CrockPot Albondigas (Meatball) Soup

To all my crockpot buddies,

Well, what's the verdict on the Carnitas?? I have to say that when it says use Pork Shoulder, use Pork Shoulder!! I got to see the difference in the outcome of five different crockpots. The Pork Shoulder, which might I add was MUCH cheaper seemed to look and taste the best. It just shred so nicely. I still enjoyed it and will definitely add that recipe to my favorites.
This week we are staying within the Latin Theme: We are making Crockpot Albondigas (Meatball) Soup.

I got this recipe from "A year of slow cooking blog, and she got it from Elise Bauer's. In her notes she states that Costco has gluten-free meatballs, but Elise makes her own. I too will be making my own meatballs from scratch. My mom has taught me how to make the meatballs from scratch, so I will add them to my crockpot.

Crockpot Albondigas (Meatball) Soup Recipe

You will need:
4 cups chicken broth
3/4 cups baby tomatoes, quartered ( I will be using stewed tomatoes, Canned)
1 cup baby carrots, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
1/2 cup frozen corn (I will used canned)
1/4 cup prepared pasta sauce (She used pizza sauce)
1/2 teaspoon dried mint ( Not sure where to get, guess I'll figure it out)
15-18 Frozen meatballs, Italian or similar flavor ( I will make my meatballs from scratch, *see instructions below)
1 cup frozen peas( if you stir them in 20 min. before serving they will retain their color)

The Directions:
Use a 6 quart slow cooker. Put broth, vegetables, pasta sauce, and mint into your slow cooker. Stir in frozen meatballs (drop in meatballs from scratch, don't mix.) Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours. The seasoning from the meatballs is what gives the soup flavor, so the longer the soup cooks the more flavor your broth will have. Stir in frozen peas 20 minutes before you serve.
Garnish with onion and cilantro (optional)

What will I serve with this dish???
I will serve mexican rice, flour tortillas, or by itself. This soup is very hardy because of the meatballs.

*To make meatballs from scratch, I do not measure seasoning when I add them to my hamburger, but i will give you estimated measurements.
Put hamburger in a bowl, add: 1/2 - 1 tsp. garlic salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper, 1/8 tsp.cumin, 1/8 tsp oregano. Mix with hands, add 1/2 C. Rice to the mixture and mix again. Form into 2 to 3 in. balls.

I'm a seasoning freak, so i was very reserved with the amount to add. Knowing myself I will use more!

I hope you enjoy this soup!!!

God bless you,
Stephanie...loving my crockpot!!!!!

You have to check out this blog, http://crockpot365.blogspot.com, use your crockpot on more than just Thursdays!!!
I'm also going to check out a sight titled: mealtimemakeover.com. I'll let you know if it is helpful in planning and eleviating a little stress from our daily blessing of MOMMYHOOD!!

P.S. The offer is still open for you to come over my house ANY THURSDAY!! I'd love to fellowship with you, and I know Zachary will gladly play with your children!!!