Hearty Homestyle Meatball Soup

Name: Hearty Homestyle Meatball Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/4 cup bread crumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups beef broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup small pasta shells; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 20 min

🔥 Cook: 50 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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Looking for a soup that warms both the heart and the belly? This Hearty Homestyle Meatball Soup brings comfort and flavor with each spoonful. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a chilly day pick-me-up.

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Ingredients for Hearty Homestyle Meatball Soup

Ground beef forms the heart of our meatballs, bringing rich, meaty flavor. To hold them together, we mix in bread crumbs, which also soak up flavors wonderfully. A touch of grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth. The egg acts as a binder, ensuring the meatballs stay intact. For seasoning, we have salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, creating a well-rounded taste.

Olive oil is used to brown the meatballs, adding a slight nuttiness. The soup base is made with onion, carrots, and celery, delivering a classic mirepoix that forms the foundation of many soups. Garlic is sautéed for its aromatic qualities. We use beef broth to enhance the meatiness, with diced tomatoes adding a touch of acidity. Small pasta shells give body to the soup, while Italian seasoning ties all flavors together with a hint of herbal warmth.

Tips & Tricks

For juicier meatballs, don’t overmix the beef mixture.
Use a small ice cream scoop to form evenly sized meatballs quickly.
If you’re short on time, pre-made meatballs can be a quick alternative.
To make it gluten-free, swap out pasta shells and bread crumbs for gluten-free versions.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad. For an extra touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top before serving. A light red wine complements the flavors nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this soup?: Yes, it freezes well. Just cool it completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stove.
Can I use turkey instead of beef?: Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative.
How can I make the soup thicker?: If you prefer a thicker soup, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the boiling soup.

Hearty Homestyle Meatball Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by mixing the ground beef with bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, and seasonings including salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands to combine everything well, then shape the mixture into small meatballs, about an inch in diameter.

In a large pot, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs carefully, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Brown them on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set them aside for later.

In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Stir everything together and let the vegetables sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they're tender and fragrant.

Return the browned meatballs to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta shells and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the flavors have melded together.

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot, enjoying the comforting aroma and flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Combines savory meatballs with a rich, flavorful broth.
Loaded with veggies for a balanced meal in a bowl.
Simple to make; ideal for weeknight dinners.
Kid-friendly and easily adaptable to personal taste.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1/4 cup bread crumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups beef broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 cup small pasta shells

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Shape mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove meatballs and set aside.

4. In the same pot, add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

5. Return meatballs to the pot, add beef broth, diced tomatoes, and bring to a boil.

6. Stir in pasta shells and Italian seasoning. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until pasta is cooked.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

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