Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience that will warm your soul: CrockPot Meatball Stroganoff Soup. This incredibly easy slow-cooker recipe transforms a classic favorite into a heartwarming bowl of deliciousness, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a meal that feels like a hug. It’s designed for simplicity without compromising on rich, savory flavors that everyone in the family will adore.
Easy CrockPot Meatball Stroganoff Soup: A Family Favorite Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the convenience of a slow cooker, especially when it delivers a dish as satisfying as this Meatball Stroganoff Soup. It’s a delightful twist on traditional slow-cooker beef stroganoff, reimagined as a comforting soup. For busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe allows you to simply combine your ingredients, set it, and forget it, letting your CrockPot do all the hard work while you go about your day.
As the seasons shift and the air turns crisp, my heart yearns for cozy sweaters, sturdy boots, and the vibrant hues of autumn leaves. This time of year ignites a passion for warm, comforting meals, and my trusty slow cooker becomes the undisputed star of the kitchen. Indeed, I confess, pumpkin spice and fall decorations might have already made an early appearance in my home – a testament to my eagerness for the coziest season. My husband often shakes his head in amusement when I emerge from Target with armfuls of autumnal decor, already dreaming of the CrockPot soup recipes I’ll be making. This Meatball Stroganoff Soup is always high on that list, promising warmth, flavor, and effortless preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Soup Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: This dump-and-go recipe requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy schedules. Simply combine ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it do the work.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Rich, creamy, and packed with savory meatballs and tender noodles, it’s the epitome of a soul-warming meal. Each spoonful is a delightful blend of textures and robust flavors.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to all ages, even picky eaters will ask for seconds. Its familiar flavors and hearty ingredients make it a household hit.
- Hearty & Filling: More substantial than a typical soup, it makes a complete meal on its own, providing satisfying sustenance that will keep you full.
- Versatile & Adaptable: Easily customize ingredients to suit dietary needs or personal preferences. Whether you prefer a spicier kick or a vegetarian twist, this recipe is a blank canvas.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup makes fantastic leftovers that are easy to store and reheat, making your weeknight meals even simpler.
Key Ingredients for a Delicious Meatball Stroganoff Soup
Crafting this delectable CrockPot Meatball Stroganoff Soup relies on a few simple yet powerful ingredients that come together to create its signature flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to make this epic soup. Specific measurements can be found in the printable recipe card below.
- Frozen Meatballs: The hero of this soup! Using pre-cooked frozen meatballs makes this recipe incredibly fast and convenient. They absorb the flavors beautifully as they simmer, becoming tender and juicy. Opt for a plain or beef-flavored variety to best complement the stroganoff profile.
- Sliced Mushrooms: Essential for that authentic stroganoff taste. Fresh or canned (drained) sliced mushrooms work wonderfully, adding an earthy depth and delightful texture to the soup base.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion provides a foundational aromatic base, slowly softening and releasing its sweet, savory notes into the broth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This forms the rich, creamy backbone of our soup, contributing a velvety texture and concentrated mushroom flavor that is signature to stroganoff dishes.
- Milk: Helps to thin the condensed cream of mushroom soup into a luscious, pourable consistency, making the broth wonderfully smooth and rich without being overly heavy. Whole milk or 2% milk works best.
- Beef Broth: Adds a savory depth and ensures the soup has the perfect consistency. You can adjust the amount to achieve your desired thickness, adding more for a thinner soup or less for a thicker stew-like consistency.
- Egg Noodles: Classic for any stroganoff, these wide, tender noodles cook directly in the slow cooker during the final stages, soaking up all the delicious broth and flavors, making them incredibly satisfying.
Optional Enhancements: Elevate your soup with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill for brightness, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving for tanginess and extra creaminess, or a dash of garlic powder for an additional aromatic layer.
Essential Equipment for Your Slow Cooker Success
To make this Meatball Stroganoff Soup a breeze, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools, primarily focused on your slow cooker. The right equipment ensures easy preparation and a perfect outcome.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining the creamy base ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker. A glass batter bowl with a handle can be particularly useful for stability on the counter and easy pouring.
- Slow Cooker (CrockPot): The undisputed star of the show! A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended for this recipe to ensure all ingredients fit comfortably. A model with a programmable timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking time is up is a fantastic feature for hands-free convenience, preventing overcooking.
- Soup Bowls: For serving your delightful creation! Choose sturdy, comforting bowls that keep your soup warm.
