Description
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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
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.