Description
This hearty and comforting Meatball Soup is the perfect meal for chilly evenings. Packed with tender meatballs, flavorful vegetables, and a savory broth, this soup will warm you up from the inside out. Ideal for any occasion, it’s easy to prepare and full of satisfying flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef, chicken, or turkey
- 1 egg, lightly whisked
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving
- 1/3 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)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- 5 to 6 cups (40–48 ounces) beef, chicken, or vegetable broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can peeled tomatoes with juices
- 3/4 cup small pasta like ditalini or small shells (uncooked)
- Red pepper flakes for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, whisked egg, parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, 1/2 tablespoon of oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 cup of parsley, and 2-3 minced garlic cloves. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well. Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining garlic, oregano, and paprika, then sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the broth and add the canned tomatoes with their juices. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Return the meatballs to the pot and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the soup has flavors melded together.
- Add the Pasta: Add the pasta to the soup and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the remaining parsley and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- You can use any type of ground meat for the meatballs, such as beef, turkey, or chicken.
- Feel free to swap the pasta for another small variety like orzo or elbow macaroni.
- For a lower-carb version, try skipping the pasta or substituting it with zucchini noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired