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Meatball Soup

Meatball Soup is a cozy, comforting dish that combines tender, flavorful meatballs with a rich broth and fresh vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings, this one-pot meal features simple ingredients, easy preparation, and versatile options to suit any taste. It’s a heartwarming bowl of comfort food that’s family-friendly and easy to customize with your favorite herbs, veggies, or grains.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup Base

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 4 cups chicken or beef broth

For Garnish and Flavor

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Freshly grated parmesan (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently just until combined to keep the meatballs tender. Shape into small, even-sized balls to ensure even cooking.
  2. Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Carefully brown the meatballs on all sides, about 3 minutes each, then remove and set aside. This locks in flavor and helps the meatballs maintain their shape.
  3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, building a flavorful base.
  4. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pot to deepen the flavor. Return the meatballs to the pot, cover, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  5. Add Fresh Herbs and Season: Stir in freshly chopped parsley or basil, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving to meld the flavors.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender.
  • Keep meatballs small for quick cooking and juicy texture.
  • Brown meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure a good sear.
  • Use high-quality broth or homemade stock for richer flavor.
  • Let the soup rest off the heat before serving to enhance flavor depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, one-pot meal, family-friendly soup, hearty soup, fall recipe