Skip to main content

Meatball Soup

A hearty meatball soup loaded with veggies, Italian herbs and flavorful broth.
Bowl of meatballs, rice and vegetable soup served with lime and cilantro.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Makes: 9 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons uncooked white rice
¼ cup grated carrot or zucchini
½ cup finely chopped onion, divided
1 ¼ cup finely chopped tomato, divided
1 egg
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon chopped fresh oregano or ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon chopped fresh mint or ¼ teaspoon dried mint (optional)
8 ounces ground meat, 15% fat or less (beef, chicken, turkey or pork)
¼ cup plain bread crumbs (optional)
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
6 cups low-sodium broth (any type)
1 or 2 sprigs fresh oregano or ½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
2 cups chopped vegetables (fresh, frozen or canned)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. For meatballs: In a medium bowl, mix together the rice, carrot, ¼ cup onion, ¼ cup tomato, egg, salt, oregano and mint, if desired. Mix in ground meat. Add bread crumbs to help the mixture stick together, if desired.
  4. Using the palms of your hands or a scoop, roll the mixture into balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Set the meatballs aside and wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw meat.
  5. In a large saucepan, heat oil on medium heat. Add ¼ cup onion and 1 cup tomato and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Stir in broth, oregano and garlic powder, if desired. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
  7. Add meatballs to the broth.  Cover and simmer until the internal temperature of a meatball reaches 165 degrees on a food thermometer, about 20 minutes.
  8. Add vegetables to the soup and simmer, covered, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
  9. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Top with a squeeze of lime juice and chopped cilantro.
  • No breadcrumbs? Use 1 Tablespoon cornstarch instead.

Thanks to the OSU Extension Latin Heritage Workgroup for this recipe.

Comments

This is a simple and tasty recipe. I was happy to have both herbs growing in pots. We loved the mint in the meatballs. We used ground beef and beef broth.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Fruity French Toast Casserole
Baking dish with a layer of bread cubes, peaches and a crumbly topping.

Fruity French Toast Casserole

A baked version of French toast with your favorite fruit. Ready in about an hour!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
8 Cups
Vegetarian Borscht
Bowls of vibrant red beet and vegetable soup with a dollop of sour cream and parsley.

Vegetarian Borscht

Borscht is a soup that was first made in Eastern Europe hundreds of years ago. This variation includes beets with cabbage, beans and other vegetables.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
50 minutes
Makes:
12 cups
Cheesy Potato Soup
Photo of Cheesy Potato Soup

Cheesy Potato Soup

This one-pot soup is creamy, cheesy, comforting and perfect on a cold day.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Pasta Salad
Macaroni noodles with ham, vegetables and dressing.

Pasta Salad

Enjoy this simple Spring and Summer side dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Cranberry Applesauce
Bowl of smooth apple and cranberry puree.

Cranberry Applesauce

A new way to enjoy applesauce that is bright, flavorful and kid-approved.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Pinto Bean Dip
Bean dip topped with jalapeno peppers served with baby carrots.

Pinto Bean Dip

A quick and easy bean dip that comes together in 5 minutes.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
3 ¼ cups