Hearty Meatball Soup
Hearty Meatball Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in a savory tomato and vegetable broth. With aromatic herbs and fresh vegetables, it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep, offering a satisfying and nourishing experience that improves in flavor the next day.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb. ground chuck
- 3 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 can (1 lb. 2 oz.) tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cans consomme ⓘ
- 1 can or package dry onion soup mix
- 4 carrots, pared ⓘ
- 1/4 cup celery tops, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. basil
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 10 peppercorns ⓘ
- 1 cup cut okra ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
Instructions
- With hands, lightly shape the ground chuck into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a 6-quart pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Saute the meatballs, turning until browned all over.
- Drain off the fat.
- Add tomatoes, consomme, dry onion soup mix, carrots, celery tops, parsley, bay leaf, oregano, basil, salt, peppercorns, okra, and water to the pan.
- Bring the mixture just to boiling.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the tomatoes.
- Serve very hot. The soup is better the second day.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while sautéing the meatballs. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground chuck. Fresh herbs can also enhance the taste; substitute dried herbs with fresh ones at a ratio of 3:1. To save time, pre-chop vegetables and use frozen okra if fresh is unavailable.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty meatball soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad, such as the Tubettini Fruit Salad, for a refreshing contrast. Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. For a wholesome meal, serve alongside the Three C Bread, which complements the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Meatball Soup contains roughly 681 calories, with 14g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (170% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), and calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2236mg per serving (97% 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 meat for the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a mixture of meats for variation. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly based on the fat content of the meat you choose.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, replace the meatballs with plant-based protein options like lentils or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of consomme and add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup becomes too thick during cooking or after refrigeration, simply add a bit of water or broth while reheating. Stir well until you reach your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning if needed after adding extra liquid.
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).