- Whisk: An essential tool for ensuring your condensed soup and milk mixture is perfectly smooth and lump-free, creating a desirable base for your soup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making CrockPot Meatball Stroganoff Soup
Preparing this comforting soup is incredibly straightforward, mostly involving simple assembly in your slow cooker. The full, detailed recipe card with precise measurements is provided below, but here’s a quick overview of the process to get you started:
- Prepare the Creamy Base: Begin by combining the foundational elements of your soup. In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until thoroughly combined and smooth. This creates the rich, flavorful, and velvety foundation of your soup.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Carefully pour the prepared soup and milk mixture into your slow cooker. Next, add the frozen meatballs, sliced mushrooms, and chopped onion. Gently stir all the ingredients together to ensure they are well coated in the creamy mixture and evenly distributed throughout the slow cooker bowl.
- Initiate Slow Cooking: Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook the soup on the LOW setting for 5 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the meatballs to tenderize. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can cook it on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours. The longer, slower cooking time on LOW often results in a more profound and developed flavor.
- Adjust Consistency (Optional): About halfway through the cooking time, take a moment to check the soup’s consistency. If you prefer a thinner soup or find it’s becoming too thick due to evaporation, you can add the beef broth gradually. Stir it in ¼ cup increments until your desired consistency is reached. This allows you to customize the soup to your preference.
- Add Egg Noodles: During the final 30 minutes of the cooking cycle, stir in the wide egg noodles. Ensure they are fully submerged in the hot liquid so they cook through and become tender, soaking up all the delicious broth and flavors. Avoid adding them too early to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Serve & Garnish: Once the noodles are tender, and the meatballs are heated through and infused with flavor, your CrockPot Meatball Stroganoff Soup is ready to serve. For an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal, consider sprinkling a bit of freshly grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese over each bowl just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley also makes a wonderful garnish.
Preparation and Storage Tips
One of the many advantages of slow cooker recipes like this Meatball Stroganoff Soup is their excellent make-ahead and storage potential, making meal planning and leftovers a breeze.
- Make-Ahead: This recipe is incredibly forgiving and perfect for meal prepping. Since it takes at least 3 hours to cook on high (or 5-6 on low), you can start it in the morning and have a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner waiting by evening. This frees up your time to focus on other tasks, run errands, or simply relax without worrying about dinner.
- Storage: Any leftover soup should be transferred promptly to an airtight container after it has cooled. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. It will remain fresh and delicious for up to three days. Keep in mind that the egg noodles may continue to absorb liquid and soften further over time in the refrigerator.
- Freezing/How to Freeze: For longer storage, transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe, airtight container. Ensure there’s a little headspace at the top of the container to allow for expansion during freezing. The soup freezes well and can be safely stored and enjoyed within three months for optimal taste and texture.
- How to Reheat:
- From Refrigerator: For individual servings, reheat in the microwave until thoroughly hot, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. For larger quantities, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can also reheat it slowly in the CrockPot on the “warm” setting until heated through.
- From Freezer: For the best results and even reheating, it is highly recommended to allow frozen soup to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Once thawed, follow the refrigerator reheating methods mentioned above. You may find it beneficial to add a splash of beef broth or milk during reheating to restore the soup’s original desired consistency, as some liquid may be absorbed or lost during freezing and thawing.
Recipe Variations and Customizations
This CrockPot Meatball Stroganoff Soup is wonderfully versatile, allowing for numerous modifications to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Meatball Substitutions: While frozen, pre-cooked meatballs are an ultimate time-saver, feel free to use homemade meatballs if you have a favorite recipe. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker to maintain food safety and optimal texture. Their flavor profile should ideally complement a stroganoff – plain, Italian-style, or beef-based meatballs work best.
- Vegetarian Option: Easily adapt this recipe for vegetarians by swapping the frozen meatballs for a plant-based alternative. Vegetarian “meatballs” are widely available, or you could use hearty vegetables like chickpeas, substantial mushroom caps, or even firm tofu chunks. Replace the beef broth with a high-quality vegetable broth.
- Vegan Option: To make this soup completely vegan, follow all the vegetarian guidance. Additionally, ensure all dairy-based ingredients are replaced with plant-based alternatives. Opt for plant-based cream of mushroom soup (many brands offer these), use a dairy-free milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk), and select vegan-friendly egg noodles or another pasta type that is free of animal products.
- Gluten-Free: For those following a gluten-free diet, carefully check the labels of all your ingredients. Ensure your chosen frozen meatballs, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth are certified gluten-free. The most common gluten source will be the egg noodles; substitute traditional egg noodles with a gluten-free pasta option that can withstand slow cooking.
- Adjusting Serving Size: The original recipe yields four generous servings, making it perfect for a family meal. Most online recipe cards offer a convenient slider feature that allows you to easily scale the ingredients up or down to accommodate more or fewer people, ensuring you always have the right amount.
