Okay, friends, gather ’round! I’m so excited to share this meatball soup recipe with you. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes that just feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s so incredibly flavorful and comforting. I’d almost compare it to a Chicken Noodle Soup, but with juicy, savory meatballs swimming in a rich, veggie-packed broth. It’s seriously the ultimate comfort food in my book and I think it beats all of the others, hands down. My grandma used to make a version of this on chilly autumn evenings, and the smell alone would fill the whole house with such cozy vibes. Now, I make it for my own family and it’s always a hit, especially on those nights when everyone’s craving something hearty and satisfying.
What is meatball soup?
What is meatball soup? In its simplest form, it’s exactly what it sounds like: soup with meatballs! What is so much more than that? Think of it as a deliciously warm and inviting broth, usually tomato or chicken-based, and often fried. What are some of the best meatballs in the world? What is essentially a complete meal in one bowl? Different cultures have their own versions of Italian Wedding Soup, with its tiny meatballs. From Albondigas soup with its Mexican flavors. What are some of my favorite meatball soup recipes? Is it hearty, flavorful, and super adaptable to whatever veggies you have on hand? I like to use GROUND BEEF and pork for the meatballs, but you can totally use beef, too. What is turkey? Is it really all about what you prefer?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to love this meatball Soup Recipe. First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. We’re talking a symphony of savory, meaty, and slightly sweet notes, all harmonizing in a comforting broth. It’s so easy to make, honestly, even easier than you might think. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip this up. It’s one of those recipes that I can throw together on a busy weeknight without feeling stressed. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-efficient. Ground meat is generally budget-friendly, and you can use whatever vegetables are in season or on sale.
What I love most about this meatball Soup Recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to your own tastes and preferences. Don’t like carrots? No problem, leave them out! Want to add some spice? Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. I’ve even made a creamy version by stirring in a little bit of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for extra richness. If you’re a fan of Italian Wedding Soup, but crave something a bit more substantial, or if you simply want a hearty, flavorful soup that the whole family will devour, this meatball soup recipe is definitely for you!
How do I make meatball soup?
Quick Overview
What is the best meatball Soup Recipe? How do I make meatballs? Is it safe to brown onions in a pot? What is the best way to cook vegetables and broth? What are some comforting meatball soup recipes? Is it easier than you think?
Ingredients
For the Meatballs: Why
* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal)
* 1/2 pound ground pork
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I prefer Italian seasoned)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or acini di pepe work well)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
How do I follow
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and pepper to taste. Set aside. Garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix meatballs, as this can make them tough.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
With your hands, roll the meat mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. I usually aim for about 1-inch in diameter. Place meatballs on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pot in a single layer and brown on all sides. If you are doing this in batches, you may need to do this to avoid overcrowding the pot. How do you brown meatballs?
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Remove meatballs from the pot and set aside. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook over medium heat until softened. Remove from heat and set aside. Is it worth it to sit for Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step really builds the flavor base of the entire soup.
Step 5: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Pour the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes into the pot. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. What are the flavors that meld?
Step 6: Add Meatballs and Pasta
Gently add the browned meatballs and pasta to the pot. If the soup is too thick, reduce the heat to medium and bring it back to a simmer. Cook until pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. I always taste one of the meatballs at this point to make sure it’s cooked through.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
What are some good meatball soup recipes?
What should I serve it with?
What is a good meatball soup recipe?
For a casual lunch:Is it good to dip bread into a broth?
For a cozy dinner: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich soup. I usually go with a simple mixed greens salad with cucumbers and tomatoes.
For a more substantial meal: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. The roasted flavor pairs really well with the savory soup.
My family also loves to add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to their soup for extra creaminess. It’s a great way to customize each bowl to individual preferences. Growing up, we would always have a big bowl of parmesan cheese on the table to sprinkle over our soup. It really is the little things that make it feel like home, you know?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Meatball Soup
Alright, let me share some of my best tips for making the perfect meatball soup recipe. I’ve learned these tricks over years of making this soup, and they really do make a difference.
Don’t overmix the meatballs: Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs. Mix gently until just combined.
Brown the meatballs: Don’t skip the step of browning the meatballs! It adds a ton of flavor to the soup.
Use quality broth: The quality of your broth will greatly impact the flavor of the soup. I prefer to use low-sodium chicken broth so I can control the salt level.
Add a parmesan rind: For an extra layer of flavor, add a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers. Just be sure to remove it before serving.
Adjust the seasonings: Taste the soup as it simmers and adjust the seasonings as needed. Everyone’s taste preferences are different, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Add greens: Stir in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of nutrients and flavor. I always add spinach, it’s a game changer.
Make it creamy: For a creamy version of the soup, stir in a little bit of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end. This adds a luxurious richness that’s simply divine.
I’ve also found that using fresh herbs, like parsley and basil, really elevates the flavor of the soup. If you have them on hand, definitely use them! And don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables. I’ve added zucchini, bell peppers, and even sweet potatoes to this soup, and they all work wonderfully.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This meatball soup recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, as the flavors only get better as it sits. Here are my tips for storing and reheating:
Refrigerator Storage: Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to leave some headspace in the container, as the soup will expand when it freezes.
Reheating: To reheat the soup, simply transfer it to a pot and heat over medium heat until warmed through. If the soup is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You may need to add a little bit of extra broth or water if the soup has thickened during storage.
I usually make a big batch of this soup on the weekend and then enjoy it for lunches throughout the week. It’s such a convenient and satisfying meal, and it saves me so much time during the busy workweek. The key to keeping it fresh is to store it properly and reheat it gently. Trust me, this soup is even better the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My family’s favorite meatball soup recipe, shared with you. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s hearty, flavorful, and so incredibly comforting – the perfect meal for a chilly day or any time you’re craving something warm and satisfying. If you enjoy this soup, you might also like my chicken noodle soup recipe or my tomato soup recipe. They’re all family favorites! Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Please let me know in the comments if you’ve got any questions or if you’ve made any fun variations on the recipe. And don’t forget to rate the recipe if you loved it!
How to Make Best Meatball Soup: 7 Cozy Tips for a Hearty Meal
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb Ground Beef Lean ground beef
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs Plain breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Egg Lightly beaten
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
Soup
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 medium Onion Diced
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 6 cups Beef Broth Low sodium
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup Carrots Sliced
- 1 cup Celery Diced
- 0.5 cup Pasta Small pasta, like ditalini
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 0.5 tsp Salt To taste
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper To taste
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add carrots, celery, and meatballs to the pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in pasta and Italian seasoning. Cook until pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
