Instead?
Absolutely! You can use frozen meatballs, whether store-bought or homemade. Just add them directly to the slow cooker or Instant Pot without thawing; you may need to increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes for the Instant Pot.
What Can I Substitute for the Pasta?
If you want to skip the pasta, you can use rice or quinoa as an alternative. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly—rice typically takes about 15-20 minutes in the slow cooker or 4-5 minutes in the Instant Pot, and quinoa cooks in about 1 minute under pressure!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup appears thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas—just chop them into small pieces to ensure they cook through. Adding veggies not only boosts nutrition but also enhances the flavor of the soup!
