Meatball Soup Recipe

Meatball soup is a hearty and satisfying meal that combines flavorful meatballs with a rich and savory broth, packed with vegetables and pasta. This comforting soup is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or a dish to impress guests. The homemade meatballs, made with lean ground beef, chicken, or turkey, are seasoned with aromatic spices like oregano, paprika, and garlic, then simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell pepper. The addition of small pasta and the option to garnish with red pepper flakes adds a delightful touch of texture and warmth. This soup is not only delicious but also customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. It’s a meal that is both nourishing and comforting, ideal for those cooler months when you need something to fill you up and warm you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful Homemade Meatballs

The meatballs are made from scratch using lean ground meat, fresh herbs, parmesan cheese, and a blend of spices, which ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.

this …

2. Loaded with Veggies

This soup is not just about the meatballs. The addition of vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and bell peppers adds both nutrition and flavor, making each spoonful hearty and satisfying.

3. Comforting Broth

The rich broth made with your choice of beef, chicken, or vegetable stock provides a warm and savory base that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

This soup stores well, so it’s a great dish to make ahead and enjoy throughout the week. You can even freeze it for a quick and easy meal later.

5. Customizable

You can easily adjust the ingredients, whether you want to switch up the type of meat for the meatballs or use a different type of pasta. This flexibility makes it easy to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef, chicken, or turkey
• 1 egg, lightly whisked
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ⅓ cup unseasoned bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano, divided
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, divided
• 1 cup chopped parsley leaves, divided
• 3 to 5 garlic cloves, minced (divided)
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

For the Soup:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
• 5 to 6 cups beef, chicken, or vegetable broth
• 1 (28-ounce) can peeled tomatoes with juices
• ¾ cup small pasta (such as ditalini or small shells), uncooked
• Red pepper flakes for serving (optional)

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, replace the meatballs with a plant-based protein like lentils or veggie meatballs, and use vegetable broth as the base.
• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for some heat.
• Noodles: You can swap the small pasta for rice or quinoa for a different texture.
• Meat Substitution: If you prefer, you can use ground lamb or pork in place of beef, chicken, or turkey for a unique flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, egg, grated parmesan, breadcrumbs, ½ tablespoon of oregano, ½ teaspoon of paprika, ½ cup of chopped parsley, and 2-3 minced garlic cloves. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them gently to ensure they are browned on all sides. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the remaining garlic, oregano, and paprika, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the broth and canned tomatoes with their juices, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Add the Meatballs and Pasta

Once the broth is simmering, gently add the meatballs back into the pot. Stir in the uncooked pasta and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the pasta is tender.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you like, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining chopped parsley and extra grated parmesan cheese. Serve hot with red pepper flakes on the side for those who like a bit more heat.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Meatballs: When browning the meatballs, do it in batches so they have enough space to cook evenly and get a nice golden crust.
• Seasoning to Taste: Adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process to ensure the soup is flavorful. Add extra garlic or herbs if desired.
• Add Vegetables to Your Liking: You can customize the soup by adding other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or peas for added flavor and nutrition.

How to Serve

Serve this meatball soup in deep bowls for a comforting, hearty meal. Garnish with extra parmesan and parsley to elevate the dish. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad. You can also sprinkle additional red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove, adding a little broth if necessary to bring it back to the right consistency.

Freezing

This soup freezes well! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup over low heat on the stove. Add a little broth or water if the soup has thickened too much after storing.

FAQs

1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them for later use.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to swap in any small pasta you prefer, such as elbow macaroni or farfalle.

3. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! You can add extra vegetables like zucchini, peas, or spinach for more color and nutrition.

4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the meatballs and sauté the vegetables before adding everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

5. Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and gluten-free pasta to make the soup gluten-free.

6. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, chicken broth works just as well as beef broth and provides a lighter flavor.

7. Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can use ground pork, lamb, or even a plant-based protein for the meatballs.

8. Can I freeze the meatballs separately?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs separately and add them to the soup once it’s heated up.

9. How do I make the meatballs more flavorful?

Add more seasoning to the meatball mixture, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like thyme or basil.

10. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the soup for some extra heat.

Conclusion

Meatball Soup is a deliciously satisfying and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With tender, flavorful meatballs, a rich and savory broth, and the perfect balance of vegetables and pasta, this soup is sure to become a favorite. It’s a meal that can be customized to suit your preferences and made in advance for easy meal prep. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or as a hearty lunch, this meatball soup is the ultimate comfort food that everyone will enjoy.

Print