Meatball Soup Recipe
This Meatball Soup Recipe is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich broth with vibrant vegetables. Perfect for any day, it combines simple, everyday ingredients to create a nutritious, flexible, and family-friendly meal that warms the soul and satisfies every bite.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground meat (beef or beef and pork blend)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free version)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or substitute kale/spinach)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth (use gluten-free broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1 cup diced tomatoes
Optional Garnishes and Additions
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooked quinoa, rice, or small pasta
- Crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for spice
- Olive oil swirl or chili flakes (for serving)
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender. Form the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat a bit of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, and carrots, sautéing until softened and slightly sweetened, about 5-7 minutes. This will build a flavorful base for the soup.
- Brown the meatballs: Add the prepared meatballs to the pot and brown them gently on all sides without cooking through fully, just enough to develop a golden crust that adds flavor and texture.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour the broth and tomato paste or diced tomatoes into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors meld.
- Final touches: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in any fresh herbs or leafy greens during the last few minutes of cooking to add freshness and vibrant color.
Notes
- Mix meat just until combined to avoid dense meatballs and keep them tender.
- Make meatballs uniform in size for even cooking and attractive presentation.
- Use homemade broth if possible for added depth of flavor; good quality store-bought broth works well too.
- Simmer soup gently at low heat to prevent meatballs from breaking apart and to deepen flavors.
- Let soup rest off heat for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to harmonize.
- For gluten-free versions, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and broth.
- Meatballs can be prepared ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours or frozen before cooking.
- Substitute tomato paste with canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce if unavailable, adjusting amounts accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: meatball soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, family meal, gluten free soup, hearty soup, meatballs, vegetable soup