This is one of my family’s favorite soups. We all love the tortellini’s and meatballs and all the other flavors combined make for a yummy broth. I like making this soup to bring to potlucks too. It always is a popular hit! Serve with some delicious bread and you’ve got a meal. If you prefer, you can swap the meatballs out for a pound of ground Italian sausage that has been browned and drained. Remember to use mild sausage though if you’re planning on serving to kids…they may not appreciate the soup if it’s too spicy.
Slow Cooker Italian Meatball and Tortellini Soup
Makes 8-10 servings
Ideal slow cooker size: 6-8 quart
Cooking time: 6 hours
2 tsp dried basil
2 tsp dried oregano
1 finely diced onion
1 cup grated carrots
1 Tbsp tomato paste
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 lbs frozen Italian meatballs
1 (14 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
2 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (20 oz) bag of frozen cheese tortellini
1 medium zucchini, sliced into quarter inch rounds
1 green pepper, diced
5 cups water + 5 tsp beef bouillon (OR 5 cups beef broth)
Salt and pepper
Grated mozzarella cheese, for topping
1. In a microwave safe bowl combine the basil, oregano, onion, carrots, tomato paste, garlic and olive oil. Microwave for 5 minutes, stirring every 90 seconds. Add to the slow cooker.
2. Add meatballs, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tortellini, zucchini, green pepper, water and bouillon to the slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
4. Salt and pepper to taste.
5. Ladle into individual serving bowls and top with mozzarella cheese.
P.S. Save this recipe by pinning it on Pinterest!
I haven't tried freezing it personally, but I bet it would work just fine!
can i freeze this recipe?
To clarify… use this link at the bottom of the post:
P.S. Save this recipe by pinning it on Pinterest!
If you are having trouble pinning this,don't use the "Pin" link at the top, use the one at the bottom of the post. That worked for me.
Mary Beth, I'm sorry! It's a major problem and I can't figure it out. For now, just repin my pin! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/153896512240078181/
It looks real good! Thick, but enough broth to feel the hot juiciness! I bet it also smells great.
I am not able to pin from the site either, the dreaded 'this is not a valid image' message keeps popping up. Just bookmarked the whole site instead! 😉
This looks wonderful. For some reason the last few times I have tried to pin anything from your blog to pinterest it says "This is not a valid image." and I cannot pin it. Sad, I would love to save these!
Kelly, you'll love it!
Always looking for new slow cooker recipes. This looks like pure comfort!!
REALLY good. & so easy!
That sounds delicious! I'll have to try it.
I made this the first time as the recipe dictates and it was awesome! The second time i wanted to make it i didn't have everything it called for so i substituted 1# of chorizo for the italian sausage and 16 oz of hot and spicy V8 for the tomato sauce……Amazing! it added a great spicy kick to the soup.