Beef Meatballs Soup Recipe

Beef meatball soup is the type of dish that feels like a big, comforting hug in a bowl. It’s rich, hearty, and full of deep, savory flavors, perfect for those chilly nights when all you crave is something satisfying and soul-warming. This soup is an incredibly versatile recipe that pairs tender beef meatballs with a flavorful broth, veggies, and sometimes even some pasta or rice to round it all out. It’s one of those meals that can be easily tweaked to suit your preferences, but still deliver that classic, beloved taste.

What makes beef meatball soup so great? Well, for starters, it’s a one-pot meal that is both filling and nourishing. And whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to leave everyone feeling cozy and content. The combination of juicy, seasoned meatballs and a rich, savory broth is simple yet always satisfying.

In this guide, we’ll walk through a straightforward yet flavorful beef meatball soup recipe. You’ll get insights into each ingredient and expert tips on how to make this soup even better. Ready to dive into it? Let’s get started.

This beef meatball soup recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. It’s simple, customizable, and full of those feel-good flavors that you just can’t get enough of. By the time you’re done, you’ll have a soup that’s rich in flavor, with juicy meatballs swimming in a nourishing broth. Plus, it’s easy to put together, which makes it perfect for a weeknight meal or even a special occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe approachable and rewarding.

Ingredients Needed

To make this beef meatball soup, you’ll need a solid list of ingredients. While it doesn’t require anything too fancy, each item plays a key role in making the dish flavorful and balanced.

For The Meatballs

Ground Beef (85% lean) – This will be the base of your meatballs. You want a bit of fat to ensure they remain juicy, but not too much so they aren’t greasy.
Breadcrumbs – These are essential for binding the meatballs and keeping them tender. They soak up the juices, ensuring each meatball has the right texture.
Egg – Used as a binder to hold the meatball together. It also helps to keep the meatballs moist.
Garlic (minced) – Fresh garlic adds a fragrant, savory punch to the meatballs.
Parsley (chopped) – Adds a bit of freshness to balance the richness of the beef.
Salt & Pepper – Classic seasonings that are essential for bringing out all the flavors.
Parmesan (optional) – For an extra layer of depth and umami, add some grated Parmesan cheese into the meatball mix.

For The Soup

Onion (diced) – Onion is a key player in creating that aromatic base for your soup.
Carrots (sliced) – Adds a touch of sweetness and color to the soup, making it more vibrant.
Celery (chopped) – Provides crunch and freshness, balancing out the richness of the beef meatballs.
Tomato Paste – Helps thicken the broth and adds a deep, savory flavor.
Beef Broth – This is the foundation of the soup. You can use homemade or store-bought broth, depending on what you have on hand.
Bay Leaves – A few leaves for a subtle, earthy aroma in the broth.
Dried Oregano & Thyme – For an herby fragrance that complements the beefy broth.
Spinach or Kale (optional) – For some added greens that bring freshness and nutrients to the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare The Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, Parmesan (if using), salt, and pepper.
Use your hands to mix everything gently until combined. Avoid overworking the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1-1.5 inches in diameter).
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). They don’t need to be cooked all the way through since they’ll cook further in the soup. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Start The Soup

In the same pot or a large soup pot, add a little more oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat until softened (about 5 minutes).
Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor.
Add the beef broth, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, and any other seasonings you’d like to include. Bring the soup to a simmer.

Step 3: Add The Meatballs

Carefully drop the partially cooked meatballs into the simmering broth. Stir gently to ensure they’re evenly distributed in the soup.
Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.

Step 4: Add The Greens

If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt and add a nice contrast to the hearty broth and meatballs.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Ingredient Insights

Ground Beef (85% lean): The balance of fat and lean meat is crucial for juicy, tender meatballs. If you use leaner beef, you risk having dry meatballs. The fat in the beef also infuses the broth with richness.
Breadcrumbs: These help keep the meatballs from becoming dense. They act like little sponges, absorbing moisture and releasing it back into the meatballs as they cook.
Tomato Paste: Tomato paste isn’t just for flavor; it adds a nice texture to the broth. It also intensifies the beefy taste, creating a full-bodied, rich base.
Bay Leaves & Herbs: While bay leaves provide a subtle, aromatic background, dried herbs like oregano and thyme offer more pronounced, savory undertones that perfectly complement the beef.

Expert Tips

Make Ahead: Beef meatball soup actually tastes even better the next day! The flavors meld overnight, making it a perfect dish to prepare in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Don’t Overcrowd the Meatballs: When browning the meatballs, don’t overcrowd the pan. If you do, they’ll steam rather than brown. Brown them in batches if necessary.
Use Homemade Broth: If you have the time, homemade beef broth can elevate this soup by adding a rich, deep flavor that store-bought broth can’t match.
Thicken the Soup: For a thicker soup, you can mash a few of the carrots and potatoes (if added) in the soup with a potato masher or blend part of the broth for a creamy consistency.

Recipe Variations

This beef meatball soup is incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it based on what you have in your pantry or what you’re in the mood for.

Add Pasta: Small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or even small elbow macaroni can be added in the last 10 minutes of cooking for a more filling soup.
Add Potatoes: Dice potatoes and add them along with the carrots and celery. Potatoes make the soup heartier and more filling.
Spicy Version: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup or mix some finely chopped jalapeños into the meatball mixture.
Vegetarian Meatballs: Swap out the beef for plant-based alternatives and adjust seasonings accordingly to keep the flavor balanced.

Final Words

Beef meatball soup is one of those meals that feels like home-simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. The meatballs, broth, and vegetables come together in perfect harmony, and with a few tweaks, you can make it your own.

Beef Meatballs Soup Recipe