- Make It Spicy: Traditional stroganoff is typically a mild, savory dish, but you can certainly introduce a subtle kick. Add a few dashes of smoked paprika for a smoky warmth, or a tablespoon of prepared horseradish for a bolder, zesty heat that brightens the flavors. For a different kind of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a pleasant warmth. Experiment to find your preferred level of heat!
- Sugar-Free: The sugar content in this recipe primarily comes from processed ingredients like condensed cream of mushroom soup and potentially some frozen meatballs, which can contain added sugars. To make it sugar-free, conscientiously opt for low-sugar or no-sugar-added frozen meatballs, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Reading ingredient labels carefully is paramount for achieving a truly sugar-free version.
Expert Tips for the Best CrockPot Meatball Stroganoff Soup
Elevate your slow cooker Meatball Stroganoff Soup from great to absolutely extraordinary with these helpful tips and tricks:
- Consider Worcestershire Sauce: For an extra layer of savory depth and complex umami flavor, a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce can work wonders in this soup. This classic ingredient, often found in beef dishes and gravies, enhances the richness without overpowering the other flavors. If you are not vegetarian (as traditional Worcestershire sauce often contains anchovies), add a small amount (start with a teaspoon), taste, and adjust to your preference.
- Brown Your Meatballs (Optional but Recommended): While using frozen pre-cooked meatballs is a huge time-saver, if you have a few extra minutes, quickly browning them in a skillet with a little oil before adding them to the CrockPot can create a beautiful caramelized crust. This adds a deeper, more complex savory note that significantly enhances the soup’s overall flavor.
- Sauté Onions & Mushrooms (Optional): Similarly, a quick sauté of the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms in a skillet with a pat of butter or olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker can bring out their natural sweetness and earthy flavors more intensely. This step also helps them release some moisture, preventing a watery soup.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: This is crucial for texture! Add the egg noodles only during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Adding them too early can result in mushy, overcooked pasta that breaks down in the soup. They need just enough time to become tender while soaking up the broth.
- Adjust Thickness to Perfection: If your soup is thinner than you prefer, you can easily thicken it. Whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the hot soup during the last hour of cooking. For a thicker consistency, you can also add a bit more cream of mushroom soup. If it’s too thick, simply add more beef broth or milk until your desired consistency is achieved.
- Fresh Herbs for a Bright Finish: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill just before serving can add a vibrant color and fresh herbaceous note that beautifully complements the rich, savory flavors of the soup. These delicate herbs provide a lovely contrast and lift to the dish.
- Taste and Season: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings as needed. A pinch more salt, a grind of black pepper, or even a dash of garlic powder can make a big difference in balancing the flavors.
What to Serve with CrockPot Meatball Stroganoff Soup
This hearty, semi-homemade stroganoff-inspired soup is a perfect staple once sweater weather arrives. Pair it with these comfort food favorites for a complete and satisfying meal that will leave everyone feeling cozy and content:
Sides That Complement Your Soup:
- Copycat Cheddar Bay Biscuits: Fluffy, cheesy, and garlicky, these biscuits are absolutely perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich, creamy soup.
- Olive Garden Breadsticks: Soft, buttery, and infused with garlic – an irresistible classic that pairs wonderfully with any soup.
- Easy Sweet Bread Rolls: A touch of sweetness from these rolls provides a lovely contrast to the savory and earthy flavors of the stroganoff soup.
- Easy Garlic Cheese Muffins: Quick to make and packed with savory flavor, these muffins are a delightful and simple accompaniment.
- Sauerkraut Salad: A tangy, refreshing side that offers a pleasant acidity, perfectly cutting through the richness of the creamy soup.
- Broccoli Slaw: A crunchy, vibrant, and healthy option that adds a fresh element and texture contrast to your meal.
- Kale & Apple Potato Salad: A unique and wholesome salad, offering a blend of sweet, savory, and earthy notes.
Main Dishes (if serving the soup as a lighter appetizer or alongside):
- CrockPot Creamy Rosemary Pork Chops
- Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings
- Hungarian Goulash
- CrockPot Mushroom Pasta Casserole
- CrockPot Cabbage Rolls
Desserts to Sweeten Your Meal:
- Ooey Gooey Butter Cake: A rich, decadent, and incredibly moist classic that’s a true indulgence.
- 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars: Bright and tangy, these bars offer a refreshing and zesty end to a hearty meal, balancing the richness of the soup.
- Ambrosia Salad: A sweet, fruity, and creamy retro favorite that’s light and delightful.
- Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding: A beloved, comforting dessert with layers of creamy pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers.
- Bisquick Blackberry Cobbler: A warm, bubbly fruit cobbler with a sweet biscuit topping, a timeless dessert perfect for fall.
