This easy Meatball Soup is a delightful blend of tender meatballs, hearty beans, and a warm tomato broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers comfort during chilly days while being nutritious and satisfying. You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together, making it ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a warm meal ready in no time.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from meatballs and fiber from beans, it’s a wholesome choice.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main course or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of savory broth and cheesy meatballs makes every bite comforting.
- Freezable: Make a big batch and freeze portions for later—perfect for busy nights!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking this easy Meatball Soup even simpler. Here are some essential items you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Cooking pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Cooking pot: A sturdy pot ensures even cooking of the soup and can hold all the ingredients comfortably.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pots.
Ingredients
This easy Meatball Soup is filled with tender meatballs, hearty beans, and a warm tomato broth. It’s a healthy and comforting weeknight dinner that’s perfect for a chilly day!
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
How to Make Easy Meatball Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, milk, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, kosher salt, pepper, and ground beef.
- Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Form into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 15 minutes until browned but not fully cooked.
Step 3: Make the Soup Base
- In a large cooking pot over medium heat, add beef broth, cannellini beans, crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Combine Meatballs with Soup
- Carefully add baked meatballs into the simmering soup.
- Cook for an additional 20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle soup into bowls.
- Top with shredded Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving.
Now you’re ready to enjoy this delicious easy Meatball Soup! It’s perfect for any occasion where warmth and comfort are desired.
How to Serve Easy Meatball Soup
Serving Easy Meatball Soup is simple, and you can customize it to suit your taste. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this comforting dish.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with a loaf of crusty bread for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for an extra flavor kick.
Topped with Cheese
- Shredded Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly shredded Parmesan cheese on top for added richness.
- Mozzarella: Melt mozzarella cheese into the soup for a gooey texture.
Garnished with Herbs
- Fresh Parsley: Add chopped parsley as a fresh topping to enhance flavor.
- Thyme Sprigs: Use sprigs of fresh thyme for a lovely aroma and presentation.
Served with Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs well with the hearty soup.
- Mixed Greens: A simple mixed greens salad adds freshness and crunch.
How to Perfect Easy Meatball Soup
Perfecting your Easy Meatball Soup can elevate it from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure success.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables greatly enhance flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Don’t Overcook Meatballs: Ensure meatballs are cooked through but still tender by monitoring cooking time closely.
- Simmer Gently: Let the soup simmer gently to meld flavors without breaking down ingredients.
- Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving; it improves the taste.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Meatball Soup
Pairing side dishes with Easy Meatball Soup can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some excellent options.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks infused with garlic complement the soup nicely.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition alongside the soup.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad provides protein and fiber, enhancing the meal’s healthiness.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese is a comforting addition that pairs well with the broth.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cured meats, and cheeses creates variety and interest at the table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Meatball Soup can be a breeze, but avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish to perfection.
- Skipping the Breadcrumbs: Not using breadcrumbs can lead to tough meatballs. They help bind the mixture and keep them tender. Make sure to include them!
- Overcooking the Soup: Letting your soup boil too long can make the meatballs dry. Keep it simmering gently for the best texture.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoned soup is bland. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavors before serving.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor quality meat or broth will affect your soup’s flavor. Choose fresh ingredients for the best results.
- Not Allowing Time for Flavors to Develop: Rushing the cooking time means missing out on deep flavors. Give the soup enough time to simmer.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Freezing Easy Meatball Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Easy Meatball Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring often, until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Easy Meatball Soup that might help you make this delicious dish even better!
Can I use different types of meat?
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef in Easy Meatball Soup.
How do I make the soup spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking to give your Easy Meatball Soup a spicy kick.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, carrots, or zucchini can enhance nutrition and flavor in your Easy Meatball Soup.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer as described above to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Meatball Soup is not only comforting but also adaptable. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Try this delightful recipe on a chilly day, and enjoy its heartwarming flavors!
Easy Meatball Soup
Easy Meatball Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out. This hearty dish combines tender, flavorful meatballs with nutritious beans and a rich tomato broth, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious meal that your family will love. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a main course or alongside fresh bread. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or a nourishing bowl on a chilly day, this Easy Meatball Soup checks all the boxes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking and simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 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
- 4 cups beef broth
- 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
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper until just combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until browned.
- In a large pot, combine beef broth, beans, tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; bring to simmer.
- Add baked meatballs to the soup and cook for an additional 20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Serve hot, garnished with shredded Parmesan and thyme.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
