This meatball soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, savory meatballs with a fragrant vegetable broth and al dente pasta. The fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, making each spoonful both hearty and wholesome.
Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a warm, filling meal, this soup is easy to make yet impressive in flavor. The rustic presentation, with vibrant veggies and meatballs nestled in a rich broth, invites you to savor every comforting bite. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a family gathering staple, this dish warms both heart and home.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 onion, chopped
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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6 cups beef broth
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1 cup tomato sauce
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1 cup small pasta (like orzo or ditalini)
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2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Carefully add the meatballs to the pot and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
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Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, gently stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.
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Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
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Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Classic Comfort Meatball Soup: A Warm Hug in a Bowl
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes evoke the feeling of warmth and homeliness like a good meatball soup. This classic meatball soup recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a deeply satisfying meal that nurtures both body and soul. It’s a dish that combines the rich, hearty flavors of seasoned meatballs with a light yet flavorful vegetable and beef broth, enhanced by fresh greens and tender pasta. The result is a balanced bowl of nourishment that’s perfect for chilly days, busy weeknights, or anytime you crave something cozy and wholesome.
Origins and Inspiration
Meatball soup has roots in many culinary traditions, from Italian to Middle Eastern cuisines, where meatballs are often simmered in broths or sauces for added flavor and tenderness. This particular recipe is inspired by Italian homestyle cooking, where meatballs are a staple in everything from pasta dishes to soups and stews. The inclusion of vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions not only adds depth and sweetness to the broth but also ensures a well-rounded nutritional profile. The small pasta like orzo or ditalini is classic in Italian soups, giving a comforting, slightly chewy texture that makes the dish more filling.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this meatball soup lies in its simplicity and balance. Each component plays an essential role: the meatballs provide a rich, savory protein punch; the broth is a fragrant and slightly tangy canvas thanks to the tomato sauce and beef broth base; the vegetables add natural sweetness and texture; the pasta brings substance; and the fresh spinach adds a fresh, vibrant finish. Together, these ingredients create a layered taste experience that feels both hearty and fresh.
Another great strength of this recipe is its versatility. While the base is traditional and straightforward, you can easily customize the meatballs with different herbs or cheeses, swap the beef for turkey or chicken, or add other vegetables like zucchini or kale. The soup adapts beautifully to what’s in season or what you have on hand.
Nutritional Benefits
This meatball soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Ground beef provides a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and energy. The vegetables carrots, celery, onion, and spinach offer vitamins A, C, K, fiber, and antioxidants, which contribute to immune health, digestion, and overall wellness. Using beef broth adds minerals and a rich flavor without extra fat. The pasta offers carbohydrates, providing fuel and satiety.
For those looking to reduce calories or fat, lean ground beef or even ground turkey can be used without compromising the taste too much. Adding more greens and reducing the pasta portion can also lighten the soup further while maintaining its satisfying quality.
Cooking Tips for Success
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Meatball Size: Keeping the meatballs small ensures they cook evenly and quickly without falling apart in the broth. About one inch in diameter is ideal.
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Browning Meatballs: Browning the meatballs before simmering adds a beautiful caramelized flavor. Be gentle when turning them to keep them intact.
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Broth Base: Using a good quality beef broth or stock will elevate the soup’s flavor. Homemade broth is even better if you have time to prepare it.
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Pasta Timing: Adding pasta towards the end of cooking prevents it from becoming mushy. Adjust cooking time based on the pasta type.
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Fresh Greens: Spinach or other leafy greens added at the end maintain their bright color and texture, giving the soup a fresh lift.
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Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper accordingly. Sometimes a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes can brighten the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This soup shines on its own but can be paired wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the flavorful broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup perfectly. For a more indulgent meal, top the soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil.
Why Meatball Soup Is Great for Families
Meatball soup is an excellent family-friendly meal. The meatballs are kid-approved, the broth is mild and inviting, and the pasta adds fun texture. It’s a one-pot meal that saves time and clean-up, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekend lunches. Plus, it stores well in the fridge and can be easily reheated, so you get delicious leftovers.
Variations to Try
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Spicy Meatball Soup: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
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Vegetarian Version: Substitute meatballs with lentil or chickpea balls and use vegetable broth.
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Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk just before serving for a richer broth.
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Different Herbs: Experiment with fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for different aroma profiles.
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Add Beans: White beans or cannellini beans boost fiber and make the soup even heartier.
Storage and Reheating
This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If the pasta absorbs too much broth during storage, simply add a little extra broth or water when reheating. It also freezes well for up to 2 months; for freezing, it’s best to keep pasta separate and add fresh greens after thawing to preserve texture.
Conclusion:
Classic Comfort Meatball Soup is more than just a meal it’s a bowl of nostalgia, warmth, and wholesome nutrition. It captures the essence of homemade goodness with simple ingredients transformed into a hearty dish that satisfies all ages and tastes. Whether you’re seeking a quick, comforting dinner after a long day or a nourishing meal to share with loved ones, this soup is an ideal choice. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a timeless favorite that you’ll want to keep in your recipe collection for years to come.
Enjoy this soup as a celebration of classic home cooking and a reminder that sometimes, the simplest dishes bring the greatest comfort.