Every time I make this Meatball Soup, it brings back a flood of wonderful memories. I can still remember the chilly evenings when my family would gather around the kitchen table, laughter filling the air, as we enjoyed a big pot of this hearty soup together. The warmth and comfort of the meal always made it feel like a cozy hug on a cold day. I know that once you try this recipe, you’ll feel that same warmth and comfort wrap around you like a favorite blanket. There’s something so special about how the flavors meld together, making each bowl a little piece of home.
Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will surely become a favorite in your household, just like it is in mine!
How to Make Meatball Soup
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/4 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Onion, diced | 1 small |
| Carrot, diced | 1 |
| Celery stalks, diced | 2 |
| Green beans, trimmed and cut | 1 cup |
| Beef broth | 6 cups |
| Pasta (e.g., elbow macaroni) | 1 cup |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper to taste | To taste |
| Olive oil | For sautéing |
I love adding fresh herbs like rosemary to my soup for an extra depth of flavor—it makes the whole dish smell and taste amazing! If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, don’t worry! Dried herbs work just fine.
Cooking Steps
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Prepare Your Meatballs: First things first, grab a large bowl and combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, and minced garlic. I always like to season it with a bit of salt and pepper. Now, get your hands in there and mix it all together until well-blended. Form the mixture into small meatballs—about the size of a golf ball. It’s okay if they’re not perfect; they’ll still taste delicious!
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Sauté the Vegetables: Next, take a large pot and heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, toss in the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté those vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften. The aroma will begin to fill your kitchen, and trust me, you’re going to love it!
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Brown the Meatballs: Now it’s time to add the meatballs to the pot. Gently place them in without overcrowding—this will help them brown nicely. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally so they brown on all sides. This is where the magic happens!
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Add the Beef Broth: Once those lovely meatballs are beautifully browned, pour in the beef broth. Bring it all to a gentle boil. The sound of boiling soup is music to my ears—it means dinner is on its way!
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Stir in the Veggies and Pasta: Now, we’re going to add in the green beans and pasta. I love using elbow macaroni, but feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand. It will vary the texture a bit, and that’s just fine! Also sprinkle in Italian seasoning for that extra flavor boost.
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Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through. The flavors meld together beautifully during this time—be patient, it will be worth it!
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Taste and Adjust: After simmering, it’s time to taste your creation. If it needs a little more salt or pepper, feel free to adjust according to your preferences. I often find that just a dash more seasoning can elevate the whole dish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is cooked to perfection, it's time to serve up this heavenly Meatball Soup! Ladle it into bowls and enjoy it with your family. The looks on their faces when they take that first spoonful will be priceless!
Why I Love Making This Dish: Every family has those go-to recipes—this Meatball Soup is one of mine. The rich flavors, comforting textures, and the joy it brings to my loved ones make it special. Plus, it’s wonderful to see everyone gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter. It’s not just food; it’s a way to connect with one another.
What You’ll Need: You’ll need a large pot for cooking the soup and a mixing bowl for the meatballs. A wooden spoon will also come in handy for stirring. Don’t forget your measuring cups and spoons!
Tips for Perfect Results: To make your pasta extra flavorful, cook it in the soup for the last few minutes—this lets it absorb all that delicious broth! I also recommend using fresh herbs whenever you can; they really bring life to the dish.
Serving Suggestions and Sides: This Meatball Soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you're looking to add something extra, a simple side salad or some crusty bread is always a hit! My family loves to dip warm bread into the broth—just makes it even better!
Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have some leftovers (which I usually do), store any extra soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. When reheating, I recommend adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. It’s even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop!
FAQ Section:
Can I use different types of meat for the meatballs? You absolutely can! Ground turkey or chicken would work well if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a little different, but still delicious!
What if I don’t have any beef broth? No worries! You can always use chicken broth or even vegetable broth. Each will give the soup a unique twist, and you might just find a new favorite.
Can I freeze this soup? Yes, you can! Just allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It should maintain its great taste for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove.
This dish has become a favorite in my house, and I’m so excited for you to try it. Each bowl is filled with love, laughter, and warm memories. I know you’ll love it just as much as I do! Let me know how it turns out, and if your family asks for seconds—just like mine does every time—I won’t be surprised at all! Happy cooking!