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Hearty Meatball & Vegetable Soup

Hearty Meatball & Vegetable Soup
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Hearty Meatball & Vegetable Soup is a warm and nourishing dish combining tender, savory meatballs with fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a comforting, protein-rich meal with homestyle goodness and vibrant nutrients.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (lean)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (dried or fresh)

Vegetables & Broth

  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups chicken or beef broth (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
  • 1 medium zucchini, chopped (optional)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for browning and sautéing)

Seasoning & Garnishes

  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Additional Italian herbs if desired
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
  • Drizzle of good-quality olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overworking to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray ready for cooking.
  3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides until they develop a crust. They do not need to be cooked through fully at this stage.
  4. Sauté the Vegetables: Remove the meatballs and set aside. In the same pot, add chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Cook until softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic last and cook for an additional minute to release aroma.
  5. Build the Soup Base: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add diced tomatoes and broth, mixing well to combine.
  6. Simmer the Soup: Return the browned meatballs to the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes to fully cook the meatballs and meld the flavors.
  7. Add Finishing Touches: If using, stir in chopped zucchini and spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs as desired. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs such as basil or parsley to enhance flavor versus dried alone.
  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Browning the meatballs adds vital depth and richness to the soup.
  • Simmer gently on low heat to avoid toughening meatballs and allow flavors to develop.
  • Choose homemade or high-quality broth for the best soup base.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball soup, vegetable soup, hearty soup, comforting meals, easy soup recipe, gluten-free soup, protein-rich soup

Find it online: https://withnora.com/hearty-meatball-vegetable-soup/