Easy Meatball Soup Recipe: A Hearty Homestyle Bowl (Print Version)

Easy and Delicious Meatball Soup Recipe - Warm your soul with this simple, homestyle favorite. My personal recipe brings back memories and makes weeknights special.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Homestyle
Dietary: None

# Ingredients:

→ Meatball Mix

01 - 1 lb (450g) ground beef/pork blend (80/20 preferred)
02 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Soup Base & Veggies

08 - 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
09 - 1 medium onion, chopped
10 - 2 medium carrots, diced
11 - 2 stalks celery, diced
12 - 1 (28 oz / 794g) can crushed tomatoes
13 - 6 cups chicken or beef broth (low sodium)

→ Flavor Boosters & Finishing Touches

14 - 1 tsp dried oregano
15 - 1/2 tsp dried basil
16 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
17 - 1/2 cup small pasta (orzo or ditalini)
18 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
19 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - In a big bowl, gently combine your ground meat, panko, egg, minced garlic, a good handful of grated Parmesan, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Honestly, I just use my hands here; it's the best way to make sure everything is evenly mixed without overworking the meat. Overworking makes tough meatballs, and we want tender little clouds! Form them into small, bite-sized balls, maybe an inch or so. This is where my kitchen gets a little messy, but it's part of the fun!
02 - Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Carefully add your meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they're nicely browned all over. You're not cooking them through here, just building that gorgeous crust and locking in flavor. I used to skip this step, thinking it was extra work, but that golden, caramelized exterior? Totally worth it for this delicious meatball soup!
03 - Remove the seared meatballs and set them aside. Reduce the heat to medium, add another drizzle of olive oil if needed, then toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften and the onion becomes translucent. Oh, the smell here! It's the start of something truly wonderful, filling your kitchen with that comforting aroma. This is the foundation for your hearty meatball soup.
04 - Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or beef broth. Stir in the dried oregano and basil, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it's bubbling softly, carefully return the browned meatballs to the pot. Cover and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld together. This is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful meatball soup base.
05 - After the meatballs have cooked through, stir in your small pasta. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Keep an eye on it, pasta can get mushy if you walk away too long! I usually give it a stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking. This step makes the soup extra hearty and satisfying.
06 - Taste your Easy and Delicious Meatball Soup Recipe and adjust the seasonings as needed. This is your moment to add a little more salt, a crack of fresh pepper, or even a pinch more herbs. Ladle it hot into bowls, garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Seriously, don't skimp on the cheese. It just brings everything together!

# Notes:

01 - Always sear your meatballs! It adds so much depth of flavor that you just can't get otherwise. I learned that the hard way.
02 - If freezing, undercook pasta or add fresh when reheating; fully cooked pasta gets mushy.
03 - Ground beef and sausage mix is fantastic for added flavor; I tried that once and loved it.
04 - A crusty piece of sourdough or warm garlic bread for dipping is practically mandatory in my house.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven
02 - mixing bowl

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 25g

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