Soup in the Slow Cooker: Italian Wedding Soup with Escarole
Soup in the Slow Cooker: Italian Wedding Soup with Escarole is a easy Italian recipe that serves 6. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by Better Homes and Gardens on YouTube.
Prep: 27 min | Cook: 6 hrs 30 min | Total: 7 hrs 12 min
Cost: $15.53 total, $2.59 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 large Eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 cup Onion (finely chopped, about one large onion)
- 0.33 cup Bread Crumbs (fine dried breadcrumbs)
- 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 tbsp Flat Leaf Parsley (snipped fresh parsley)
- 0.5 tsp Salt (kosher or table salt)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1.5 lb Ground Beef (lean (90% lean))
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for browning meatballs)
- 8 cup Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
- 3 each Carrots (large, peeled and chopped)
- 1.5 tsp Dried Oregano (crushed, optional)
- 1 cup Acini de Pepe Pasta (tiny pasta pearls)
- 8 oz Escarole (trimmed and cut into 1/2‑inch strips)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Oregano (snipped leaves, optional garnish)
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (additional for soup seasoning)
- 0.5 tsp Salt (additional for soup seasoning)
Instructions
Mix Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, lightly beat the two eggs, then add the chopped onion, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, snipped parsley, ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
Time: PT5M
Add Ground Beef and Form Meatballs
Add the 1½ lb lean ground beef to the bowl and mix with your hands until just combined. Roll the mixture into about 40 meatballs, each roughly 1¼ inches in diameter.
Time: PT5M
Brown Meatballs
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add half the meatballs, turning as needed, until browned on all sides. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then repeat with the remaining meatballs.
Time: PT10M
Assemble Soup in Slow Cooker
In the 5‑6 qt slow cooker, pour in 8 cups reduced‑sodium chicken broth, add the chopped carrots, 1½ tsp dried oregano (if using), ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and the browned meatballs. Stir to combine.
Time: PT5M
Slow‑Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and set to Low for 6 hours (or High for 3 hours) to let the flavors meld and the meatballs finish cooking through.
Time: PT6H
Add Pasta and Escarole
Twenty minutes before the end of cooking, stir in 1 cup dried acini de pepe pasta and the 8‑oz trimmed escarole strips. If you prefer fresh oregano, add 2 tbsp snipped oregano now.
Time: PT20M
Finish and Serve
When the pasta is al dente and the escarole is tender, ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with additional fresh chopped oregano if desired.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Low‑sodium
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy (Parmesan), Wheat (breadcrumbs, pasta)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Eggs: egg replacer
- Instead of Onion: shallots
- Instead of Bread Crumbs: panko, crushed crackers
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Flat Leaf Parsley: dried parsley (1 tsp)
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: canola oil
- Instead of Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth: homemade chicken broth
- Instead of Carrots: parsnips
- Instead of Dried Oregano: fresh oregano
- Instead of Acini de Pepe Pasta: orzo, ditalini
- Instead of Escarole: kale, spinach
- Instead of Fresh Oregano: dried oregano
Equipment Needed
- Large Bowl
- Skillet
- Paper Towels
- Slow Cooker (5‑6 quart)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Ladle
- Serving Bowls
- Stirring Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Forming the meatballs without over‑mixing
- Browning the meatballs evenly
- Cooking the soup low and slow for flavor development
- Adding the tiny pasta and escarole at the very end to prevent over‑cooking
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mixture of fresh and dried herbs for layered flavor
- For an even richer broth, sauté the carrots briefly before adding to the slow cooker
- If you can’t find escarole, substitute with kale or baby spinach for a similar bite.
Troubleshooting
Meatballs are too dense or tough
Mix the meatball mixture gently and avoid over‑working the meat; consider adding a splash of milk or water to the mixture.
Pasta becomes mushy
Add the acini de pepe pasta exactly 20 minutes before the end of cooking; if using the High setting, reduce the addition time to 10 minutes.
Soup is too salty
Taste before adding extra salt; remember the broth already contains sodium and the meatballs add flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months. Defrost before reheating and add fresh pasta if needed.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Form and brown the meatballs up to 2 days ahead; store in the fridge and add to the broth when ready
- The soup base (broth, carrots, seasonings) can be prepared and refrigerated overnight
- Add the acini de pepe pasta only right before serving for best texture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Italian Wedding Soup in Italian cuisine?
Italian Wedding Soup, or "Minestra Maritata," traditionally symbolized the union of two different textures – the meat (representing the groom) and the greens (representing the bride). It originated in Southern Italy as a humble peasant dish that celebrated marriage and family gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of Italian Wedding Soup in Southern Italy?
In Southern Italy, versions may use meatballs made with pork or a mix of pork and beef, add small dumplings called "gnocchetti sardi," and incorporate bitter greens like escarole or kale. Some regions also add chickpeas or beans for extra protein.
How is Italian Wedding Soup traditionally served in Italy?
It is traditionally served hot in shallow bowls, often garnished with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. In many Italian homes, it is accompanied by crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful broth.
During what occasions is Italian Wedding Soup typically prepared in Italian culture?
The soup is commonly prepared for wedding celebrations, family reunions, and festive holidays such as Christmas and Easter, symbolizing unity and togetherness.
What makes Italian Wedding Soup special or unique in Italian cuisine?
Its unique combination of tiny pasta, seasoned meatballs, and bitter greens creates a balance of textures and flavors that is both comforting and celebratory, embodying the Italian principle of using simple, humble ingredients to create a hearty dish.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Italian Wedding Soup?
Common mistakes include over‑mixing the meatball mixture, browning the meatballs in a crowded pan, adding the pasta too early (which makes it mushy), and under‑seasoning the broth. Follow the timing steps carefully for best results.
Why does this Italian Wedding Soup recipe brown the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker?
Browning develops Maillard flavor, giving the meatballs a richer taste and a firmer exterior that holds up during the long slow‑cooking process, unlike adding raw meatballs directly which can result in a bland broth.
Can I make Italian Wedding Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare and brown the meatballs up to two days in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and keep the broth and vegetables separate. Assemble and cook the soup when ready, or freeze the assembled uncooked soup for up to two months.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Italian Wedding Soup is done?
The meatballs should be fully cooked and firm, the escarole should be wilted but still bright green, and the acini de pepe pasta should be al dente—soft but with a slight bite. The broth should be clear and aromatic.
How do I know when the Italian Wedding Soup is done cooking?
When the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), the carrots are tender, the escarole is wilted, and the pasta is al dente, the soup is ready to serve.
What does the YouTube channel Better Homes and Gardens specialize in?
The YouTube channel Better Homes and Gardens specializes in practical home cooking, easy-to-follow recipes, and lifestyle tips that help everyday cooks create delicious meals with minimal fuss and accessible ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Better Homes and Gardens' approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
Better Homes and Gardens focuses on simplifying classic Italian dishes for the modern home kitchen, using common appliances like a slow cooker and emphasizing time‑saving techniques, whereas many Italian-focused channels may prioritize traditional stovetop methods and regional authenticity.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
