Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Pioneer Woman Meatball Soup recipe

Pioneer Woman Meatball Soup

  • Author: Anabelle McLean
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 40
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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.