Meatball Soup
Meatball Soup is a hearty, comforting dish featuring flavorful ground beef meatballs simmered in a savory vegetable and tomato broth. The combination of tender vegetables, seasoned meatballs, and aromatic spices makes it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, offering warmth and satisfying flavors in every bowl.
Ingredients
- 2 diced potatoes ⓘ
- 2 cups diced celery ⓘ
- 3 sliced carrots ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, cut into eighths ⓘ
- 2 cans beef bouillon ⓘ
- 4 cups tomato juice ⓘ
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup rice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon instant minced onion ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the diced potatoes, diced celery, sliced carrots, cut onions, beef bouillon, tomato juice, water, rice, sugar, bay leaf, salt, and pepper in a large pot and bring to a boil.
- In a separate bowl, blend the flour, prepared mustard, instant minced onion, and eggs until well combined.
- Combine the mixture into small meatballs and carefully drop them into the boiling vegetable broth.
- Cover the pot, reduce heat to simmer, and cook until the vegetables are tender, adding water or tomato juice as needed.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and stir in marjoram and butter if desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or basil to the broth. If you want a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. You can also use leftover cooked rice instead of uncooked for a quicker preparation. Adjust the level of seasoning according to your taste preferences, as the beef bouillon can be quite salty.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatball soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated cheese can add a delightful finishing touch. This hearty soup also pairs beautifully with American recipes like Skillet Beans, making it a perfect family dinner option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens. If freezing, place the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, allowing some space for expansion, and use within 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatball Soup contains roughly 1451 calories, with 35g protein, 258g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (73% of the Daily Value), protein (69% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (63% 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 make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious!
What can I use instead of beef bouillon?
If you're looking for a substitute for beef bouillon, you can use vegetable broth or homemade stock. Just be aware that it may alter the flavor slightly, so adjust seasonings as necessary.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like green beans, peas, or corn for added nutrition and flavor. Just ensure that all vegetables are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
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).