Grandma'S Meatball Soup
A hearty and comforting meatball soup featuring tender vegetables and flavorful homemade meatballs, perfect for cozy family dinners and cold weather cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Roll ground chuck into small meatballs.
- Put the meatballs in a stock pot with 6 cups of water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Add all other ingredients including tomato sauce, carrots, celery, onion, salt, and pepper.
- Cook over low heat until all vegetables are tender, approximately 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally over soup pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider using fresh herbs like parsley or basil. If you're short on time, pre-made meatballs can be a great substitute for the ground chuck. You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans, to your soup for added nutrition. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, and feel free to add a bit of garlic for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatball soup hot, optionally over cooked soup pasta for a heartier meal. A side of crusty bread or a simple salad pairs perfectly with this dish. For a delightful dessert, consider following this with Lemon Pineapple Fluff or Lazy Man'S Dessert to complete your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much, add a little water or broth to reach your desired consistency. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Meatball Soup contains roughly 433 calories, with 19g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (286% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2786mg per serving (121% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just keep it stored in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. Make sure to adjust the consistency with a little water or broth if it thickens too much.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chuck?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner option that will work well in this recipe. Just be aware that the flavor may be slightly milder, so you might want to increase your seasonings to compensate.
What can I do with leftover meatball soup?
Leftover meatball soup can be enjoyed as is or transformed into a new dish. Consider using it as a sauce for pasta, or mix it with cooked rice for a filling casserole. The possibilities are endless!
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).