Escarole Meatball Soup
A hearty and comforting soup featuring flavorful meatballs, tender escarole, and pasta, perfect for family dinners and cold days with rich broths and savory herbs.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground hamburger, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oregano in a bowl.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs the size of a nickel.
- Lightly brown the meatballs in olive oil; discard any excess oil.
- In a 5-quart pot, pour in the beef broth and add diced carrots, diced celery, V-8 juice, and the browned meatballs.
- Cook over medium-low heat for 1 1/2 hours.
- About 15 minutes before the soup is ready, add cooked escarole and Romano cheese.
- Serve the soup with cooked macaroni in each bowl to prevent starch build-up in leftovers.
- Enjoy with a slice of hard crusted bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. If you're short on time, pre-cooked meatballs can be used instead of making your own. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger. You can also add other vegetables such as zucchini or spinach for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Romano cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a slice of hard crusted bread, perfect for dipping. For a complete meal, consider a side salad or serve alongside Cheesy Ham Scalloped Potatoes for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to leave out the macaroni until reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Escarole Meatball Soup contains roughly 618 calories, with 12g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (201% of the Daily Value), iron (124% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1370mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of broth?
Absolutely! You can customize the flavor by using vegetable broth or a different ratio of chicken to beef broth. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly depending on your choice.
What can I substitute for escarole?
If escarole is hard to find, you can substitute with other leafy greens such as kale or Swiss chard. Both will provide a nice texture and flavor to the soup, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free macaroni and ensure that the broth and V-8 juice are also gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy a delicious and hearty meal without gluten.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).