Easy Meatballs and Vegetables Soup

If you’re craving a warm, hearty, and comforting meal that’s easy to throw together, then Easy Meatballs and Vegetables Soup is your answer. Picture tender, juicy meatballs floating in a savory broth, surrounded by colorful, nutritious vegetables. This soup has the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and it’s the ideal dish to enjoy on a chilly day or whenever you’re craving something satisfying. Plus, it’s super simple to make, which means more time enjoying the meal and less time in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love Easy Meatballs and Vegetables Soup

• Comforting and Hearty: The tender meatballs combined with fresh vegetables make this soup the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for any season.
• Quick and Simple: With minimal prep time and a short cooking time, this soup is an easy weeknight winner. No complex steps, just throw everything into one pot!
• Nutrient-Packed: The soup is loaded with a variety of vegetables, offering tons of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You’ll feel good about enjoying this dish while also getting your daily dose of veggies.
• Customizable: You can tweak the veggies, spices, or even the type of meatballs to fit your preferences. Want to add extra greens or more herbs? Go for it!

Ingredients for Easy Meatballs and Vegetables Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to create this cozy, comforting soup:

Meatballs:

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Use your favorite ground meat to make tender, flavorful meatballs. Ground beef gives the soup a rich, savory flavor, but ground turkey works if you’re looking for a leaner option.
• Breadcrumbs: These help to bind the meatballs together while keeping them light and tender.
• Egg: The egg helps to hold everything together and keeps the meatballs moist.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the meatballs that aromatic depth of flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: A little Parmesan adds richness and a subtle salty flavor to the meatballs.
• Italian Seasoning: The perfect mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to give the meatballs that delicious Italian flair.
• Salt & Pepper: To season the meatballs perfectly.

Soup Base:

• Carrots: Fresh carrots add natural sweetness and color to the soup.
• Celery: Celery adds crunch and flavor to the broth.
• Potatoes: Potatoes make the soup heartier and more filling. You can use any type of potato you like, but Russet or Yukon Gold are great choices.
• Onion: A little onion for savory flavor to balance out the sweetness of the carrots and potatoes.
• Garlic: More garlic for that aromatic depth in the broth.
• Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is the base of the soup, giving it a rich, savory flavor. You can also use vegetable or beef broth depending on your preference.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a little richness and depth to the broth.
• Spinach or Kale: Adding leafy greens like spinach or kale gives the soup a boost of vitamins and makes it even more satisfying.
• Salt & Pepper: To season the broth to taste.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil adds brightness and freshness to the soup.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements and detailed instructions are in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Set them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pot in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs and set them aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Soup Base

In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent.

Step 4: Add Broth and Potatoes

Add the chicken broth, potatoes, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir everything together to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Add Meatballs to Soup

Once the soup is simmering, gently drop the browned meatballs into the pot. Stir carefully to distribute them evenly throughout the soup. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the meatballs are fully cooked.

Step 6: Add Greens

Stir in the spinach or kale and let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, just until the greens wilt and brighten up the soup.

Step 7: Season to Taste

Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper as needed. If you want an extra burst of flavor, add some fresh parsley or basil.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the soup hot with a slice of warm crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, full of flavor and comfort!

How to Serve Easy Meatballs and Vegetables Soup

• With Crusty Bread: A hearty bowl of soup is perfect when paired with warm, crusty bread for dipping.
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh, green salad for a light, nutritious meal. A simple vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the soup.
• As a Standalone Meal: This soup is filling enough to stand on its own. Serve it in a big bowl with plenty of meatballs and veggies!

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a spicy kick.
• Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it.
• Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store individual servings in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week. It will keep for about 3 days in the fridge.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cup

• Calories: 300
• Total Fat: 12g (18% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 4g (20% DV)
• Cholesterol: 60mg (20% DV)
• Sodium: 500mg (21% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g (12% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 5g (20% DV)
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 18g

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient substitutions or portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked meatballs?

A1: Absolutely! Using pre-cooked meatballs will speed up the process. Just drop them into the soup once the vegetables are sautéed, and let everything simmer together to heat through.

Q2: Can I use ground chicken or turkey for the meatballs?

A2: Yes! Ground chicken or turkey will work well and make the meatballs lighter. Just be sure not to overcook them, as lean meats can dry out more quickly.

Q3: Can I make this soup ahead of time?

A3: Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better after sitting for a while. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

A4: Yes! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as green beans, corn, or peas. They’ll add more flavor and texture to the soup.

Q5: Can I freeze this soup?

A5: Yes, you can freeze the soup! Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Q6: How can I make this soup spicier?

A6: To make the soup spicier, add red pepper flakes or a jalapeño while sautéing the vegetables, or add a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the broth.

Q7: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

A7: Yes, you can! Brown the meatballs separately, then add them to a slow cooker with the veggies, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours until the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are cooked through.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?

A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q9: Can I use a different type of broth?

A9: Yes! You can use vegetable broth or beef broth if you prefer. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, but they will all work well.

Q10: How can I thicken the soup?

A10: If you’d like a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot to give the broth more body. Alternatively, you can add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it.

Conclusion

This Easy Meatballs and Vegetables Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s hearty, flavorful, and so simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s the kind of meal that fills you up and warms your soul. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how easy it is to make something so comforting and satisfying!

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