Meatball Soup

The first time I made Meatball Soup, it was a chilly winter evening and I needed something that would warm my soul and fill my belly. As I stood by the stove, I could already envision my family gathered around the table, eager for that first steaming bowl of comfort. There’s something magical about the way the rich aroma of simmering broth fills the house, coaxing everyone to come together. It’s versatile too; you can tweak it to your heart’s desire, but the heart of the dish—the meatballs, the broth, and the pasta—remains the comforting constant that keeps us returning for more. This soup is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl.

What to Buy for Meatball Soup

When it comes to making Meatball Soup, high-quality ingredients make all the difference. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and ensuring that every bite is satisfying and delicious. From the savory broth to the flavorful meatballs, these ingredients work in harmony to create a comforting dish.

• 2 tbsp olive oil – A staple for sautéing and adding richness.
• 1 tbsp minced garlic – Adds wonderful aroma and flavor.
• 1 tbsp dried minced onion flakes – A convenient way to infuse onion flavor without chopping.
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances the soup’s flavor profile.
• 1 (2-lb) bag frozen meatballs – The star of the show! Easy and delicious.
• 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste – Thickens and enriches the broth.
• 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce – Adds depth and a touch of sweetness.
• 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes – Brings freshness and texture.
• 4 cups unsalted beef broth – A flavorful base that makes the soup hearty.
• 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce – Perfect for enhancing the soup’s flavor.
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese – For a creamy finish on top.
• 8 oz ditalini pasta or elbow macaroni – Adds substance to the soup.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste.

Making Meatball Soup

Creating Meatball Soup is a straightforward process that rewards you with a delicious result. Follow these steps to ensure each flavor shines through as you bring the ingredients together.

1. Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This will be the base for our soup. As the oil warms, it’s the perfect time to chop your garlic.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook until fragrant, which should only take about a minute. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn, as burnt garlic can ruin the flavor.
3. Next, toss in the dried minced onion flakes and Italian seasoning. Stir them into the oil, allowing their flavors to bloom in the heat.
4. Now it’s time to enrich the soup. Add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes into the pot. Stir everything together until well combined, letting the tomatoes cook a little.
5. Pour in the unsalted beef broth and the spaghetti sauce. Bring this mixture to a boil, watching as it bubbles up and starts to froth.
6. Once boiling, drop in the frozen meatballs and ditalini pasta. Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly. The meatballs will add amazing flavor as they cook.
7. Reduce the heat to medium and let the soup simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes. This is the magic moment where all the flavors meld together beautifully. You’ll know it’s done when the soup is hot and the pasta is tender.
8. Before serving, stir in the grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. The cheese adds a lovely creaminess to the soup.
9. If you want, garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness before ladling into bowls.

Tips and Tricks about Meatball Soup

When making Meatball Soup, a few helpful tips can elevate your cooking experience and enhance the final product. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Use Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better your soup will taste.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta to ensure it doesn’t become mushy. Test it towards the end of cooking.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• Garnishes Matter: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley not only add color but also brighten up the flavors.
• Reheating: When reheating, you may need to add more broth as the pasta absorbs liquid while stored.
• Experiment with Meatballs: Feel free to try different types of frozen meatballs, such as turkey or chicken, for a healthier variation.

Pairing Suggestions for Meatball Soup

When it comes to serving Meatball Soup, there are plenty of delightful pairings that can enhance your dining experience:

• Crispy Garlic Bread: A perfect accompaniment for dipping and soaking up every bit of the flavorful broth.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
• Cheesy Breadsticks: Warm, soft, and cheesy breadsticks are a fantastic addition to your meal.
• Family Gatherings: This soup is great for family dinners or gatherings, as it’s easy to make in large quantities.
• Comfort Food Nights: Perfect for cozy nights in, when you want something hearty and warming.
• Lunch or Dinner: Serve it for a hearty lunch or a filling dinner; it works wonderfully at any time.

FAQ

Conclusion

Meatball Soup is a delightful dish that combines comfort and convenience in every bowl. With savory meatballs, tender pasta, and a rich broth, it’s bound to become a family favorite. I encourage you to try this recipe; it’s not only easy to make, but it also brings everyone together around the table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or just for yourself, this soup will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

Meatball Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Meatball Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines savory meatballs with tender pasta in a rich broth. Perfect for cold winter nights, this easy recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Make it tonight and warm your soul!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Soups

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
• 1 tbsp Dried Minced Onion Flakes
• 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 (2-lb) Bag Frozen Meatballs
• 1 (6-oz) Can Tomato Paste
• 1 (8-oz) Can Tomato Sauce
• 1 (15-oz) Can Diced Tomatoes
• 4 cups Unsalted Beef Broth
• 1 (24-oz) Jar Spaghetti Sauce
• ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 8 oz Ditalini Pasta or Elbow Macaroni
• Salt
• Pepper

Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Rotary Cheese Grater

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic to the pot and cook until fragrant.
2. Add dried minced onion flakes, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, spaghetti sauce, frozen meatballs, and uncooked ditalini pasta and stir.
3. Bring the pot to a boil. Reduce to medium heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the soup is hot and the pasta is tender.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or fresh parsley.

Notes

• Use a High-Quality Marinara: I like to use a jar of Trader Joe’s Roasted Garlic Marinara or a jar of Rao’s Marinara Sauce. Both are delicious and work great in this soup.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Reheating: You may need to add more beef broth or water to the soup when reheating, as the pasta will absorb some of the liquid in the soup.

Previous PostBrazilian Shrimp Soup

Next Post Ultimate Mushroom Soup

Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.