Warm up your home with the comforting aroma of Lotsa Veggies Meatball Soup, a wholesome crock pot recipe that's bursting with flavor and nutrition. This hearty soup combines tender frozen beef or turkey meatballs with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, and red bell pepper, simmered to perfection in a savory tomato and broth base. Enhanced with Italian seasoning, garlic, and aromatic bay leaves, this recipe offers a perfect balance of hearty and healthy. With minimal prep time and set-it-and-forget-it ease, it's an ideal weeknight dinner option for busy families. Serve this richly textured soup with crusty bread for dipping or a crisp side salad for a satisfying, well-rounded meal. Perfect for meal prep or leftovers, this crock pot classic is sure to become a household favorite.
If desired, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This step enhances flavor but is optional.
In a 6-quart crock pot, add frozen meatballs, carrots, celery, zucchini, onion (raw or sautéed), red bell pepper, and potatoes.
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with juice and stir in the tomato paste.
Add the chicken or beef broth, frozen green beans, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if you're nearby, but it isn't necessary.
Before serving, remove the bay leaves and taste the soup. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color, if using. Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Calories |
6840 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 452.8 g | 581% | |
| Saturated Fat | 171.8 g | 859% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1200 mg | 400% | |
| Sodium | 23264 mg | 1011% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 323.6 g | 118% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 42.7 g | 152% | |
| Total Sugars | 88.5 g | ||
| Protein | 371.4 g | 743% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1202 mg | 92% | |
| Iron | 49.6 mg | 276% | |
| Potassium | 11852 mg | 252% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.