This Vegetable Meatball Soup is a hearty, comforting, and easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Tender meatballs simmer in a flavorful broth with fresh vegetables, herbs, and seasonings, creating a warm and satisfying dish.
Packed with protein and nutritious vegetables, this soup is both filling and wholesome. It’s simple to prepare and can be customized with your favorite vegetables, making it a versatile recipe for any season.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef or turkey | 1 lb | For meatballs |
| Breadcrumbs | ½ cup | |
| Egg | 1 large | Helps bind meatballs |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Onion | 1 medium | Diced |
| Carrots | 2 medium | Sliced |
| Celery | 2 stalks | Chopped |
| Zucchini | 1 medium | Diced |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14 oz) | With juices |
| Chicken or beef broth | 6 cups | |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons | Chopped for garnish |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, half of the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form small bite-sized meatballs.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, remaining garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
3. Add Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in Italian seasoning and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
4. Add Meatballs
Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering soup. Reduce heat and cook for 15–18 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.
5. Add Zucchini
Stir in diced zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes until tender.
6. Garnish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Vegetable Meatball Soup
- Use small meatballs so they cook quickly and evenly.
- Add spinach or kale during the last few minutes for extra nutrition.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese when serving.
- This soup can also be made with frozen meatballs for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup with:
- Crusty bread
- Garlic toast
- Fresh green salad
- Parmesan cheese on top
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop until hot.
