Slow Cooker Greek Meatball Soup
2023-04-09- Cuisine: Greek
- Course: Main Dish, Soup
- Skill Level: Advanced
- Add to favorites
- Yield: 8
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15m
- Cook Time: 6:00 h
- Ready In: 6:15 h
Average Member Rating
(5 / 5)
1 People rated this recipe
Related Recipes:
Nutritional Info
This information is per serving.
-
Calories
1,630.7 -
Carbohydrates
68.8 g -
Cholesterol
375.0 mg -
Fat
104.1 g -
Fiber
4.2 g -
Protein
95.2 g -
Saturated Fat
41.7 g -
Serving Size
1 -
Sodium
7,331.4 mg -
Sugar
0.1 g -
Trans Fat
45.3 g -
Unsaturated Fat
4.5 g -
Potassium
1,680.1 mg
Slow cooker Greek meatball soup. Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make Greek meatball soup? Look no further! This recipe uses a slow cooker to create juicy and tender beef meatballs with a blend of traditional Mediterranean herbs and spices. Follow these steps to make the perfect soup every time.
How to Make Perfectly Tender Slow Cooker Greek Meatball Soup Every Time
Are you craving a delicious and comforting soup without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Greek Meatball Soup recipe. With juicy and tender beef meatballs infused with the flavors of traditional Mediterranean herbs and spices, this soup is a perfect blend of comforting and nutritious.
So, I’ll provide you with all the steps you need to create the perfect dish, including the essential ingredients, preparation tips, and variations to try. Well, get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouth-watering soup, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
To ensure that your Slow Cooker Greek Meatball Soup is perfectly tender and flavorful, it all starts with the ingredients. Here are the essentials that you’ll need:
– Ground beef: Choose a high-quality, lean ground beef for the best results.
– Onion and garlic: These aromatic vegetables add depth of flavor to the meatballs and broth.
– Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs together.
– Egg: A single egg helps to further bind the meatballs and keep them moist.
– Dried herbs: Use a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme for a classic Greek flavor profile.
– Salt and pepper: Season the meatballs and broth generously with salt and pepper.
– Chicken broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth as the base for the soup.
– Orzo: This small, rice-like pasta adds body to the soup and complements the meatballs perfectly.
– Spinach: A handful of baby spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition to the finished dish.
With these ingredients on hand, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and comforting Slow Cooker Greek Meatball Soup that your whole family will love. Now let’s move on to the preparation!
YOU MAY LIKE AS WELL:
Slow Cooker Cajun Shrimp Etouffee
Preparation
To create the perfect Greek Meatball Soup, preparation is key. Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic, and measure out all of your ingredients. This will help you stay organized and efficient as you begin cooking.
Next, form the meatballs and set them aside. Using a gentle hand when shaping the meatballs will result in a tender and juicy end product. You can even make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Before adding any ingredients to the slow cooker, it’s important to heat the olive oil in a pan and lightly brown the onion and garlic. This step will help to develop the flavor of the soup and enhance the overall taste.
Once your ingredients are prepped and your meatballs are formed, it’s time to add everything to the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Follow the instructions carefully, and make sure to set aside enough time for the soup to slow cook properly.
By taking the time to prepare your ingredients and cook the soup slowly, you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously hearty and comforting meal. Keep reading for some tips on how to ensure your Slow Cooker Greek Meatball Soup turns out perfectly every time.
Tips for Success Slow Cooker Greek Meatball Soup
To make sure your Meatball Soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
1. Don’t overmix the meat: When forming your meatballs, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Overworking the meat can lead to tough, dry meatballs.
2. Brown the meatballs: Before adding the meatballs to the slow cooker, take a few minutes to brown them in a skillet. This step adds extra flavor and texture to the meatballs.
3. Use enough liquid: Make sure you’re using enough liquid in your soup. If you use too little, the soup can become too thick and sticky.
4. Layer your ingredients: To ensure even cooking and to prevent your vegetables from turning mushy, layer your ingredients in the slow cooker. Start with the meatballs at the bottom, followed by the vegetables and broth.
By following these tips, you can make sure your Slow Cooker Greek Meatball Soup is a success every time. Now, let’s explore some variations to mix up this classic recipe.
Variations
Now, let’s explore some variations to mix up this classic Greek Meatball Soup recipe. One easy variation is to switch up the kind of meat used in the meatballs. Try using ground lamb, beef, or chicken instead of ground beef for a slightly different flavor profile.
Another option to consider is to add different vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or zucchini. You could also add in some leafy greens, like spinach or kale, for an extra boost of nutrients.
For a heartier meal, consider adding in some cooked orzo or rice towards the end of the cooking time. This will bulk up the soup and make it more filling.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding in some Greek spices like oregano or dill, or top the finished soup with crumbled feta cheese for a tangy kick.
Overall, this Slow Cooker Greek Meatball Soup recipe is versatile and easy to customize to your personal preferences. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or branch out with some new ingredients, this soup is sure to be a comforting and delicious meal.
Slow Cooker Greek Meatball Soup
In summary, this slow-cooker Greek meatball soup delivers juicy and tender beef meatballs infused with a flavorful blend of traditional Mediterranean spices and herbs. With easy-to-follow steps, you can create nutritious and delicious comfort food that can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
Be sure to try out variations and add the zesty lemon sauce for an extra tangy finish. We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below. Give it a try and savor the flavors! As the famous Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “The only constant in life changes.” So switch up your soup game with this delicious and satisfying recipe.
Ingredients
- To Make the Meatballs:
- 1 pound (480 g) ground beef
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped mint
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 Vidalia onion, peeled and finely diced
- 1 teaspoon fine grind salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly fround black pepper
- 1/4 cup orzo, uncooked
- To Make the Soup:
- 4 cups (1 L) low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 batch meatballs
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 cups chopped spinach (optional)
- To Make the Lemon Sauce:
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 lemons
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Method
Step 1
Pour the chicken broth into a slow cooker. In a large mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix the ingredients together with your hands. Take 3 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into a big ball. Put it on a plate.
Step 2
Gently drop all the meatballs into the slow cooker. Add sliced carrots. Close the pot and cook on a low-heat setting for 5-6 hours or until the meatballs are tender.
Step 3
While the meatballs are cooking, make the lemon sauce. Put two eggs in a bowl. Squeeze the juice of two lemons into the bowl and mix it with the eggs. Stir in the cornstarch. Make sure there are no lumps.
Step 4
Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked meatballs from the cooker and set them aside. Add a bit of hot liquid from the cooker to the egg and lemon mixture. Stir it together. Then do it again two or three times, stirring each time. Gently stir the lemon and egg mix into the soup. Keep stirring while it cooks and the sauce will get thicker.
Step 5
Turn off the slow cooker, and stir the soup until it's the consistency you like. For a creamy soup, the consistency should be thick and smooth.
Step 6
Return the meatballs to the soup and add the spinach (if using). Stir well. Serve the soup hot.