Meatball Soup Recipe
A hearty Meatball Soup Recipe was just what our family needed this week—it’s so cozy! With the colder weather creeping in, warm meals are loved by everyone. Plus, soups like these always make busy evenings easier. If you’re craving simple, delicious comfort food, this recipe must be tried. By the end, your kitchen will smell heavenly, and bellies will be full!
I’ve always been a fan of simple soup recipes that bring everyone together. They’re lifesavers on hectic days when quick, hearty dinners are needed.
Soups like this offer comfort and satisfaction effortlessly. The wholesome ingredients make it easy to feel good about what you’re serving, too. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are perfect for packing lunches or reheating later. Simple, delicious meals like these have always been appreciated in our home!
Cozy Soup Recipes
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a hearty soup simmering on the stove. These dishes bring a warmth that fills both your home and your heart, making them perfect for cozy family dinners or chilly evenings.
NEED TO SAVE MONEY
ON YOUR GROCERY BILL?
Any of these soup recipes are perfect when you’re on the hunt for comfort food! We make each of these soups regularly.
Ingredients Needed to Make Meatball Soup at Home
Each ingredient in this soup plays a role in creating a perfectly balanced and comforting dish. Here is everything you will need.
- Meatballs, cooked
The star of the soup, adding hearty protein and rich flavor. They bring that comforting, homemade feel to every bite.
- Chicken broth
Acts as the base of the soup, providing depth and warmth. It enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
- Spaghetti sauce
Adds a vibrant, tomato-rich touch to the broth. This gives the soup a bolder flavor and ties everything together.
- Frozen spinach
A healthy addition that adds color and nutrients. It also balances out the heartiness of the dish with a hint of freshness.
- Cannellini beans
Creamy and mild, they provide extra texture and protein. These beans also make the soup more filling.
- Onion
A classic flavor-builder. It sweetens and enriches the broth as it cooks, creating a delicious aromatic base.
- Baby carrots
These add a pop of sweetness and a satisfying crunch. They’re also a gentle way to sneak in more veggies for everyone.
- Ditalini pasta
Small and tender, these noodles are perfect for scooping up in each spoonful. They make the soup even more comforting and hearty.
- Italian seasoning
A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. It enhances the overall flavor, making the soup taste perfectly seasoned.
- Salt and pepper
Simple essentials that bring out the flavor of the other ingredients, ensuring the soup is perfectly balanced.
- Parmesan cheese
A finishing touch that adds a salty, nutty richness to the soup. It melts slightly, giving every bite an extra layer of flavor.
The tender, savory meatballs and hearty cannellini beans provide protein and texture, making the soup satisfying and filling. Chicken broth serves as a rich, savory base, while the spaghetti sauce adds a tangy, tomato-forward depth that warms every spoonful. Sweetness from the baby carrots and the subtle earthiness of spinach bring a touch of freshness.
Ditalini pasta, small and delicate, soaks up all these flavors, tying the textures together beautifully. Onion and Italian seasoning weave in aromatic, herby notes, while salt and pepper subtly enhance each layer of flavor. The Parmesan cheese, melted just enough, creates a salty finish that wraps everything up into a bowl of pure homemade comfort. It’s a true symphony of flavors in every bite!
You can use frozen meatballs that you buy from the grocery store for this recipe. I prefer to use my homemade meatball recipe. It’s super good, makes about 30 meatballs and can easily be doubled for a crowd.
Tips for Making Homemade Meatball Soup
- Choose Quality Meatballs
Whether homemade or store-bought, the meatballs are the heart of the dish. Opt for meatballs with a tender texture and good seasoning—if making them yourself, use a mix of beef and pork for the best flavor. - Enhance Your Broth
Use low-sodium chicken broth as your base so you can control the saltiness. You can even add a splash of white wine or a parmesan rind while simmering for added depth. - Don’t Skip the Aromatics
Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots before adding the liquid. This step caramelizes the vegetables and infuses extra flavor into the base. - Use Fresh or Frozen Greens
Frozen spinach works well in this recipe, but fresh spinach or even kale can elevate the dish with a vibrant color and a touch of freshness. No pressure, use fresh frozen or another green you love. - Season Gradually
Add salt and pepper in stages while cooking. Taste as you go so the flavors develop evenly, and you don’t risk over-seasoning. - Make It Ahead
Dinners like this taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it ahead of time for easy reheating on busy nights. - Garnish Generously
Freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil at the end can take this dinner idea to the next level. - Don’t Overcrowd the Pot
When adding ingredients like meatballs and beans, make sure there’s enough space in the pot so everything cooks evenly and stays tender. - Customize to Your Family’s Taste
Love spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Want richer flavor? Stir in a dollop of pesto or a splash of cream at the end. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable!
By following these tips, you’ll create a supper that’s bursting with flavor and packed with wholesome comfort in every bowl.
How do you keep meatballs from falling apart in soup?
You definitely don’t want the meatballs to fall apart in it while it’s cooking. Here are my best tips.
