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    Home » Recipes » Slow Cooker Recipes » Beef Recipes » Slow Cooker Creamy Meatball and Orzo Soup

    Published: Dec 27, 2013 · Modified: May 28, 2020 by Jennifer · This post may contain affiliate links

    Slow Cooker Creamy Meatball and Orzo Soup

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    white bowl with  colored rim of Creamy Meatball and Orzo Soup, bowl of rolls and shredded cheese in background

    Given the seemingly permanent layer of ice and snow and the temperatures that don't seem to want to break freezing, I think it's safe to say we have officially entered soup season! Truth be told I like soup so much that I eat it year round but something about this time of year when I can come home to a hot steaming bowl of comfort food give me warm and fuzzy feelings. I especially like thick, rich, and creamy soups, stews, and chowders when the weather turns cold and this soup certainly fits the bill.

    Closeup of Creamy Meatball and Orzo Soup in white bowl with colored rim, bowl of shredded cheese

    A leftover bowl of this rich and creamy goodness is sitting in the fridge right now calling my name. This is one of my favorite new soups and I love it as a dinner recipe because it's so filling that even my husband and my teenage son were finally full! Trust me with the teenager....that's no easy feat! Our bowls were stuffed full of tasty mini meatballs, healthy spinach and tender pasta - a complete meal!

    White bowl with colored rim of Creamy Meatball and Orzo Soup, baked roll and shredded cheese

    Two important things to note about this recipe are that 1) you don't add the cream and the cheese and the pasta until the very end and 2) whatever you do - DON'T STIR THE SOUP - until it has been cooking for at least a few hours. Otherwise your meatballs will fall apart. Trust me...you must resist the temptation to stir...it's not easy to put down the spoon but it's important! 🙂

    Slow Cooker Creamy Meatball and Orzo Soup

    Slow Cooker Creamy Meatball and Orzo Soup

    Jennifer Draper
    This Slow Cooker Creamy Meatball and Orzo Soup is stuffed full of tasty mini meatballs, healthy spinach and tender pasta – a complete meal!
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    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 8 hrs
    Total Time 8 hrs 15 mins
    Course Soup
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 716 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • For the meatballs:
    • 1 pound ground beef
    • ½ cup oats
    • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
    • 1 egg
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon pepper
    • For the soup:
    • 3 cups chicken broth
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon thyme
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • ½ cup orzo pasta uncooked - for later
    • 1 cup heavy cream for later
    • ½ cup Parmesan cheese for later

    Instructions
     

    • In a large bowl mix together the meatball ingredients by hand until evenly combined (don't overmix)
    • Form the meat into small balls - about the size of bouncy balls - and place in crockpot (it's okay to add a second layer)
    • Carefully pour in the chicken broth and add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, thyme and butter
    • Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8
    • About 15 minutes before you are ready to eat add the pasta, cream and cheese
    • Finally you can give it a little stir to combine and let it heat on high for 15 minutes

    Nutrition

    Calories: 716kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 39gFat: 50gSaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 223mgSodium: 810mgPotassium: 674mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1255IUVitamin C: 0.7mgCalcium: 297mgIron: 4.1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @slowcookergourmet or tag #slowcookergourmet!
    Important nutritional disclaimer
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    Comments

    1. Sarah says

      November 18, 2020 at 12:47 pm

      I love this soup. I make it all the time for my family. It’s so good!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        November 19, 2020 at 7:47 am

        Thanks Sarah! I'm so glad you enjoy it!

        Reply
    2. Michelle says

      August 31, 2014 at 5:13 pm

      You mentioned spinach but I didn't see any in the recipe. Was that just a side dish? Or did you add some to the actual soup?
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        August 31, 2014 at 8:11 pm

        oh gosh!!! How did I miss this. I'm going to say either add 1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach at the beginning, a handful of fresh spinach at the end OR just leave it out!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Jennifer! I love creating fresh recipes that are quick and simple to make so that I can help you get dinner on the table without the fuss!

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    Hi, I'm Jennifer! I love creating fresh recipes that are quick and simple to make so that I can help you get dinner on the table without the fuss!

    More about me →

    Most Popular Recipes

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