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Introduction

Meatball soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender, flavorful meatballs with a hearty, savory broth and vegetables. This dish is perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something warming and satisfying. The combination of seasoned meatballs, aromatic vegetables, and a rich broth makes this soup a crowd-pleaser that will fill you up and leave you craving more.

This recipe offers the flexibility to use either beef, chicken, or turkey for the meatballs, so you can tailor it to your taste preferences. With fresh garlic, parsley, and parmesan, the meatballs are packed with flavor, making every spoonful delightful. The vegetables—carrots, celery, onion, and bell pepper—add color, texture, and nutrition to the soup, while the pasta brings in a comforting, filling touch. The addition of canned tomatoes enhances the broth with a rich, tangy depth of flavor, making this dish irresistible.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or for feeding a crowd, this meatball soup is both easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, it’s sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish that will surely become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile Protein Options: You can choose from ground beef, chicken, or turkey for the meatballs, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your preferred protein or dietary needs.
Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a rich broth makes this soup filling enough to be a full meal on its own.
Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques, making it ideal for home cooks of all levels.
Packed with Flavor: From the seasoned meatballs to the hearty broth and tender vegetables, this soup is full of delicious, comforting flavors in every bite.
Perfect for Leftovers: This soup keeps well for several days and is even better the next day, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy schedules.

Ingredients

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

Variations

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can skip the meatballs entirely and substitute with plant-based meatballs or add more vegetables like zucchini, squash, or potatoes.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the pasta you select is also gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño to the soup for extra spice.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the soup, such as spinach, kale, or potatoes, for added nutrition and flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, egg, parmesan, bread crumbs, oregano, paprika, half of the parsley, and half of the garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and 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, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-6 minutes. Add the remaining garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the broth and add the canned tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine, breaking up the tomatoes as you go. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Add the Meatballs and Pasta

Return the browned meatballs to the pot and add the uncooked pasta. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.

Step 6: Season and Garnish

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir in the remaining parsley just before serving. Serve with extra parmesan on top for added flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a mix of meats: For extra flavor, try using a blend of beef and pork for the meatballs, or even turkey for a leaner option.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: When browning the meatballs, make sure you don’t overcrowd the pot to ensure they brown evenly.
Fresh herbs: Fresh parsley is key to brightening up the flavor of the soup, so don’t skip it.
Adjust soup thickness: If the soup is too thick after adding the pasta, simply add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

How to Serve

This meatball soup can be served on its own for a hearty, filling meal. For a complete meal, pair it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. It also works wonderfully with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a dash of red pepper flakes for a little added heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and heat on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a bit more broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey works perfectly for the meatballs, making the soup a bit leaner.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any small pasta such as orzo, elbow macaroni, or even rice if you prefer.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

4. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! You can add additional vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini to boost the nutritional value.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.

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

Make sure to bind the meatballs with breadcrumbs and egg. Also, don’t overwork the mixture, as this can lead to crumbly meatballs.

7. Can I make the meatballs in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking.

8. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can brown the meatballs first, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the meatballs are fully cooked.

9. How spicy is this soup?

The soup is not inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for more heat.

10. Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth, chicken broth, or even bone broth depending on your preference.

Conclusion

This meatball soup is a wholesome, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that will surely become a family favorite. With its tender meatballs, rich broth, and comforting vegetables, it’s the perfect recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy dinner, this soup is versatile and flavorful. Plus, it’s even better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy days. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a bowl of heartwarming goodness!