Meat Ball Chowder
A hearty and comforting meatball chowder with beef, vegetables, and savory tomato flavors, perfect for family dinners and cold evenings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put water, soup mix, and bouillon cubes in a 4-quart saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer on low heat.
- Add corn, green beans, stewed tomatoes, cooked potatoes, thyme, and pepper into the soup.
- Mix ground beef with garlic to form a mixture.
- Shape the beef mixture into heaping tablespoonfuls and push into the hot soup.
- Simmer until the meatballs are no longer pink and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions and garlic to the soup base. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter option. If fresh vegetables are available, feel free to use them instead of canned. Adjust seasonings according to your taste; a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the depth of flavor. This chowder pairs beautifully with Savory Meat Balls for a delicious meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatball chowder hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. It goes well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a hearty pairing, consider serving it alongside Reuben Baked Potatoes to complement the flavors. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If the chowder thickens, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Ball Chowder contains roughly 1158 calories, with 43g protein, 251g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (505% of the Daily Value), protein (85% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 141g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 freeze Meat Ball Chowder?
Yes, you can freeze Meat Ball Chowder. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
What can I use instead of Swiss Knorr tomato soup mix?
If you can't find Swiss Knorr tomato soup mix, you can use any tomato soup mix or simply substitute with a can of condensed tomato soup and add dried basil to taste. Adjust the seasoning to ensure the flavors are balanced.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this chowder, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or omit it entirely and add more beans or lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon and ensure all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
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).