Ground Beef Meatballs in Soup -

Ground Beef Meatballs in Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. The combination of tender meatballs, savory broth, and fresh vegetables creates a delicious, satisfying soup that is easy to make and loved by everyone. Whether looking for a quick dinner or a dish to feed the whole family, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

The Inspiration Behind The Ground Beef Meatballs in Soup Recipe

This recipe for Ground Beef Meatballs in Soup is inspired by classic Italian meatball soup but with a simple twist. The idea of combining juicy meatballs with a warm, flavorful broth makes this dish feel both hearty and light at the same time. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of meatballs without all the heaviness of a traditional pasta meal. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and seasonings, making it a versatile and go-to recipe for any season.

Ingredients

To make Ground Beef Meatballs in Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup:

6 cups beef broth or water
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 small onion, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined. Use your hands to form small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set aside.
Prepare the Soup Base: Heat a little oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour the beef broth or water, followed by the canned tomatoes. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil.
Cook the Meatballs: Carefully drop the meatballs into the boiling soup. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook the meatballs for about 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the soup is flavorful.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls once the meatballs are cooked. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations

Add More Veggies: For extra flavor and nutrients, add more vegetables to the soup, like zucchini, spinach, or peas.
Use Different Meat: If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for ground beef.
Spicy Meatballs: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the soup.

Cooking Notes

Meatball Size: You can adjust the size if you want smaller or larger meatballs. Just keep in mind that smaller meatballs will cook faster.
Broth Substitute: If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth is a great substitute and adds a slightly different flavor.
Simmering Time: The longer the soup simmers, the more flavorful it becomes. You can cook it for 15-20 minutes if you have time.

Serving Suggestions

Bread: Serve the soup with a slice of crusty or garlic bread to dip into the savory broth.
Salad: Pair the soup with a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Rice or Pasta: You can also serve this soup over a bed of rice or pasta to make it even more filling.

Tips

Use Lean Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef or lean turkey for a healthier option.
Make Ahead: You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as they sit.
Frozen Meatballs: You can also use frozen meatballs for a quicker version of this recipe.

Prep Time

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Total Time

Total time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 800mg

How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Meatballs in Soup

This soup is perfect for making ahead and storing for later. If you have leftovers, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. The meatballs will continue absorbing the broth’s flavours, making the soup even tastier the next day. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. The soup’s flavours deepen over time, making it an excellent option for meal prepping.

Tips for Perfecting Your Ground Beef Meatballs in Soup

Don’t Overwork the Meat: When mixing the ground beef and other ingredients, be careful not to overmix. This can make the meatballs tough. Gently mix until everything is just combined.
Use Lean Beef: While fattier beef provides more flavour, lean ground beef can still work well in this recipe, especially if you want to reduce the overall fat content.
Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add different vegetables, such as zucchini, corn, or even green beans, to suit your taste. These additions can add flavour and texture to the soup.
Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or basil, to customize the flavour of your soup. Adding a bay leaf during simmering will give the broth an extra depth of flavour.

Why Ground Beef Meatballs in Soup Are a Family Favorite

Ground Beef Meatballs in Soup have become a family favourite because of their delicious flavour, ease of preparation, and versatility. This dish is an all-in-one meal that satisfies hunger and warms the soul. The tender, juicy meatballs paired with flavorful broth and nutritious vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and Yukon Gold potatoes make it a balanced meal everyone can enjoy. It’s a recipe that can be adjusted based on what you have in your pantry or fridge, making it an excellent go-to for busy weeknights or meal prep. The best part? It’s loved by adults and kids, making it a surefire hit for the whole family.

How to Customize Your Ground Beef Meatball Soup with Different Vegetables

One of the best things about Ground Beef Meatballs in Soup is its versatility. You can easily customize the soup by adding various vegetables to suit your taste or using what you have on hand. Traditional vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery form the base of the soup, but don’t be afraid to get creative with additional veggies. Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice for added heartiness, as they absorb the flavours of the broth and make the soup feel more filling.

