If you’re looking for a cozy, soul-satisfying dish to warm you up on any day, this Meatball Soup Recipe is an absolute winner. Picture tender, juicy meatballs nestled in a rich, flavorful broth with hearty vegetables and a burst of herbs that make every spoonful unforgettable. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, combining comfort and nourishment in a way that never gets old. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe brings together simple ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential. Each one plays a role, whether it’s building the perfect meatball or creating a broth that’s luscious and packed with flavor, color, and texture.
- 1 pound Ground beef or ground chicken: Choose a meat with good fat content for juicy meatballs.
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs and add tenderness.
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor that elevates the meatballs.
- 1 large Egg: Acts as a binder to hold all the meatball ingredients together.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant, slightly spicy kick to the meatballs.
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano: Brings earthy herbal notes to the mix.
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil: Enhances the depth of flavor and pairs beautifully with the oregano.
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the vegetables to soften and intensify their sweetness.
- 1 medium Onion, chopped: Offers natural sweetness and adds complexity to the soup base.
- 2 carrots, sliced: These add a gentle sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 stalks Celery, sliced: Introduces a subtle crunch and fresh flavor.
- 4 cups Chicken broth: Forms the comforting liquid foundation of the soup.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) Diced tomatoes: Contributes acidity and natural sweetness to balance the broth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend to enhance all the flavors together perfectly.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish—adds freshness and a pop of color.
- 1 cup Frozen peas or corn (optional): Adds a little extra texture and sweetness if you like.
How to Make Meatball Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining your ground meat with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything gently but thoroughly—overworking can make the meatballs dense, so keep it light and tender.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into small, 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. This size ensures they cook quickly and evenly once in the soup, creating bite-sized pockets of meaty deliciousness.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they’re wonderfully softened and releasing their natural sweetness, making your soup’s base irresistibly flavorful.
Step 4: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stirring in your Italian seasoning. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, letting the flavors meld beautifully before adding the meatballs.
Step 5: Cook the Meatballs in the Broth
Carefully add the meatballs to your simmering broth. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let everything cook for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and the flavors to meld into a comforting harmony.
Step 6: Add Optional Veggies
If you want a bit more texture and sweetness, stir in frozen peas or corn about 5 minutes before the soup’s done cooking. This step adds a nice pop of color and freshness that brightens the hearty soup.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Give your soup a taste and adjust seasoning if needed—salt and pepper are your best friends here. Then ladle into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley to finish with a burst of green, fresh flavor.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
This Meatball Soup Recipe is best served hot with a side of crusty bread or a crisp salad, perfect for soaking up every last bit of savory broth and making every meal feel like a celebration.
How to Serve Meatball Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a classic garnish that adds brightness and freshness. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for an added cheesy kick that melts into the warm soup beautifully.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread or garlic bread is a perfect companion to this soup, letting you mop up the delicious broth. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the hearty flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls for a cozy feel or clear glass mugs for a fun twist. Adding a small bun or roll on the side tied with a sprig of herbs makes it look inviting and special, perfect for sharing with friends or a comforting solo meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover meatball soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it keeps well for up to 3 days, making lunch or dinner the next day a breeze.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions using freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave a little space at the top for expansion, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly distribute the delicious flavors that have had time to meld while resting.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of beef or chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works nicely and adds a slightly lighter flavor. Just be sure it’s not too lean to keep your meatballs juicy.
Is it okay to make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape meatballs a day in advance, keeping them covered in the refrigerator until ready to add to the soup.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Definitely! Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian-friendly option that still delivers plenty of flavor.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
They should be firm to the touch and cooked through, about 20 to 25 minutes simmering in the broth, or an internal temperature of 165°F for poultry meatballs.
Can I add pasta or rice to this soup?
Yes! Small pasta shapes like orzo or acini di pepe work well if added in the last 8-10 minutes of cooking. Rice is also a nice addition—just make sure to pre-cook it or adjust cooking times accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Meatball Soup Recipe is truly a treasured classic that never fails to bring comfort and joy to the table. It’s warm, filling, and surprisingly easy to make with fresh ingredients you likely already have. I can’t recommend it enough for those days you want something nourishing and delicious in one pot. Give it a try; I’m sure it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites too.
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
A comforting and hearty Meatball Soup featuring savory homemade meatballs simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables and Italian seasonings, perfect for a cozy family meal.
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.)
Optional Garnishes
- 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, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep meatballs tender.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into small meatballs roughly 1 inch in diameter, then arrange them on a baking sheet to keep ready for cooking.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and develop sweetness.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stir in the Italian seasoning, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Meatballs in Soup: Carefully add the prepared meatballs into the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked through and tender.
- Add Optional Vegetables: If using, stir in frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat through.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve the meatball soup hot, ideally accompanied by crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For juicier meatballs, use ground beef with moderate fat content or combine beef and chicken.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Leftover soup tastes great the next day after flavors meld together.
