Hearty Meatball Soup is the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day. This comforting soup combines flavorful homemade meatballs with a savory broth, tender vegetables, and just the right amount of seasoning. The meatballs are tender and juicy, made from a simple mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian spices, while the soup is filled with wholesome ingredients like carrots, celery, and spinach. Together, they create a bowl of comfort that’s packed with flavor and perfect for a family meal.

This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the seasonings and vegetables based on what you have on hand or what you love most. The soup is hearty enough to be a stand-alone meal, especially when topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this Hearty Meatball Soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful Homemade Meatballs

The meatballs are the star of this soup. Made with a blend of beef, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning, they add a rich flavor that infuses the broth and creates a satisfying bite.

2. Nutritious and Hearty

Packed with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach, this soup is full of nutrients, making it a great choice for a balanced meal. The addition of pasta adds an extra level of heartiness.

3. Easy to Make

This soup comes together in just under an hour and uses simple ingredients that are easy to find in your kitchen. It’s perfect for both beginner and seasoned cooks.

4. Customizable to Your Taste

You can swap in different vegetables, herbs, or pasta types based on your preferences. Whether you like your soup more or less spicy or with a variety of veggies, this recipe is flexible.

5. A Complete Meal

This soup is a full meal in a bowl, with protein-packed meatballs, fiber-rich vegetables, and satisfying pasta. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
Breadcrumbs
Grated Parmesan cheese
Large egg
Garlic cloves (minced)
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper

For the Soup:

Olive oil
Small onion (diced)
Carrots (peeled and sliced)
Celery stalks (sliced)
Garlic cloves (minced)
Chicken or beef broth
Canned diced tomatoes
Dried basil
Dried oregano
Small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
Fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Grated Parmesan and fresh parsley (for garnish)

Variations

Add More Vegetables

Feel free to add more vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans to make the soup even more hearty and colorful.

Make It Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this soup gluten-free. You can also substitute quinoa or rice for the pasta.

Spicy Meatballs

For an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the meatball mixture. You can also spice up the broth with a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili powder.

Make It Dairy-Free

Skip the Parmesan in both the meatballs and soup to make the recipe dairy-free. You can use nutritional yeast as a substitute for the cheese for added flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking them until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Add Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken or beef broth, along with the can of diced tomatoes, basil, and oregano. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a simmer.

Step 5: Cook the Meatballs in the Soup

Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Add Pasta and Spinach

Add the pasta to the soup and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a side salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: When mixing the ingredients for the meatballs, be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
Use Lean Meat: For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef and pork mixture.
Make Soup Ahead of Time: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Add More Broth: If the soup becomes too thick, simply add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

How to Serve

This Hearty Meatball Soup can be served on its own as a filling meal or with a side of freshly baked bread to soak up the flavorful broth. You could also pair it with a light side salad for a well-rounded dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the soup cool completely before storing it.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, heat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. You can add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables in this soup?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used if you don’t have fresh ones on hand. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the soup.

2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meatballs and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any small pasta, like elbow macaroni, or even orzo, farfalle, or shell pasta.

4. How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

The meatballs should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also cut one in half to ensure it’s no longer pink in the center.

5. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before adding them to the soup.

6. Can I add other herbs to the soup?

Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves, to add even more depth of flavor.

7. How can I make this soup spicier?

To spice things up, add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup along with the garlic and vegetables.

8. What can I use if I don’t have breadcrumbs?

You can use crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even oats in place of regular breadcrumbs.

9. Can I skip the pasta?

If you prefer, you can make the soup without pasta or replace it with another grain, such as rice or quinoa, for a different texture.

10. How long does this soup last in the fridge?

The soup will last up to 3 days in the fridge, but it’s best eaten within the first 2 days for the freshest flavor.

Conclusion

Hearty Meatball Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender meatballs, flavorful broth, and nutritious vegetables. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a weeknight or sharing it with friends at a gathering, this recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite. With its warm, savory flavors and customizable ingredients, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table!