This easy Meatball Soup is a delightful blend of tender meatballs, hearty beans, and a warm tomato broth. It’s not just a comforting dish for chilly nights; it’s also perfect for family gatherings and weeknight dinners. This recipe stands out due to its wholesome ingredients and simple preparation, making it a go-to choice in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean beef, beans, and fresh herbs, this soup is nutritious and satisfying.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of savory meatballs and rich tomato broth provides a cozy meal that warms the soul.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main course or alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete dinner.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves meatballs! This soup is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking much easier. Gather these essential items to help you create your easy Meatball Soup without hassle.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients when making the meatballs.
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly and holding all the ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring the soup without scratching your cookware.
Ingredients
This easy Meatball Soup requires simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully.
For the Meatballs
- 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves (finely chopped)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound lean ground beef
For the Soup Base
- 4 cups beef broth (or bouillon)
- 30 oz cannellini beans (2 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 30 oz crushed tomatoes (2 cans, undrained)
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp coarse ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Garnish
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme (to garnish)
How to Make Easy Meatball Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs, milk, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Add in lean ground beef and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the meatballs for about 15 minutes until they are browned but not fully cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Soup Base
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add beef broth and bring it to a simmer.
- Stir in rinsed cannellini beans, crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Carefully add the partially cooked meatballs into the soup.
- Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving warm.
Enjoy your delicious homemade easy Meatball Soup!
How to Serve Easy Meatball Soup
Serving Easy Meatball Soup is a delightful experience, as it warms the heart and pleases the palate. You can enhance your meal by pairing it with various accompaniments that complement its rich flavors.
With Crusty Bread
- Freshly baked baguette: Perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic bread: Adds a savory kick and crunchy texture.
Over Rice or Pasta
- Cooked white rice: Absorbs the broth beautifully and makes for a filling dish.
- Pasta shells: Offers a fun texture that pairs well with meatballs.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley: Brightens up the dish with fresh flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds richness and depth to the soup.
With a Side Salad
- Caesar salad: A classic choice that adds crunch and creaminess.
- Spinach salad: Light and nutritious, balancing the hearty soup.
As Part of a Family Feast
- Serve in large bowls: Encourage sharing and family-style dining.
- Accompany with beverages: Wine or sparkling water can enhance the meal’s enjoyment.
How to Perfect Easy Meatball Soup
Making your Easy Meatball Soup just right is simple with a few expert tips. Here are some ways to elevate your soup:
- Use quality meat: Choose lean ground beef for flavorful meatballs without excess fat.
- Let it simmer: Allow the soup to cook longer for deeper flavors; 10-15 extra minutes can make a difference.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving; you might need more salt or pepper based on personal preference.
- Add veggies: Carrots or celery can be added for more texture and nutrition.
- Serve hot: Always serve the soup piping hot for the best experience.
- Garnish creatively: Fresh thyme or basil adds an aromatic finish that enhances presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Meatball Soup
Pairing side dishes with Easy Meatball Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Bread – Crunchy and buttery, perfect for scooping up soup.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing complements the hearty soup well.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A classic comfort food duo that kids love!
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Cheesy Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits filled with cheese offer a delightful contrast in texture.
- Quinoa Salad – Light and nutritious, this dish provides a healthy balance to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Meatball Soup, avoiding common errors can make a big difference in flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the breadcrumbs – Not using breadcrumbs can lead to dry meatballs. They help keep the meatballs moist, so be sure to include them.
- Overcooking the meatballs – Cooking meatballs for too long can make them tough. Aim for just enough time until they are cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Using low-quality broth – Poor quality broth will affect the soup’s overall taste. Always choose a good quality beef broth or homemade option for better flavor.
- Not seasoning properly – Failing to season at every stage can make your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process.
- Ignoring garnishes – Skipping fresh herbs can rob your soup of freshness. A sprinkle of parsley or thyme adds a burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Meatball Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Meatball Soup
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop – Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Easy Meatball Soup that may help you enjoy this recipe even more.
How long does Easy Meatball Soup take to prepare?
Easy Meatball Soup takes about 20 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to cook, totaling roughly 55 minutes from start to finish.
Can I customize my Easy Meatball Soup?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots or spinach for extra nutrition or use different types of ground meat for varied flavors.
What should I serve with Easy Meatball Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or even grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Easy Meatball Soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and portion it out for quick meals during the week.
Final Thoughts
Easy Meatball Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. This recipe allows you to customize it according to your tastes while providing warmth on chilly days. Give it a try and enjoy a delightful bowl of goodness!
Easy Meatball Soup
Experience the warmth and comfort of Easy Meatball Soup, a delightful dish that combines tender meatballs, hearty beans, and a savory tomato broth. This recipe is perfect for chilly nights and family gatherings alike, offering a nutritious meal that’s quick to prepare.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking & Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 4 cups beef broth
- 30 oz cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
- 30 oz crushed tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 large egg
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp coarse ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme (to garnish)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix in the ground beef until just combined.
- Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes.
- In a large pot over medium heat, bring beef broth to a simmer. Add beans, crushed tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Carefully add the meatballs to the soup and simmer an additional 20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Serve hot with shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme as garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
