Garden Patch Meatball Soup
A hearty and comforting meatball soup packed with fresh vegetables and flavorful beef, perfect for family dinners and cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, stir together potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, tomatoes, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and 3 cups water.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix together ground beef, egg, and parsley.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Add the meatballs to the simmering soup.
- Simmer covered for an additional 15 minutes or until the meatballs are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onions and celery before adding them to the soup. You can substitute the lean ground round with turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also enhance the soup's taste. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add leftover vegetables you have on hand!
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Garden Patch Meatball Soup with crusty bread or paired with a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings and pairs beautifully with Molasses Oat Muffins for a comforting dinner. Consider a light dessert like Some Of This And That Dessert to finish your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. If the soup thickens too much, add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Patch Meatball Soup contains roughly 1168 calories, with 73g protein, 166g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (227% of the Daily Value), iron (200% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (158% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2548mg per serving (111% 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 make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day ahead. Just leave out the meatballs until you're ready to serve. Reheat the soup, then add the meatballs and simmer until cooked through. This method enhances the flavors as they meld together overnight.
Can I freeze the soup?
Absolutely! The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding fresh herbs if desired.
What vegetables can I add to this soup?
You can customize this soup by adding vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some vegetables cook faster than others. This flexibility makes it a great way to use up seasonal produce!
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).