Meatball Chowder(Makes 6 To 7 Quarts)
Meatball Chowder is a hearty, comforting soup combining tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and flavorful tomato broth. Its savory profile is enhanced by herbs and seasonings, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. A filling dish that balances richness with freshness, ideal for cold weather evenings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 c. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/3 c. fine cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. milk ⓘ
- 4 to 6 onions ⓘ
- 6 c. water ⓘ
- 6 c. tomato juice
- 6 beef cubes ⓘ
- 3 c. sliced carrots ⓘ
- 3 to 4 c. sliced celery ⓘ
- 2 to 3 potatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 c. rice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, seasoned salt, pepper, eggs, chopped parsley, cracker crumbs, and milk together and form into walnut-sized meatballs.
- Bake the meatballs in the oven until cooked through.
- Put into a large kettle all the remaining ingredients except the corn.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer on low-medium for about 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add the corn and heat for an additional 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for a leaner option. If you're short on time, frozen mixed vegetables can be a convenient substitute for fresh carrots and celery. Ensure the meatballs are cooked evenly by baking them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables, similar to American recipes like Super Bowl Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatball chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley for added color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside a side of American recipes like Yankee Pot Roast or Caramelized Onion Pot Roast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the chowder. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatball Chowder(Makes 6 To 7 Quarts) contains roughly 2575 calories, with 63g protein, 403g carbohydrates, and 96g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (274% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (267% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (236% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2012mg per serving (87% 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 chowder in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chowder a day ahead. Cook it fully, then store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight. Just reheat gently before serving. If you find it too thick after refrigeration, adding a little water or broth while reheating can help restore the desired consistency.
What type of meat can I use for the meatballs?
Ground beef is traditional, but you can experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for different flavors. If using leaner meats, consider adding a little extra fat or moisture to the meatball mixture to keep them tender and flavorful.
Is there a way to make this chowder vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Replace the beef cubes with vegetable broth and omit the meatballs entirely or use veggie meatballs. Increase the variety of vegetables and seasonings to enhance the flavors, making it a hearty vegetarian chowder.
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).