- Molasses Cookies: Spiced, chewy, and aromatic, these cookies are a perfect fall treat to follow a comforting meal.
- Apple Pie Dumplings: Individual apple desserts, warm and comforting, reminiscent of classic apple pie.
When to Serve This Hearty Soup
This versatile Meatball Stroganoff Soup is ideal for a variety of occasions, especially when you need a meal that’s both satisfying and effortlessly easy to prepare. Its comforting nature makes it a perfect fit for many settings:
- Fall Gatherings: The ultimate dish for autumn evenings, embodying the season’s cozy spirit and warming everyone from the inside out.
- Oktoberfest Celebrations: While not traditional German fare, its hearty, meat-and-mushroom profile makes it a unique and fitting addition to a fall-themed menu, particularly if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing comfort food.
- Comfort Food Dinner: When only a hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying meal will do to chase away the chill or simply lift spirits after a long day.
- Family Dinner: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that simplifies weeknight cooking. It’s a convenient and delicious solution that caters to all tastes, making family dinner stress-free.
- Sunday Dinner: Ideal for a relaxed Sunday meal, allowing you to enjoy quality time with loved ones while dinner cooks itself, filling your home with enticing aromas.
- Easy Lunch: Great for satisfying leftovers or a simple, warming lunch on a busy workday or a leisurely weekend afternoon.
- Potlucks & Gatherings: This soup travels well in a slow cooker, making it an excellent choice for potlucks or casual get-togethers where a warm, comforting dish is always a hit.
More Irresistible Comfort Food Recipes
If you’re a fan of easy, delicious, and soul-warming meals, you’ll love exploring these curated recipe collections designed to bring comfort and joy to your kitchen:
- 30+ Easy Sides for Soup: Discover an array of delectable accompaniments to elevate any soup meal, from crusty garlic breads and savory biscuits to fresh, vibrant salads.
- 35+ Quick and Tasty Comfort Food Recipes for Cozy Nights!: Dive into a comprehensive collection of ultimate comfort foods that are both simple to make and incredibly satisfying, perfect for a cozy evening in.
- 40+ Easy CrockPot Soup Recipes! Warm and Comforting: Explore an extensive range of slow cooker soup recipes that promise warmth, ease, and incredible flavor, making mealtime a breeze during cooler months.
- Must-Try Fall Dessert Recipes: Indulge in the sweet side of autumn with seasonal desserts that capture the essence of fall, from pumpkin pies to apple crumbles.
- Delicious Apple Cider Recipes for Fall: From warm, spiced drinks to delightful baked treats, these recipes celebrate the quintessential flavor of fall in every sip and bite.
For even more culinary inspiration and cooking adventures, be sure to check out our dedicated sections for copycat recipes (replicating your restaurant favorites at home), a wide variety of dessert recipes for every sweet craving, and of course, many more convenient CrockPot Recipes designed to simplify your meal prep.
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Crockpot Meatball Stroganoff Soup
Easy Slow cooker Meatball Stroganoff Soup Recipe that takes minutes to prepare and tastes amazing.
Prep Time: 10 minutes |
Cook Time: 5 hours |
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Tammilee Tips
Nutrition: Calories: 625 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Frozen Meatballs (fully cooked)
- 1 ½ Cup Sliced Mushrooms
- ½ Onion, sliced
- 2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 2 cups Milk
- 1 Cup Beef Broth
- 2– 3 Cup Egg noodles (add during last 30 minutes of cooking)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker bowl.
- Add the frozen meatballs, sliced mushrooms, and chopped onion to the slow cooker bowl. Stir gently to combine all ingredients with the soup mixture.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5 – 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 -4 hours.
- Halfway through cooking, if you desire a thinner soup consistency, add the beef broth gradually, in ¼ cup increments, stirring well after each addition.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the wide egg noodles, ensuring they are submerged. Continue cooking until noodles are tender.
- Optional: For an extra touch of richness, sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the top of each serving.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Soup bowls
Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
Calories 625 | Calories from Fat 261
% Daily Value*
- Fat 29g (45% DV)
- Saturated Fat 10g (63% DV)
- Trans Fat 0.03g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
- Monounsaturated Fat 12g
- Cholesterol 131mg (44% DV)
- Sodium 854mg (37% DV)
- Potassium 1772mg (51% DV)
- Carbohydrates 55g (18% DV)
- Fiber 3g (13% DV)
- Sugar 11g (12% DV)
- Protein 34g (68% DV)
- Vitamin A 288IU (6% DV)
- Vitamin C 3mg (4% DV)
- Calcium 326mg (33% DV)
- Iron 2mg (11% DV)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.