Meatball Soup Recipe

Introduction

Meatball soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines juicy, tender meatballs with a flavorful, hearty broth. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or as a special meal for friends and family, this recipe promises a warm and satisfying experience. The combination of lean meat, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs creates a delightful bowl that is both nourishing and delicious. The meatballs are made with simple ingredients like ground beef, chicken, or turkey, and they’re flavored with garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of oregano and paprika. The broth is rich and savory, with the perfect balance of vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell pepper. To make it even more satisfying, small pasta is added, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the soup. Whether you’re craving something filling or need a meal that can easily feed a crowd, this meatball soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comforting and Hearty

This meatball soup is the perfect comfort food to warm you up on a chilly day. With juicy meatballs and a flavorful broth, it’s a hearty meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

2. Easy to Make

Despite being incredibly flavorful, this recipe is simple to prepare. With just a few steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.

3. Customizable

You can easily adjust the recipe to your taste. Whether you want to use ground turkey, beef, or chicken for the meatballs or switch up the vegetables, it’s a versatile dish.

4. Nutrient-Packed

Packed with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers, this soup is loaded with vitamins and minerals. The addition of lean meat and pasta ensures you get a well-rounded meal.

5. Perfect for Leftovers

This meatball soup tastes even better the next day! It’s the perfect dish to make ahead of time and enjoy for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef, chicken, or turkey
• Egg, lightly whisked
• Freshly grated parmesan
• Unseasoned bread crumbs
• Dried oregano
• Sweet paprika
• Chopped parsley leaves
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Small onion, chopped
• Carrots, chopped
• Celery stalks, chopped
• Green bell pepper, chopped
• Beef, chicken, or vegetable broth
• Peeled tomatoes with juices
• Small pasta like ditalini or small shells (uncooked)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)

Variations

• Protein Swap: Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or use a spicier pepper for an added heat to the soup.
• Vegetable Variety: Try adding other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or potatoes to increase the nutrition and flavor profile of your soup.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to make it low-carb and keto-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, grated parmesan, bread crumbs, half of the oregano, half of the paprika, half of the parsley, and half of the minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until just combined, then form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides for about 4-5 minutes, then remove from the pot and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Add the broth and peeled tomatoes with their juices to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Return the meatballs to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the broth. Bring to a simmer, then cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Add the Pasta

Stir in the pasta and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes, depending on the pasta shape.

Step 7: Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more oregano if needed. Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and red pepper flakes for a bit of spice, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use lean meat to avoid greasy meatballs, but don’t overmix the meat, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
• If your soup looks too thick, add extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• To ensure your meatballs stay together, gently roll them into balls and handle them minimally.
• For extra flavor, toast the bread crumbs in a dry pan before mixing them into the meatballs.
• If you prefer your soup spicier, add more red pepper flakes or cayenne to the broth.

How to Serve

This meatball soup is best served hot, ideally with a side of crusty bread for dipping. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad to make it a full meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese adds richness to each bite. For an extra kick, top with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the soup has cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. If the soup is too thick, add a little broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version of the soup.

2. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the soup.

4. What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Small pasta like ditalini or small shells works best because it absorbs the broth and complements the meatballs perfectly.

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

Yes, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet and then transfer them to a slow cooker with the vegetables, broth, and tomatoes. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the meatballs are cooked through.

6. How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to mix the meatball ingredients gently and form them into tight, compact balls. Browning them before adding them to the broth also helps them hold their shape.

7. Can I make the soup spicier?

Definitely! Add extra red pepper flakes, or use a spicier variety of pepper to give the soup some heat.

8. Is it okay to use store-bought broth?

Yes, store-bought broth is perfectly fine. Just make sure to choose a high-quality broth with good flavor.

9. Can I freeze the soup with pasta in it?

It’s best to freeze the soup without pasta, as pasta can become mushy when reheated. Add fresh pasta when you reheat the soup instead.

10. How do I adjust the recipe to make a larger batch?

Simply double or triple the ingredients, ensuring your pot is large enough to accommodate the additional soup.

Conclusion

This meatball soup is a perfect blend of tender meatballs, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or freezing some for later, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. It’s simple, customizable, and delicious, making it an easy choice for any occasion. Enjoy a bowl of this comfort food today!

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