Meatball Soup Recipe
Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish to warm you up on a cold day, Meatball Soup is the ultimate choice. A beautiful combination of savory meatballs, a flavorful broth, and nutritious vegetables, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping throughout the week.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Ground beef (one pound)
– Parmesan cheese (half a cup)
– Panko breadcrumbs (a fourth cup)
– Milk (a fourth cup)
– Garlic powder (one teaspoon)
– Kosher salt (half a teaspoon)
– Black pepper (half a teaspoon)
– Olive oil (two tablespoons)
– Yellow onion (diced, half a cup)
– Garlic (minced, one tablespoon)
– Carrots (sliced, one and a half cups)
– Celery (sliced, half a cup)
– Zucchini (quartered, diced)
– Diced tomatoes (one can, fifteen ounces)
– Vegetable broth (six cups)
– Italian seasoning (two tablespoons)
– Bay leaves (two pieces)
– Acini di Pepe pasta (half a cup)
– Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Prep Time
One of the great things about this soup is that it comes together fairly quickly. The prep time for assembling your ingredients and mixing the meatballs is relatively minimal, making this recipe achievable even on busier days.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time for this hearty recipe will take about 30–35 minutes, including time spent simmering the soup to merge all its robust flavors together. Total time clocks in at approximately 45 minutes, including the preparation period. This recipe yields around six hearty, satisfying servings, perfect for a family meal or leftovers for the next day.
With its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients, this Meatball Soup is a wonderful addition to your collection of comfort food recipes.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices
Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the dried oregano, dried thyme, and paprika. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently, to let the spices release their flavors.
Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Broth
Add tomato paste to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor. Pour in the vegetable broth and use a spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. These bits add delicious flavor to the soup.
Step 4: Add Canned Tomatoes and Bring to a Simmer
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot and stir to combine. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Bake or Prepare the Meatballs
While the soup simmers, bake or prepare the meatballs according to your recipe or package instructions. If using homemade or pre-made meatballs, ensure they are fully cooked and browned.
Step 6: Add Meatballs to the Soup
Carefully transfer the cooked meatballs to the soup. Stir gently to mix them in evenly. Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, letting the meatballs absorb the flavors.
Step 7: Add Greens and Season
Add fresh spinach or kale to the soup just a couple of minutes before serving. Stir until the greens are wilted. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it warm. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Note on Meatballs
You can use homemade or store-bought meatballs for this recipe. If using frozen meatballs, be sure to thaw them beforehand or cook them according to the package instructions.
Note on Vegetables
Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on your preference. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even potatoes can be great additions.
Note on Greens
Spinach or kale works best because they wilt easily and add color and nutrients to the soup. Make sure to add them at the end to prevent overcooking.
Note on Broth
Using a high-quality vegetable or chicken broth will enhance the flavor of the soup. Low-sodium broth is recommended so you can control the saltiness.
Note on Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Add additional broth if the soup thickens too much.
Note on Freezing
This soup is freezer-friendly. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
Cook techniques
Form Uniform Meatballs
The key to ensuring even cooking is forming meatballs of a uniform size. Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to measure meat mixture before rolling it into balls by hand.
Sear Meatballs First
Searing the meatballs in a hot pan before adding them to the soup adds a layer of flavor and helps them hold their shape while cooking in the broth.
Simmer, Don’t Boil
Once the meatballs are added to the soup, maintain a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to meld together without breaking apart the meatballs.
Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot
A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution and prevents the soup from scorching at the bottom.
Cook Vegetable Ingredients Evenly
Cut the vegetables into similar sizes to achieve even cooking. Sauté them before adding the liquid to release their natural flavors.
FAQ
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. If using pre-cooked frozen meatballs, reduce the cooking time as they only need to be heated through.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and reheat before serving.
How can I freeze this soup?
Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What are some good substitutions?
If you don’t have ground beef, you can use ground pork, chicken, or turkey. You can also swap vegetables based on what you have on hand.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make the soup gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatball mixture and ensure that your broth is labeled gluten-free.
Why are my meatballs falling apart?
Meatballs may fall apart if there isn’t enough binder (breadcrumbs and egg) or if they are overhandled during preparation. Be gentle when forming them to avoid compacting too tightly.
Conclusion
This hearty meatball soup is a warm, comforting dish that packs flavor and nourishes the soul. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or for serving a crowd. Simple ingredients come together to create a delicious, well-balanced meal that pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. This recipe is as versatile as it is satisfying—making it a staple for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Classic Caesar Salad
Pair this meatball soup with a crisp Caesar salad to add freshness and balance to your meal. The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons provide the perfect contrast to the hearty and savory soup.
Garlic Bread
Serve the meatball soup with warm garlic bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. It’s an irresistible combination that brings extra comfort to your dinner table.
Roasted Vegetables
Round out your meal with a side of flavorful roasted vegetables. Carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil and herbs make a perfect complement to the hearty soup.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Add a side of creamy mashed potatoes for a more indulgent pairing. The creamy texture works wonderfully with the savory meatballs and rich broth.
Cheesy Polenta
For a twist, consider serving the soup over a bed of cheesy polenta. The creamy richness of the polenta pairs beautifully with the soup, creating a filling and satisfying dinner.
