Pioneer Woman Meatball Soup

Pioneer Woman’s Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for warming up on chilly days. This soup features tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich, savory broth with vegetables and pasta. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make, ideal for weeknight dinners or a cozy family meal.

What is Pioneer Woman Meatball Soup?

Pioneer Woman’s Meatball Soup is a hearty, Italian-inspired soup that combines homemade or store-bought meatballs with a flavorful tomato-based broth, vegetables, and pasta. It’s a comforting, one-pot meal that’s rich in flavor and packed with protein and nutrients.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Hearty and filling: A complete meal with meatballs, pasta, and vegetables.
• Bursting with flavor: The savory broth and tender meatballs make every bite satisfying.
• Customizable: Easily swap out vegetables, pasta, or seasonings to suit your taste.
• Perfect for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day and freezes well.
• Family-friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Meatball Soup

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Meatball Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
• Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and set them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
• Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

• Add the diced tomatoes, chicken or beef broth, basil, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs

• Reduce the heat to medium-low and carefully return the meatballs to the pot. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

• Stir in the pasta and let it cook in the simmering soup for 8-10 minutes, or until tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Meatball Soup

• Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
• Green salad: A simple mixed green or Caesar salad pairs beautifully.
• Garlic breadsticks: Add an extra touch of indulgence with buttery garlic breadsticks.
• Red wine: A glass of Chianti or Merlot complements the savory flavors.
• Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a hearty side.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Meatball Soup

• Use small meatballs: Bite-sized meatballs make the soup easier to eat and ensure even cooking.
• Don’t overmix the meatballs: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough; mix just until combined.
• Cook pasta separately (optional): To avoid mushy pasta, cook it separately and add to each bowl when serving.
• Taste and adjust seasoning: Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking after simmering.
• Make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes if you like a kick of heat.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Meatball Soup

• Chicken Meatball Soup: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
• Vegetable-Packed Soup: Add zucchini, spinach, or kale for extra nutrients.
• Creamy Meatball Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a creamy twist.
• Italian Wedding Soup Style: Use smaller meatballs and add spinach or escarole for a classic variation.
• Gluten-Free Soup: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

Storing Pioneer Woman Meatball Soup: Best Practices

• Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for later: Meatball soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Separate pasta before freezing: If freezing, avoid adding the pasta until reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Meatball Soup: Best Practices

• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed to adjust consistency.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Add pasta later: If reheating a frozen batch, cook fresh pasta and add it before serving.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman’s Meatball Soup is a comforting, hearty recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for family meals. With tender meatballs, flavorful broth, and a medley of vegetables, this soup is satisfying and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Try it today and enjoy the rich, savory goodness in every bowl!

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• Ina Garten Marinated Flank Steak
• Pioneer Woman Sticky Bun Crinkle Cake
• Pioneer Woman Turkey Spaghetti
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