This Easy Cheesy Meatball Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender meatballs, creamy cheese, and lots of yummy veggies, it’s perfect for chilly days.
Honestly, who can resist soup topped with gooey melted cheese? I love making this in my Instant Pot because it’s super quick. Grab a bowl and dig in! 🥣🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Turkey: You can use either beef or turkey for meatballs, depending on your preference or dietary needs. Ground chicken can also work if you want a lighter soup!
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, panko, or even oatmeal! Just make sure to adjust the amount to maintain consistency.
Cheese: Parmesan adds a lovely flavor, but feel free to swap it for any hard cheese like Pecorino or skip it altogether. For the cheesy topping, cheddar and mozzarella complement each other well, but you can use any melting cheese you enjoy.
Vegetables: This recipe is flexible! You can replace potatoes with sweet potatoes or cauliflower. Similarly, other vegetables like bell peppers or green beans could work well in this soup.
How Do I Get Tender Meatballs?
The secret to tender meatballs is not over-mixing! Gently combine your ingredients in step 1. Form them into balls without packing them too tightly, which keeps them fluffy and light when cooked.
- When browning, ensure the skillet is hot enough to sear but not too hot to burn them. It should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
- If you’re making this in the Instant Pot, you can skip browning to save time, but it adds wonderful flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Melt Cheese in Soup?
To melt cheese smoothly, lower the heat after cooking and add it gradually. Stir constantly for even melting. Using room-temperature cheese helps it blend in better without clumping.
- Ensure the soup is warm but not boiling when adding cheese.
- Remember to taste and adjust seasoning after adding cheese, as it can make the soup richer.
Enjoy your Easy Cheesy Meatball Soup! It’s comforting, cheesy, and flavorful – a perfect dish for family dinner.
Easy Cheesy Meatball Soup in Crock Pot or Instant Pot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if using crock pot)
For the Soup:
- 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 cups diced potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)
- 2 cups chopped carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1 cup chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried basil or Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting soup takes about 20 minutes of prep time and then cooks for either 6-8 hours in the Crock Pot or just 10 minutes in the Instant Pot (plus time for pressurizing). It’s perfect for a busy day while still being incredibly satisfying and cheesy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together gently until well combined, then form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Sear the Meatballs (Optional):
For Crock Pot: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for added flavor, then transfer them to the crock pot.
For Instant Pot: Use the sauté function to brown the meatballs if desired, or you can skip this step for a quicker option!
3. Add Your Ingredients:
To the pot with the meatballs, add the beef or chicken broth, diced potatoes, chopped carrots, chopped celery, diced onion, and dried basil. Give it a good stir to mix everything well.
4. Cooking Time:
Crock Pot: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Instant Pot: Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release of the pressure.
5. Finish the Soup:
After the soup is done cooking, stir in the chopped spinach or kale and let it wilt in the hot soup for about 5 minutes.
6. Add the Creaminess:
Lower the heat to warm (or use the sauté mode at low heat on the Instant Pot). Stir in the milk or heavy cream, followed by the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until everything is melted and creamy! Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your cozy, cheesy meatball soup with some crusty bread or crackers!
This soup is sure to become a family favorite, making meal times both delightful and satisfying. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Meatball Soup
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs! Just add them directly to the soup without thawing. If using the Instant Pot, increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they are heated through, but the overall recipe cooking time remains similar.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, substitute the ground beef or turkey with plant-based meat or use lentils for protein. Additionally, replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans to the mix. Just chop them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. Just keep in mind that softer vegetables may cook faster, so adjust cooking times as needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.
Enjoy making this delightful soup, and don’t hesitate to explore variations to suit your taste!
