Meatball Soup

Meatball Soup

Introduction

Meatball soup is a warm and hearty dish that brings comfort to your table. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave something filling, this soup combines savory meatballs with fresh vegetables and pasta in a delicious broth. It’s not only easy to make but also a great way to feed your family or friends.

Why Make This Recipe

This meatball soup recipe is wonderful for a few reasons. First, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The ingredients are simple and likely found in your kitchen. Second, it’s customizable! You can adjust the vegetables or switch the pasta to your liking. Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone enjoys, making it an ideal meal for gatherings.

How to Make Meatball Soup

Making meatball soup is a straightforward process that combines the joy of cooking with the satisfaction of a delicious meal. Here’s how to bring this tasty dish to life.

Ingredients:

• 1 1⁄2 lbs ground beef
• 1⁄4 cup finely minced yellow onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄3 cup Italian or plain breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups green beans, trimmed and cut into one-inch segments
• 1 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 6 cups low sodium beef broth
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire roasted tomatoes
• 3/4 cup Mini Farfalle pasta, ditalini, acini de pepe, or orzo
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. In a bowl, mix together ground beef, minced onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into meatballs.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Add green beans, parsley, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and fire roasted tomatoes. Bring mixture to a boil.
5. Carefully add the meatballs into the boiling broth. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20-30 minutes.
6. In the last few minutes, add the pasta and cook until it is al dente.
7. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

How to Serve Meatball Soup

Serve meatball soup hot and fresh, ideally with warm bread or crusty rolls on the side. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch and brightens the dish.

How to Store Meatball Soup

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The soup will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Meatball Soup

• For added flavor, let the soup simmer longer if you have time; the flavors will deepen.
• You can switch up the vegetables according to what you have on hand – zucchini, bell peppers, or corn would work well.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, add more pasta or reduce the amount of broth.

Variation

You can change the type of meat in the meatballs to turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Additionally, using different seasonings can create a new flavor profile. Spice it up with some crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen meatballs for this soup?
Yes! You can use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch. Just add them directly to the soup while it simmers.

2. Is this soup healthy?
Absolutely! It is packed with vegetables and lean protein, making it nutritious and filling.

3. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time. Just add the pasta close to serving time for the best texture.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting meatball soup!