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)

Carrot Pancakes
Photo of Carrot Pancakes

Carrot Pancakes

A fun and healthy twist on pancakes to enjoy at any meal.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
7 Pancakes
French Toast
Plates of French Toast dusted with powdered sugar.

French Toast

A simple breakfast that everyone will love. Top with your favorite fruits or sauces.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 slices
Garden Sloppy Joes
Open faced buns with a saucy meat and vegetable mix.

Garden Sloppy Joes

Healthy vegetable-packed lunch or dinner favorite!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 Sandwiches
Cream of Celery Soup
Bowls of textured celery with a smooth creamy soup base.

Cream of Celery Soup

This one-pot recipe is the perfect meal on a cold day or alongside a salad as a satisfying summer lunch.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Spinach and Black Bean Enchiladas
Casserole dish with tortillas filled with a bean, corn and spinach mix with red sauce.

Spinach and Black Bean Enchiladas

Enjoy these Spinach and Black Bean Enchiladas for an easy and satisfying meal.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
8 enchiladas
Sautéed Beet Greens
Plate of dark green beet leaves.

Sautéed Beet Greens

These sautéed beet greens are made with tangy lemon juice and a dash of red pepper flakes.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 Servings