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Meatball Soup – Tender and Flavorful

Meatball Soup – Tender and Flavorful

Tender homemade meatballs simmered with vegetables, tomatoes, herbs, and savory broth for a cozy, flavorful soup that's perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef – Use lean or regular ground beef for tender flavorful meatballs.
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs while keeping them soft.
  • 1 large egg – Helps hold the meatball mixture together.
  • 2 cloves garlic minced – Adds savory aromatic flavor.
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds salty nutty richness.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Provides a blend of classic herbs.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped – Adds freshness and color.
  • ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the meat and seasonings.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds gentle peppery warmth.

For the Soup

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for browning the meatballs and sautéing the vegetables.
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced – Creates a flavorful base for the soup.
  • 2 medium medium carrot diced – Adds natural sweetness and color.
  • 2 stalks celery diced – Gives the broth classic savory flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic minced – Adds another layer of aromatic flavor.
  • 1 can can diced tomatoes – Adds acidity color, and body to the broth.
  • 6 cups beef broth – Forms the rich and savory soup base.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Brings the broth and meatball flavors together.
  • 1 bay leaf – Adds subtle depth while the soup simmers.
  • 2 cups fresh spinach – Adds fresh color and tender leafy texture.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped – Brightens the finished soup.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Optional; adds brightness to the finished broth.

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and black pepper to a large bowl. Mix gently until the ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  • Shape the Meatballs: Using slightly damp hands, shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs. Place them on a plate or tray while preparing the soup.
  • Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until lightly browned on the outside, turning gently as needed. They do not need to be fully cooked yet.
  • Sauté the Vegetables: Remove the meatballs from the pot and add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, then add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  • Build the Broth: Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  • Return the Meatballs: Carefully return the browned meatballs to the simmering broth. Reduce the heat and cook gently until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  • Add the Greens: Stir the fresh spinach into the soup and cook for a few minutes, just until the spinach wilts. Check that the meatballs have reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf and stir in the fresh parsley. Add lemon juice if desired and taste the soup, adjusting salt and black pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve warm.

Notes

 
  • For tender meatballs: Mix the meatball ingredients only until combined. Overmixing can make them dense.
  • For deeper flavor: Brown the meatballs before adding them to the broth. The browned bits left in the pot add extra flavor.
  • For a thicker soup: Simmer uncovered for several additional minutes to allow some of the broth to reduce.
  • For a heartier meal: Add small pasta, such as ditalini or small shells, during the final part of cooking.
  • For leftovers: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze it in freezer-safe containers. Reheat gently until thoroughly hot.
 

Nutrition Facts

 
  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Total Sugars: 8 g
  • Calcium: 150 mg
  • Iron: 4 mg
  • Potassium: 850 mg
 
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients, brands, and portion sizes used.