If you’re looking for extra nutrition and colour, try adding spinach, kale, or chard toward the end of the cooking time for a burst of greens. Zucchini or green beans are great for adding texture without overwhelming the dish. Frozen peas are also a classic addition, offering sweetness and bright colour. You can even toss a handful of corn kernels for sweetness or parsnips for an earthy flavour. The beauty of this soup is that it can be tailored to your preferences, so feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what you have available or the season.

The Best Side Dishes to Serve with Ground Beef Meatballs in Soup

Ground Beef Meatballs in Soup is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but if you want to make it even more satisfying, serving it with a side dish can elevate the experience. Here are some excellent options to pair with this comforting soup:

Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth. They help soak up the delicious juices and offer a satisfying textural contrast to the tender meatballs and vegetables.
Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is an excellent choice if you’re craving something with a little more flavour. The buttery, garlicky bread complements the rich taste of the soup and adds an indulgent element to the meal.
Side Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup. Try a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and lemony dressing or a Mediterranean-style salad with cucumber, olives, and feta.
Roasted Vegetables: If you want to add a more substantial side, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or carrots can add flavour and texture to your meal.
Rice or Couscous: You dish, serve your soup with rice or couscous for a more filling side. These grains soak up the broth and make the meal even heartier, especially if you have leftover meatballs.

Making Ground Beef Meatballs in Soup: Tips for Perfect Flavor Every Time

Making Ground Beef Meatballs in Soup is simple, but there are a few key tips that can help you create the most flavorful, tender meatballs and broth every time:

Use Lean Ground Beef, But Not Too Lean: You want to use lean ground beef for your meatballs, but not extra-lean, as some fat is necessary for flavour and moisture. Opt for ground beef that is around 80% lean to get that perfect balance of flavour and juiciness.
Don’t Overwork the Meat: When mixing the meatballs, do not overwork the ground beef. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Mix gently until all ingredients are combined, then form them into small, uniform-sized balls.
Season Well: Proper seasoning is key. Don’t be afraid to generously season the meatballs and broth with salt, black pepper, and herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley. Taste the broth as it simmers, adjusting the seasoning as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavours.
Brown the Meatballs First (Optional): For extra depth of flavour, you can lightly brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the broth. This step caramelizes the meatballs and adds a rich, savoury layer to the soup. If you prefer a quicker method, add the raw meatballs directly to the simmering soup.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Once you add the meatballs to the soup, simmer the broth gently rather than letting it boil. Boiling can cause the meatballs to break apart. A gentle simmer ensures that the meatballs cook through while keeping their shape.
Add Vegetables in Stages: Some vegetables, like potatoes, carrots, and celery, take longer to cook, while others, like peas or spinach, cook quickly. Add the harder vegetables first and softer ones later to ensure everything is tender but not overcooked.
Don’t Forget the Broth: The broth is the base of the soup, so make sure it’s well-seasoned and flavorful. For a lighter option, you can use chicken broth, beef broth, or even vegetable broth. For extra richness, add a splash of cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking or a dollop of sour cream or yoghurt when serving.

Following these tips, you’ll consistently make flavorful, tender, and satisfying ground beef meatballs in soup.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in the fridge and reheat it when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat on the stove.

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made meatballs, but homemade meatballs are much tastier and more flavorful.

Can I make the meatballs without breadcrumbs?

Yes, if you don’t have breadcrumbs or prefer a gluten-free version, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute. You could also try using grated Parmesan or a small amount of cooked rice to help bind the meatballs.

What’s the best way to store leftover soup?

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing, and reheat it on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Meatballs in Soup is a delicious and comforting meal that will satisfy your hunger and warm you up. This soup is perfect for any occasion, with flavorful meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth. Whether making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping a meal for the week, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy every spoonful!