Meatball Vegetable Soup
Hearty meatball vegetable soup combines savory meatballs with tender vegetables in a flavorful tomato broth, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine hamburger, cracker crumbs, beaten egg, chopped onion, salt, and pepper; form into 20 meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in oil over medium heat.
- In a medium saucepan, combine stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, dry onion soup mix, and sugar.
- Add the browned meatballs and frozen mixed vegetables to the sauce.
- Simmer the soup for 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Italian herbs to the meatball mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the hamburger. You can also use fresh vegetables like carrots and celery instead of frozen mixed vegetables. If you want a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatball vegetable soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with A Mama'S Stuffed Pork Loin for a heartier dinner option. For a refreshing touch, garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the soup thickens. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatball Vegetable Soup contains roughly 959 calories, with 6g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (54% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1381mg per serving (60% 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 the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months; just thaw before browning and adding to the soup.
What can I use instead of stewed tomatoes?
If you don’t have stewed tomatoes, diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute. For added flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or some Italian seasoning to replicate the taste of stewed tomatoes.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the hamburger with plant-based meat or omit it entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of water, and ensure the dry onion soup mix is vegetarian. You can also add beans for protein.
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).