Meatball Soup

This hearty Meatball Soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. Packed with tender meatballs, vegetables, kale, and a savory broth, it’s a simple one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Top it with fresh Parmesan for a satisfying and wholesome dish the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy—ready in just half an hour.

• One-pot meal for easy prep and cleanup.

• Family-friendly, comforting, and filling.

• Flexible—works with frozen meatballs, homemade, or even plant-based options.

• Nutritious, thanks to fresh vegetables and greens.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 2 carrots, sliced into thin coins

• 2 celery ribs, sliced into half moons

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)

• 1 tsp chopped fresh oregano (or ½ tsp dried oregano)

• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

• ¼ tsp fresh ground black pepper (or to taste)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb frozen pre-cooked meatballs

• 28 oz canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained)

• 6 cups chicken broth (or beef, bone, or vegetable broth)

• 5 oz baby kale leaves

• Grated fresh Parmesan cheese, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and parsley. Cook 3–4 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.

2. Season & Add Aromatics: Stir in thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook 20 seconds. Add garlic and cook 15 seconds until fragrant.

3. Stir in Meatballs & Remaining Ingredients: Add meatballs and cook 4 minutes. Stir in diced tomatoes and cook 1 minute. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.

4. Simmer: Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are tender and soup is hot.

5. Add Kale & Finish: Stir in kale and cook 2 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning.

6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Homemade Meatballs: Swap frozen meatballs with homemade, pre-cooked ones.

• Meatless Version: Use plant-based or vegetarian meatballs.

• Greens Swap: Use spinach instead of kale for a softer texture.

• Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, peas, or green beans for more nutrition.

• With Pasta: Add small pasta like ditalini, orzo, or shells for a heartier soup.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, just make sure they’re cooked before adding to the soup.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well in the fridge for several days and tastes even better the next day.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, use about 4–5 diced fresh tomatoes, but the flavor will be lighter.

What can I use instead of kale?

Baby spinach, Swiss chard, or even cabbage are great substitutes.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure the meatballs and broth you use are gluten-free.

How do I thicken the soup?

You can stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water, or let it simmer longer to reduce.

Can I add beans for more protein?

Absolutely—cannellini or kidney beans work well.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, then stir in kale at the end.

Do I need to thaw the meatballs first?

No, frozen pre-cooked meatballs go straight into the pot.

Can I freeze this soup with pasta added?

It’s better to freeze without pasta, as pasta tends to get mushy when reheated.

Conclusion

This Meatball Soup is a quick and comforting meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly. With its tender meatballs, savory broth, and fresh vegetables, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead lunches. Simple, versatile, and nourishing, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your soup rotation.

Print