Name: Delicious Meatball Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487093H59M1S
Total time: PT-487093H59M1S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1–2 eggs; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; 3 garlic cloves, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; Olive oil (for browning); 6 cups vegetable broth; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Short Description

This Delicious Meatball Soup features flavorful homemade beef meatballs simmered in a comforting vegetable broth with carrots and celery—an easy, satisfying one-pot meal perfect for any time you need a cozy dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade meatballs bring satisfying texture and targeted flavor.
Simple ingredients combine into a wholesome and hearty soup.
One-pot convenience makes prep and cleanup a breeze.
Family-friendly dish that’s warm, nourishing, and customizable.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb lean ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1–2 eggs
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
3 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil (for browning)
6 cups vegetable broth
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped

Directions

Make the meatballs:
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Roll into 1-inch meatballs and set aside on a plate or baking sheet.
Brown the meatballs:
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Working in batches if needed, add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides (about 4–5 minutes). Remove browned meatballs and set aside.
Sauté vegetables:
In the same pot, add sliced carrots and chopped celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the meatballs.
Build the soup:
Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Return meatballs to the pot.
Simmer:
Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and meatballs to cook through.
Finish and serve:
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Optional garnish with extra parsley.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4–6 bowls
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes (including browning and simmering)
Total time: ~40 minutes

Variations

Broth swap: Use chicken or beef broth for richer flavors.
Add pasta: Stir in cooked small pasta (like orzo, ditalini, or shell) near the end of simmering.
Veggie boost: Add diced zucchini, spinach, peas, or potatoes when sautéing the carrots and celery.
Cheese twist: Top bowls with grated Parmesan or mozzarella just before serving.
Spicy option: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Gently reheat over low-medium heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between heats until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes—ground turkey makes the soup lighter and adds a mild flavor.

2. Do I need to pre-cook the meatballs in the pan?

Browning the meatballs adds flavor and texture, though you can gently poach raw meatballs directly in broth if you prefer.

3. Can I make them larger or smaller?

Yes—just adjust baking time.

Smaller meatballs (~¾”) cook faster.
Larger ones may need extra simmering to cook through.

4. Is this soup gluten-free?

Not as written—substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure broth is gluten-free.

5. Can I freeze the soup with meatballs?

Yes—freeze after fully cooking. Reheat gently on the stove.

6. How can I make it creamier?

Stir in a splash of cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of simmering.

7. Can I add grains instead of pasta?

Yes—try cooked rice, quinoa, or barley for a heartier texture.

8. My meatballs fell apart—why?

Over-mixing the meatball mixture can cause them to crumble. Mix gently and don’t over-handle.

9. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Sure! Brown the meatballs and sauté vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with broth. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.

10. What toppings go well with it?

Try grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, croutons, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Conclusion

This Delicious Meatball Soup is a comforting, filling, and flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for any season. With juicy, home-made meatballs and a simple vegetable broth, it’s nourishing and flexible—ideal for weeknight dinners, make-ahead meals, or satisfying leftovers. Customize it to your taste and enjoy warm, delicious bowls any day of the week.

Maggie

Delicious Meatball Soup