When the chill of the day calls for a meal that warms both body and soul, meatball soup is the answer. Hearty, comforting, and brimming with the satisfying flavors of tender meatballs, aromatic vegetables, and a savory broth, this soup delivers a delicious balance between rich and light. The simplicity of its preparation makes it a go-to for busy weeknights, while the depth of its flavors keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether served as a cozy family dinner or an appetizer for a larger gathering, meatball soup is a true culinary comfort.

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Ingredients Breakdown

Key Soup Ingredients
At the heart of this recipe are the potatoes, carrots, and chicken stock, which form the foundation of the soup. The potatoes provide substance and a tender bite, while the carrots lend a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the broth. The chicken stock, with its light and savory essence, elevates the flavor of the soup and blends harmoniously with the other ingredients. For those seeking extra heartiness, adding a small amount of pasta, such as thin spaghetti, offers a lovely texture contrast without overpowering the dish.

Meatball Ingredients
The star of the dish is undoubtedly the meatballs. Made from ground pork, these meatballs are seasoned with finely diced onion, Mrs. Dash, sea salt, and black pepper to infuse every bite with savory goodness. The onion adds moisture and sweetness, while the spices ensure each meatball is packed with flavor. A large egg binds the mixture together, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape while remaining tender and juicy.

Seasonings
No soup is complete without a well-considered balance of seasonings. Here, Mrs. Dash offers a flavorful blend of herbs and spices that perfectly complements the meatballs and vegetables. Fresh or frozen dill adds a subtle freshness that brightens the broth, while ground black pepper provides a mild heat that enhances every spoonful. Together, these seasonings ensure a well-rounded and delicious soup that bursts with flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Begin by pouring the water and chicken stock into a large soup pot, setting the stage for the broth. Stir in the fine sea salt to season the base and add your cubed potatoes, allowing them to cook until tender. As the potatoes simmer, thinly slice your carrots and toss them into the pot, adding a pop of color and subtle sweetness. If you’re using pasta, add it to the pot to cook until it reaches the perfect al dente texture.

For the meatballs, mix the ground pork with finely diced onion, seasonings, and egg. Roll the mixture into even-sized balls, which not only ensures they cook evenly but also enhances their appearance in the soup. Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth, allowing them to cook until they float to the top, signaling they are ready.

As the soup simmers, sauté finely diced celery and onion in a hot skillet until golden and fragrant. This step intensifies the flavor of the vegetables before they are added to the soup, enriching the overall depth of the broth. Once the sautéed vegetables are incorporated, finish by whisking in a beaten egg, if desired, for a silkier texture.

Adjust the final seasonings with additional Mrs. Dash, salt, and black pepper, bringing the soup to life with every spoonful.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Avoid overcooking the pasta by adding it near the end of the cooking process. Check it regularly to ensure it retains a pleasant bite.

For a lighter version of the soup, replace some of the chicken stock with water, or use lean ground turkey instead of pork for the meatballs.

To ensure uniform meatballs, use a small ice cream scoop to portion them before rolling them by hand. This helps them cook evenly and look consistent.

Season to taste by adjusting the salt and pepper toward the end of cooking. Remember, the broth’s flavors will deepen as the soup simmers.

Can I use other types of meat for the meatballs?
Yes! Ground beef, turkey, or a combination of meats would work beautifully in this recipe.

What can I substitute for the pasta if I want a low-carb version?
You can skip the pasta entirely or substitute it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

How long does the soup stay fresh in the fridge or freezer?
The soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat it gently to avoid overcooking the meatballs.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup for extra flavor?
Absolutely! Try adding chopped kale, spinach, or green beans toward the end of cooking for additional nutrients and texture.

What to Serve With This Recipe

A bowl of meatball soup is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can take your dining experience to the next level. Freshly baked bread, garlic toast, or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the savory broth, ensuring none of that delicious liquid goes to waste. For balance, a simple side salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the soup, adding a refreshing element to the meal. If you’re looking for a sweet note to finish the meal, a light dessert such as a lemon sorbet or fruit salad pairs wonderfully without being too heavy.

How to Store and Reheat Meatball Soup

Leftovers of this hearty soup are a gift in themselves. To store the soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for longer storage, up to three months. If freezing, consider portioning the soup into smaller containers to make reheating easy.

When reheating, it’s essential to gently warm the soup on the stove over medium-low heat, ensuring the meatballs retain their tenderness and the vegetables don’t become mushy. If the soup has thickened during storage, simply add a little extra chicken stock or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Before serving, a handful of fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, can add brightness and a pop of color to the soup. For an added touch of luxury, consider topping each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil. These small details not only elevate the presentation but also enhance the flavor profile of the soup.

When serving this dish at a family meal or gathering, ladle the soup into large bowls to show off the perfectly cooked meatballs and vibrant vegetables. Arrange some fresh bread or rolls on the table for dipping, and let the warmth of this hearty meal bring everyone together.

Ingredients

Soup:

3 Tbsp canola oil
2 large celery stalks, finely diced
1/2 onion, finely diced
3 medium carrots, thinly sliced
6-8 medium potatoes, cubed
8 cups low-sodium chicken stock
7 cups water
2 tsp fine sea salt (or more, to taste)
1/2 cup pasta, optional (thin spaghetti or any small pasta of your choice)
2 Tbsp fresh or frozen dill
Ground black pepper, to taste
Mrs. Dash seasoning, to taste
1 large egg, lightly beaten (optional)

Meat Mix:

2 lbs ground pork
1/2 onion, finely diced
1 tsp Mrs. Dash seasoning
2 tsp fine sea salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 large egg

Instructions

Pour the water and chicken stock into a large soup pot and set it over high heat. Stir in 2 tsp of sea salt, then add your cubed potatoes to the pot. Bring the liquid to a boil, allowing the potatoes to cook for about 10 minutes.

As the potatoes cook, slice the carrots and add them into the soup.

If using pasta, add 1/2 cup of small pasta (like thin spaghetti cut into 1/2″ pieces) into the pot.

In a separate large bowl, combine the ground pork with finely diced onion, Mrs. Dash seasoning, black pepper, salt, and egg. Mix the ingredients thoroughly.

Shape the pork mixture into meatballs, rolling them in your hands, and carefully drop them into the boiling soup. Allow the meatballs to cook for at least 10 minutes or until fully cooked and they rise to the top.

While the soup simmers, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the canola oil, then sauté the diced celery and onion until they become soft and golden in color. Once sautéed, transfer the mixture to the soup pot.

If desired, whisk a beaten egg into the soup while stirring constantly to avoid any clumping.

Finish by adding fresh or frozen dill, then season the soup to taste with additional Mrs. Dash, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, adjust seasoning as needed, and enjoy your comforting meatball soup.