Mama Millie'S Meatball Soup
Mama Millie's Meatball Soup is a hearty, comforting dish featuring flavorful meatballs simmered with fresh vegetables and savory broth, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chopped meat ⓘ
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 beaten egg ⓘ
- 1 cup water
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon onion powder ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon parsley ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon grated cheese ⓘ
- 3 quarts water ⓘ
- 2 beef bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 2 cans beef broth ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup diced carrots ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- parsnips (if desired) ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix chopped meat, seasoned bread crumbs, beaten egg, water, pepper, salt, onion powder, parsley, and grated cheese together.
- Roll the mixture into bite-sized meatballs and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil and add beef bouillon cubes and beef broth.
- Add chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and parsnips (if desired) to the broth mixture.
- Simmer the vegetables for 30 minutes.
- Add the meatballs, 2 tablespoons grated cheese, and the sauce for color to the broth.
- Simmer everything together for an additional hour.
- Optional: add 1 cup cooked barley or rice before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the meatball mixture. If you want a lighter option, swap half of the meat with ground turkey or chicken. To make the soup heartier, you can include frozen peas or corn. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also brighten the dish. Adjust the seasoning based on personal preference for a customized taste.
Serving Suggestions
This meatball soup is perfect on its own, but consider serving it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or an additional tablespoon of grated cheese on top enhances presentation and flavor. It pairs beautifully with Veach'S Baked Beans for a comforting dinner. Serve with a glass of red wine for added warmth.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens, add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup for up to 3 months; thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama Millie'S Meatball Soup contains roughly 1905 calories, with 140g protein, 328g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (397% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (392% of the Daily Value), and protein (280% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 frozen meatballs instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs for convenience. Just add them to the soup during the last 30 minutes of simmering. Ensure they are heated through before serving. This can save time while still providing a hearty meal.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the meat with plant-based ground meat or omit it altogether. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to enhance flavor and texture. Adjust seasonings to taste.
What can I do if my soup is too salty?
If your soup is too salty, add diced potatoes or cooked rice to absorb some of the saltiness. You can also dilute the soup with additional water or low-sodium broth. Let it simmer for a while longer to meld the flavors.
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).