If you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Meatball Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Picture tender, juicy meatballs swimming in a flavorful, savory broth filled with wholesome vegetables and aromatic herbs. It’s the perfect dish for any day you want something satisfying but not too heavy. This soup brings together simple ingredients that combine to create a meal that’s both comforting and exciting, making it a true standout in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for building the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your Meatball Soup Recipe. Each one plays an important role, whether it’s adding depth, freshness, or heartiness to the dish.
- 1 pound Ground beef or ground chicken: Choose a meat with a good fat content for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor that elevates the meatballs.
- 1 large Egg: Helps bind the meatball mixture so they hold together while cooking.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant kick that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano: Adds an earthy, herbal note that complements the meat.
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil: Enhances the depth of flavor, making the soup more aromatic.
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the veggies to build your soup’s base.
- 1 medium Onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and depth when softened.
- 2 carrots, sliced: Adds a natural sweetness and slight crunch.
- 2 stalks Celery, sliced: Offers a fresh, crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the meatballs.
- 4 cups Chicken broth: The flavorful base that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a touch of sweetness that brightens the soup.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor harmony.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish to add a burst of freshness.
- 1 cup Frozen peas or corn (optional): Adds texture and a subtle sweetness in the final stage.
How to Make Meatball Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Start by combining the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything gently until just combined; overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so be tender with your hands.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into small, 1-inch diameter meatballs and place them on a baking sheet or plate—this keeps them ready for cooking without sticking together.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness, creating a flavorful foundation for the broth.
Step 4: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning to infuse the broth with an herby complexity. Bring everything to a gentle boil—this is where the soup starts coming together.
Step 5: Cook the Meatballs in the Soup
Carefully add the prepared meatballs to the boiling broth. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes. The meatballs will cook through and soak up the delicious flavors from the broth.
Step 6: Add Optional Vegetables
If you want to add a bit more texture and sweetness, stir in frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes. This quick addition preserves their bright color and fresh flavor.
Step 7: Season and Garnish
Give the soup a taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Meatball Soup Recipe hot and steaming, ideally with crusty bread or a light side salad to round out the meal beautifully.
How to Serve Meatball Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish that brings a pop of color and freshness to your soup. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good olive oil can add more richness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up every last drop of this hearty soup. A simple mixed green salad with a zingy vinaigrette complements the richness of the meatballs and rounds out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your meatball soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun, interactive meal experience. You can also garnish each bowl with basil leaves or a dollop of creamy ricotta to elevate the presentation and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Meatball Soup Recipe in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeknights.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat to avoid toughening the meatballs. Stir occasionally until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well but tends to be leaner, so you may want to add a bit of olive oil or an extra egg to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate them. It actually helps the flavors meld better. Just add them to the soup when you’re ready to cook.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can make a vegetarian version by using plant-based meat substitutes for the meatballs, and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables and legumes for protein and texture.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart in the soup?
Using breadcrumbs and egg helps bind the meatballs, and gently mixing the ingredients without overworking the meat keeps them tender but intact. Simmering with a lid on also helps maintain shape.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats can be a good substitute. Just make sure to finely crush them so they mix evenly into the meatball mixture.
Final Thoughts
This Meatball Soup Recipe is truly a comforting classic that’s easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it delivers rich flavors and cozy vibes all in one bowl. Give it a try—you’ll quickly understand why it’s such a beloved recipe to have on hand.
Print
Meatball Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Meatball Soup combines juicy, flavorful meatballs with a rich broth full of vegetables and Italian seasonings. Perfect for a cozy meal, the soup features a savory blend of ground meat, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs, simmered along with onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and chicken broth. Finished with fresh parsley and optional peas or corn, this warm and comforting soup serves 6 and is ideal for an easy weeknight dinner or lunch.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef or ground chicken (Choose a meat with a good fat content for juicy meatballs)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Adds a savory, nutty flavor)
- 1 large egg (Helps bind the meatball mixture)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (Provides a fragrant kick)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Adds an earthy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (Enhances the depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (For sautéing vegetables)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (Provides sweetness and depth)
- 2 carrots, sliced (Adds natural sweetness)
- 2 stalks celery, sliced (Offers a crunchy texture)
- 4 cups chicken broth (The base of the soup)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (Contributes acidity and sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (Enhances overall flavor)
- 1 cup frozen peas or corn (Optional for added texture)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (Adds freshness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but do not overwork the meat to ensure tender meatballs.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet to prep for cooking in the soup.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic, developing a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Stir in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes along with their juices. Add the Italian seasoning, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add Meatballs and Simmer: Carefully drop the meatballs into the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer and cover the pot. Let the soup cook for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
- Add Optional Vegetables: If using frozen peas or corn, stir them into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat them through without overcooking.
- Adjust Seasoning and Garnish: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or seasoning as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use ground beef with around 15-20% fat or ground chicken with some fat content for juicy meatballs.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
- You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Meatballs can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen before adding to the soup.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit breadcrumbs and use ground oats.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 2 months.
