Introduction
Meatball soup is a family favorite, combining tender, flavorful meatballs with a delicious broth and a mix of vegetables. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to make and loaded with flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a nourishing lunch, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet (optional for baking meatballs)
- Ladle
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should have around 20-25 meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- You can either bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes or cook them directly in the soup. Baking first helps keep them together, but it’s optional.
- Start the Soup Base:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Simmer:
- Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and add the meatballs. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta and Add Greens:
- Add the pasta and continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the spinach or kale just before serving, allowing it to wilt.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips
- Add Heat: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Substitute Pasta: Use rice or barley if you prefer a different grain.
- Make it Ahead: This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
Conclusion
This meatball soup is a cozy, filling dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Each spoonful offers a mix of tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and comforting broth. Serve with crusty bread on the side, and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal that everyone will love!
Meatball Soup Recipe
Warm up with a comforting bowl of meatball soup! This hearty, flavorful soup features tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth, perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold day.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet (optional for baking meatballs)
- Ladle
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup small pasta like ditalini or orzo
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should have around 20-25 meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- You can either bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes or cook them directly in the soup. Baking first helps keep them together, but it’s optional.
- Start the Soup Base:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Simmer:
- Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and add the meatballs. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta and Add Greens:
- Add the pasta and continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the spinach or kale just before serving, allowing it to wilt.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
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