If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, meatball soup is the perfect choice. This classic dish combines tender, savory meatballs with a rich broth, fresh vegetables, and pasta or rice, creating a bowl of pure comfort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or want a satisfying meal to enjoy on a chilly day, learning how to make meatball soup is a kitchen win. Let’s dive into a friendly, step-by-step guide to making this delicious soup from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a tasty meatball soup, you’ll need two main components: the meatballs and the soup base. Here’s a basic list of ingredients to get you started:
For the Meatballs:
– Ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix) – about 1.5 pounds
– 1 egg (to bind the meatballs)
– Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup, grated)
– Bread crumbs (1/3 cup)
– Fresh parsley (chopped, about 1/2 cup)
– Garlic (2 to 3 cloves, minced)
– Seasonings: oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper
– Olive oil (a drizzle for mixing)
For the Soup:
– Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
– Vegetables: onion, carrots, celery, bell pepper (all chopped)
– Garlic (1 to 2 cloves, minced)
– Broth (chicken or beef, about 5 to 6 cups)
– Canned tomatoes (28-ounce can of peeled tomatoes with juice)
– Additional seasonings: oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper
– Pasta (small shapes like ditalini or orzo, about 3/4 cup)
– Fresh parsley for garnish
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Meatball Soup
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, egg, Parmesan, bread crumbs, oregano, paprika, chopped parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently until well combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Shape and Brown the Meatballs
Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each. Place them on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Broil the meatballs in the oven for 5 to 8 minutes until they are browned on the outside but not fully cooked through (they will finish cooking in the soup).
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
4. Build the Soup Base
Add the broth, canned tomatoes with their juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
5. Cook the Meatballs and Pasta in the Soup
Carefully add the browned meatballs to the simmering soup along with the pasta. Continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
6. Finish and Serve
Remove the soup from heat and stir in fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve the soup hot, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese and, if you like a little heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Tips for the Best Meatball Soup
– Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and oregano brighten the soup and add freshness.
– Don’t skip browning the meatballs: Browning adds a delicious depth of flavor.
– Choose small pasta shapes: They cook quickly and are easy to eat with the meatballs.
– Customize your veggies: Feel free to add zucchini, spinach, or potatoes for variety.
– Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
Variations to Try
– Italian Style: Add a splash of lemon juice to the meatball mixture and use Italian seasoning for a zesty twist.
– Spicy Kick: Include crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
– Hearty Version: Add diced potatoes or cabbage to the soup for extra heartiness.
– Low-Carb Option: Skip the pasta and add extra vegetables or cauliflower rice.
Meatball soup is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a warm, nourishing meal ready in under an hour. Enjoy the process of making it your own and savor every comforting spoonful.
A bowl of homemade meatball soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day—simple, delicious, and made with love.