Meatball Soup Recipe

This hearty and flavorful Meatball Soup is perfect for a comforting meal that will satisfy your cravings. Packed with tender meatballs, vegetables, and a rich broth, this recipe combines all the best flavors of a homemade soup. With simple ingredients like lean ground meat, fresh herbs, and a touch of parmesan, this soup is easy to make and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Meatball Soup will warm you up and leave everyone asking for seconds.

The combination of freshly made meatballs and a deliciously seasoned broth creates the perfect balance of flavors. The tender, juicy meatballs soak up the savory broth, and the vegetables provide a fresh, hearty texture. With the addition of small pasta, this soup becomes even more satisfying. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be made with ground beef, chicken, or turkey to suit your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Meatball Soup is a complete meal in a bowl. The homemade meatballs are flavorful and tender, while the broth is rich and comforting. It’s a perfect combination of savory and fresh, with the addition of vegetables and small pasta making it filling without being heavy. The soup is easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients, and it’s a great option for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead. The fresh herbs and spices give the soup its bright, aromatic flavor, and the parmesan adds a delicious finishing touch.

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• Lean ground beef, chicken, or turkey
• Egg
• Freshly grated parmesan
• Unseasoned bread crumbs
• Dried oregano
• Sweet paprika
• Chopped parsley leaves
• Garlic cloves
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

For the Soup:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery stalks
• Green bell pepper
• Beef, chicken, or vegetable broth
• Canned peeled tomatoes with juices
• Small pasta (such as ditalini or small shells)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Variations

• Different Meats: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or beef to make the meatballs. For a leaner option, choose ground turkey or chicken, or stick with ground beef for a richer flavor.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add more vegetables, such as zucchini, peas, or spinach, to the soup for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spices: If you like a little heat, add extra red pepper flakes to the soup or increase the paprika for a smoky kick.
• Pasta Options: While small pasta like ditalini or shells works great, you can substitute with other types like elbow macaroni, or use gluten-free pasta if preferred.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, whisked egg, grated parmesan, bread crumbs, half of the dried oregano, half of the paprika, chopped parsley, and half of the minced garlic. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are browned on all sides. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set aside. Continue browning the remaining meatballs.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and green bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly browned. Add the remaining garlic, oregano, and paprika, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the beef, chicken, or vegetable broth and the canned peeled tomatoes with juices. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Add the Meatballs and Pasta

Carefully add the browned meatballs back to the soup along with the uncooked pasta. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and the meatballs are cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the soup is ready, season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: When forming the meatballs, be careful not to overmix the ingredients, as this can make them tough. Mix just until combined.
• Make Smaller Meatballs: Smaller meatballs cook more quickly and absorb more of the soup’s flavor. Keep them around 1 inch in diameter for the perfect bite-sized pieces.
• Use a Large Pot: This recipe makes a generous amount of soup, so make sure you’re using a large enough pot to accommodate all the ingredients.
• Add Herbs for Extra Flavor: Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary can be added to the soup for a fragrant boost of flavor.

How to Serve

This Meatball Soup can be served as a main course for lunch or dinner. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping, or you can serve it with a fresh green salad on the side. For extra richness, top the soup with additional grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that will satisfy everyone at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Meatball Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even better the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, place the soup in a pot over medium heat and warm, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, you may need to add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, frozen meatballs can be used, though homemade meatballs provide better flavor and texture.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any small pasta like elbow macaroni, farfalle, or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. How can I make the soup spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup for extra heat.

4. Can I substitute the bread crumbs?

You can use crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs as a substitute if you don’t have regular breadcrumbs on hand.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, the soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. It can also be frozen for later use.

6. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or a combination of meats based on your preference.

7. How long can I store leftover soup?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

8. How do I make this soup dairy-free?

You can omit the parmesan in the meatballs and replace the cheese garnish with a dairy-free alternative.

9. What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or crusty rolls.

10. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, you can add any vegetables you like, such as zucchini, peas, or spinach, to make the soup even more nutritious.

Conclusion

This Meatball Soup is a comforting, flavorful, and filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender meatballs, a rich broth, and plenty of vegetables, it’s sure to satisfy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet evening, this soup is a warm and hearty dish that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Add it to your recipe collection for a go-to meal that’s always a hit.

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