Name: Meatball Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 2 potatoes, diced; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 4 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This hearty meatball soup is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender, flavorful meatballs with a savory broth full of vegetables and herbs. It’s the perfect meal to warm up with on a chilly day, and it makes for fantastic leftovers, too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and satisfying this soup is to make. The meatballs cook directly in the soup, which means less mess and extra flavor. The broth is rich and full of aromatic herbs, while the veggies make it a well-balanced, nutritious meal. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Garlic, minced
Onion, chopped
Carrots, sliced
Celery, sliced
Potatoes, diced
Crushed tomatoes
Beef broth
Olive oil
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I start by making the meatballs: In a large bowl, I mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a bit of dried oregano until just combined. Then I roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, I heat a little olive oil over medium heat. I add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook them until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
Next, I stir in the potatoes, crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and beef broth. I bring the soup to a boil.
I gently add the raw meatballs to the simmering soup, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. I lower the heat and let it simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
I taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to cook, making the total time around 50 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

There are plenty of ways I switch this soup up. Sometimes I use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. I’ve also added small pasta like orzo or ditalini to make it more filling. If I’m going low-carb, I skip the potatoes or substitute with zucchini. For a spicier version, I’ll add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth.

storage/reheating

I store leftover meatball soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats well on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. If the soup thickens in the fridge, I just add a splash of broth or water while reheating. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

FAQs

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

I make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture and include an egg and breadcrumbs to help bind everything together.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, I sometimes use frozen meatballs for convenience. I add them straight to the simmering soup, just give them a few extra minutes to cook through.

What vegetables go well in this soup?

I usually stick with carrots, celery, and potatoes, but green beans, peas, corn, or spinach are great add-ins too.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. I sauté the vegetables first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.

Is this soup gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, I use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and make sure the broth is labeled gluten-free.

Conclusion

This meatball soup is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly comforting. I love how easy it is to prepare and how customizable it can be depending on what I have on hand. Whether I’m making it for family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe never disappoints.