Pin
Some nights you crave the comfort of spaghetti and meatballs but want something a little lighter and easier to pull together Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatball Soup hits the spot for cozy family dinners or when you need a crowdpleaser to warm everyone after a busy day This recipe brings all the beloved flavors of the classic dish into a brothy hearty soup you can toss together and let your slow cooker work its magic
When my kids were little this was our weeknight peacekeeper Everyone loves spaghetti and meatballs but this soup version is much easier to serve on busy nights Plus it makes the house smell amazing all day
Ingredients
- Lean ground turkey: brings lighter flavor yet stays juicy when simmered low and slow Opt for turkey with a bit of fat for best texture
- Egg: helps bind the meatballs no crumbling in the soup
- Quick cook rolled oats: sneak in fiber and help keep the meatballs tender Choose fresh oats for best texture
- Parmesan cheese: adds rich salty tang Look for real Parmigiano Reggiano if you can
- Dried Italian seasoning: brings a blend of herbs Try Tuscan blend for extra depth or customize with your favorite dried herbs
- Salt: seasons the meatballs evenly Use fine sea salt to blend
- Pasta sauce: forms the soup’s tomato base Choose the flavor you love chunky or smooth both work
- Chicken broth: gives body to the soup Opt for low sodium if watching salt
- Italian seasoning: layers even more herbal flavor
- Dried spaghetti noodles: create that beloved spaghetti bite Snap to one or two inch pieces for slurpy fun Use your favorite brand for best texture
Step by Step Instructions
- Mix Meatballs:
- Combine turkey egg oats Parmesan Italian seasoning and salt in a bowl Use your hands for thorough yet gentle mixing so meatballs stay tender
- Shape Meatballs:
- Roll the mixture into balls Make them bite sized for quick cooking or larger if you like heartier bites If planning ahead freeze them on a lined tray until solid then transfer to a bag to store for future soups
- Load Slow Cooker:
- Nestle meatballs in the bottom of your slow cooker Carefully pour in pasta sauce chicken broth and a sprinkle of more Italian seasoning Do not stir so the meatballs hold their shape
- Slow Cook:
- Set the slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours This lets the flavors meld and the meatballs become tender
- Add Spaghetti:
- Turn the slow cooker to high and add the broken spaghetti noodles Stir just to spread the noodles and cook for 30 minutes until they are perfectly tender
Pin
Every time I make this I sneak an extra sprinkle of Parmesan at the end My kids love slurping up the broth and the little pasta pieces It truly turns a classic meal into a fun soup night
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days The pasta will soften as it sits but the flavors get even richer If you want to freeze this soup freeze the meatballs separately and add fresh pasta when reheating for best texture
Ingredient Substitutions
No ground turkey on hand Use lean ground chicken or beef Parmesan gives the soup unique flavor but for a dairy free twist try nutritional yeast If you prefer gluten free you can swap oats for a gluten free variety and choose gluten free pasta
Serving Suggestions
Ladle this soup into big bowls and top with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper Serve a green salad and a crusty baguette on the side for a full meal Small garlic breadsticks are also a family favorite for dipping
Pin
Cultural Context
This recipe is an American Italian hybrid The classic comfort of spaghetti and meatballs meets the easy casual style of a one pot soup It is a familiar favorite reinvented for busy families
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you keep meatballs from falling apart while cooking?
Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the turkey. When layering in the slow cooker, do not stir once liquid is added. Freezing meatballs before cooking also helps them stay together.
- → When should I add the spaghetti noodles?
Add broken spaghetti noodles during the last 30 minutes of cook time, once you turn the slow cooker to high, so they maintain firmness and don't turn mushy.
- → Can I use a different type of pasta sauce?
Absolutely. Choose your preferred brand or flavor of pasta sauce to adjust the taste to your liking—classic tomato, herb, or even spicy sausage blends all work well.
- → Is this soup suitable for advance meal prep?
Yes, you can prepare and freeze the meatballs ahead of time. Thaw meatballs before adding to the slow cooker for best texture. Leftovers keep well chilled for up to three days.
- → Can I use beef instead of turkey for meatballs?
Yes, ground beef or even a mix of beef and pork makes a more classic-style meatball. Cooking times remain the same, but adjust seasonings if desired.