- Choose the Right Ground Meat
If you’re making them homemade you can try using a mix of meats, such as beef and pork, helps create meatballs that are tender but solid. Avoid overly lean meat, as a little fat helps bind them together. - Add a Binding Agent
Again, if you’re making them from scratch ingredients like breadcrumbs and eggs act like glue, holding the meat mixture together. Aim for one egg per pound of meat and enough breadcrumbs to create a firm but not dry texture. - Form Firm Meatballs
Roll meatballs gently but firmly, using damp hands to prevent sticking. Avoid over-handling, as this can make them tough, but ensure they’re compact enough to hold together. - Bake Them First
Before adding meatballs to it, they should be precooked. If you follow my recipe for homemade meatballs, we bake them. But remember, you can always use frozen meatballs. - Add Meatballs at the Right Time
Never add the meatballs to the pot raw. That will make a mess and they are likely to fall apart. - Balance the Liquid-to-Solid Ratio
Overcrowding the pot or using too much broth can destabilize meatballs. Maintain a balance to allow even cooking and space for ingredients to stay intact.
By following these tips, your meatballs will remain intact and add hearty flavor to your dinner without crumbling.
Beef Soup Recipes
When you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, recipes like these are the answer. Options like any of these deliver rich, satisfying flavors in no time. Their warm, savory profiles are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch when you need a pick-me-up.
You can make any of these delicious soups effortlessly. They all prove that you don’t need to sacrifice comfort or flavor, even when time is short.
What should I serve with meatball soup?
This recipe really is an all in one dinner. But, if you want to add some sides, here are some ideas:
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Knots
A slice of crusty bread or soft, buttery garlic knots is perfect for soaking up the rich broth. They add a satisfying texture and extra flavor to each bite. - Classic Caesar Salad
The tangy dressing, crunchy croutons, and crisp romaine lettuce provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty creation. It’s a light companion that won’t overpower the main dish. - Caprese Salad
Fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze complement the Italian-inspired flavors of this dinner idea. It adds a vibrant, fresh element to the meal. - Bruschetta
Topped with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, bruschetta is a flavorful appetizer or side. Its bright, garlicky notes pair beautifully with the savory supper. - Grilled Vegetables
Try a medley of zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Their smoky and slightly sweet flavor adds depth and balances the soup’s richness.
Any of these would be great ideas, or just serve it with some crackers. My kids LOVE saltines…. even my grown kids.
How long is homemade meatball soup good for in the fridge?
Homemade meatball soup can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when kept in an airtight container. This helps preserve its freshness while preventing contamination or absorbing odors from other foods.
Proper Soup Storage Tips:
- Cool Before Storing: Allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge. However, don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.
- Divide It Up: If you made a large batch, store it in smaller portions, making it easier to reheat and reducing the time it spends exposed to air.
- Keep Meatballs Intact: If you cooked the pasta and meatballs in the soup, they may break down over time. To maintain the best texture, consider storing them separately if possible.
Signs Your Refrigerated Soup is No Longer Good:
- Unpleasant Odor: If it develops a sour or off smell, it’s time to discard it.
- Change in Texture or Color: Any mold, unusual sliminess, or discoloration in the meatballs or broth is a clear sign it should not be eaten.
- Taste Test (if unsure): If it doesn’t smell or look bad but seems questionable, taste a small amount. Any sourness or bitterness indicates it’s spoiled.
For longer storage, consider freezing it. It can stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer when properly packed in freezer-safe containers. Just make sure to leave some headspace for expansion and label the container with the date. This way, you can enjoy homemade comfort whenever you want!
Tips for Freezing Leftover Soup
Freezing your leftovers is a great way to enjoy it later without losing flavor or texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Choose the Right Containers
Use airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. If using bags, lay them flat to save freezer space and allow for quicker freezing and thawing. - Cool the Soup First
Always let it cool to room temperature before freezing. This prevents condensation, which can lead to ice crystals that affect taste and texture. - Portion into Servable Sizes
Divide it into individual portions. This makes it easier to defrost only what you need and reduces waste. - Leave Room for Expansion
Liquids expand as they freeze, so leave about an inch of space at the top of your container or bag to avoid leaks. - Handle Ingredients Differently
If it contains pasta, rice, or cream, consider freezing them separately. Starch can become mushy, and cream tends to separate when frozen. Add these elements fresh when reheating the soup for the best results. - Label and Date It
Always label your containers with the type of soup and the date it was frozen. It generally keeps well for up to 3 months in the freezer. - Thaw Properly
For best results, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can defrost it in the microwave or in a pot over low heat. - Reheat Gently
When reheating, use a saucepan on medium heat and stir frequently to prevent sticking or uneven heating. For creamy varieties, whisk while reheating to restore a smooth texture.
By following these tips, your frozen creation will taste just as delicious as the day it was made, offering a convenient and comforting meal whenever you need it!
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Meatball Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 batch of meatballs, cooked
- 48 oz chicken broth
- 25 oz jar spaghetti sauce
- 10 oz frozen spinach
- 13 oz can cannellini beans, undrained
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 8-10 baby carrots chopped
- 1-2 c ditalini pasta (you decide how much)
- 1 t Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
In a large soup pot add your beef meatballs, frozen spinach, onion, can of beans and carrots
Then add the jar of spaghetti sauce and chicken broth.
Add the Italian seasoning.
Cook over medium high heat and bring to a boil.
Stir occasionally. You don't want anything to stick to the bottom.
After cooking for about 20 minutes, add a cup or so of water if you need to.
Add the pasta. I did two cups.
Stir and cook about 9-15 minutes, or until the pasta is done.
Add salt and pepper to taste and serve it up in bowls.
Top with grated parmesan cheese, if you like.
This looks delicious too! Thanks for linking up at the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop! We hope you stop by again next week!
I made this a while back for me & my husband. He absolutely loved it! I took another shortcut and used frozen meatballs. The next time I make this, I will use the frozen meatballs again but I will either bake or air fry them for a bit more texture. Thank you for sharing this recipe.