Slow Cooker Jewish Wedding Soup

Name: Slow Cooker Jewish Wedding Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1/3 cup matzo meal; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon dried dill; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 cup Israeli couscous; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 3 cups water (or more broth); 2 celery ribs, sliced; 3/4 pound carrots, diced; 1/3 cup onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons dried dill; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 bay leaf; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

By: Shannon Epstein

August 25, 2026

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Slow cooker Jewish wedding soup is a comforting soup filled with tender matzo meal meatballs, vegetables, and Israeli couscous. Inspired by Italian wedding soup, this Jewish-inspired variation replaces the traditional breadcrumb-bound meatballs with ground chicken meatballs made with matzo meal. Perfect for Shabbat dinner, holidays, or anytime you want a hearty yet impressive soup. Instructions to make this meatball soup in the Instant Pot are also included.

Ingredients For Crockpot Jewish Wedding Soup

Meatballs

Ground chicken: One pound of ground chicken forms the base of the meatballs. Ground turkey may be substituted.
Matzo meal: Matzo meal replaces the breadcrumbs traditionally used in Italian wedding soup and helps hold the meatballs together.
Egg: One large egg adds moisture and binds the meatball ingredients.
Dried dill: Dill adds a light flavor that complements the chicken.
Seasonings: Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper season the meatballs throughout.

Soup

Israeli couscous: Also called pearl couscous, Israeli couscous is larger than traditional couscous and has a pleasantly chewy texture.
Chicken broth: Low-sodium chicken broth creates the flavorful base of the soup while allowing you to control the amount of salt.
Water: Three cups of water extend the broth. Additional chicken broth may be used in place of the water for a richer flavor.
Celery: Sliced celery adds flavor and texture.
Carrot: One large diced carrot adds a subtle sweetness to the broth.
Onion: Diced onion is an essential aromatic for the soup.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds another layer of savory flavor.
Dried dill: Dill seasons the broth and ties together the flavors of the soup and meatballs.
Seasonings: Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper create a flavorful but versatile broth.
Bay leaf: A bay leaf adds subtle depth while the soup cooks. Remove it before serving.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a mild earthy flavor that complements the chicken meatballs and dill. Stir it into the slow cooker before serving.

How To Make Jewish Wedding Soup In The Slow Cooker

Prepare The Meatballs

In a medium-size bowl, combine the ground chicken, matzo meal, egg, dried dill, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Shape the chicken mixture into approximately 12 to 15 meatballs.

Slow Cooker

Add the soup ingredients EXCEPT the Israeli couscous and spinach to the slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
Add the prepared meatballs to the soup. Stir gently.
Cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or LOW 4 to 6.
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the Israeli couscous. Cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the couscous is tender.
Stir in the spinach before serving.

Instant Pot

Add the soup ingredients EXCEPT the Israeli couscous and spinach to the Instant Pot.
Add the prepared meatballs to the soup. Stir gently.
Close the and seal the lid. Cook on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes.
When the cooking time is complete, quick release the pressure.
Open the lid and remove the bay leaf.
Turn the Instant Pot to sauté and stir in the Israeli couscous. Cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the couscous is tender.
Stir in the fresh spinach before serving.

overhead shot of uncooked Jewish wedding soup in a black slow cooker — before

overhead shot of cooked Jewish wedding soup in a black slow cooker — after

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Homemade chicken meatballs: Matzo meal helps bind the meatballs while giving the soup its Jewish-inspired twist.
Easy slow cooker recipe: The meatballs cook directly in the broth without needing to be browned first.
Comforting but not heavy: This broth-based soup is filling without being overly rich.
Family-friendly: The seasonings are flavorful but mild enough for the entire family.
Great for leftovers: The soup reheats well, making it a good option for meal preparation.

FAQs & Tips

Is this a traditional Jewish recipe?

No. This recipe is my Jewish-inspired variation of Italian wedding soup; it is not a traditional soup served at Jewish weddings.

Can you substitute ground turkey?

Yes! Ground turkey is a good substitute for the ground chicken.

Do the meatballs need to be browned first?

No. The chicken meatballs can be added directly to the slow cooker. They gently cook in the seasoned broth, which keeps them moist and tender. The meatballs will not have the browned exterior that comes from pan-searing, but browning them is unnecessary for this soup. If you prefer browned meatballs, sear them briefly in a lightly oiled skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.

What is Israeli couscous? Is it pasta?

Israeli couscous is also known as pearl couscous. It resembles a grain, but it is actually is a type of pasta.

When should the Israeli couscous be added?

Add the Israeli couscous during the final 10 to 15 minutes of cooking. Adding it at the beginning may cause it to become too soft and absorb too much of the broth. Israeli couscous will continue absorbing liquid as the soup sits. Add more broth when reheating leftovers if necessary.

Can you substitute the Israeli couscous?

Yes. Orzo or another small pasta may be used in place of the Israeli couscous. Cooking times will vary, so check the pasta frequently to prevent it from becoming too soft. You can also cook the couscous or pasta separately and add it directly to individual bowls. This is a good option if you plan to freeze the soup or expect to have leftovers.

Is this gluten-free?

No. Traditional matzo meal and Israeli couscous are both made with wheat and contain gluten. To make the soup gluten-free, use a certified gluten-free matzo-style meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs. Replace the Israeli couscous with rice or a small gluten-free pasta.

Is this suitable for Passover?

It can be with a few adjustments. Israeli couscous is a wheat-based pasta and is not suitable for Passover. If preparing the soup for Passover, use matzo meal that is specifically certified for Passover and omit the couscous or replace it with an ingredient that meets your family’s dietary traditions.

What is matzo meal?

Matzo meal is made by finely grinding matzo, a crisp unleavened bread traditionally used in Jewish cooking. It has a texture similar to dry breadcrumbs and is commonly used as a binder in meatballs, meatloaf, and matzo balls. In this soup, the matzo meal helps hold the ground chicken meatballs together while keeping them tender.

What can you substitute for the matzo meal?

Plain dry breadcrumbs are the best substitute for matzo meal in these chicken meatballs. Replace the 1/3 cup of matzo meal with an equal amount of breadcrumbs or panko. Crushed plain crackers, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or gluten-free matzo meal may also be used. If using salted crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs, reduce the added salt accordingly.

Can you freeze this soup?

Yes, but the soup freezes best without the Israeli couscous. Cooked couscous can become overly soft after it is frozen and reheated. If you know you will be freezing the soup, cook the couscous separately and add it only to the portions being served. Freeze the soup and meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until hot.

How do you store leftovers?

Store leftover slow cooker Jewish wedding soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

What size slow cooker did you use?

I use a 6-quart slow cooker or Instant Pot for this recipe.

Jewish Recipes

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