Tomato Meatball Soup: 5 Steps to Cozy Comfort!

Name: Tomato Meatball Soup: 5 Steps to Cozy Comfort!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 4 cups beef broth; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup diced celery; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Fresh parsley for garnish

June 1, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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There’s something truly heartwarming about a big bowl of tomato meatball soup. It’s like a cozy hug on a chilly evening! This recipe is one of my go-to comfort meals, and it’s super easy to whip up. I remember the first time I made it; I was a total beginner in the kitchen, and I was amazed at how quickly it came together. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a deliciously rich soup that fills your home with the most inviting aroma. Plus, it’s versatile! You can tweak it to your taste, adding in whatever vegetables you have on hand. Trust me, once you try this tomato meatball soup, it’ll become a staple in your home too!

tomato meatball soup - detail 1

Ingredients for Tomato Meatball Soup

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this comforting bowl of deliciousness. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound ground beef: This is the star of your meatballs. You can also use ground turkey for a lighter option if you prefer.
1 cup breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together and give them that perfect texture.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of cheesy goodness adds flavor to the meatballs.
1 egg: This acts as a binder, keeping your meatballs nice and cohesive.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor to the dish.
1 teaspoon salt: This enhances all the flavors in your soup, so don’t skip it!
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Just a pinch adds a little kick to the meatballs.
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: The base of your soup; these will make it rich and flavorful.
4 cups beef broth: This adds depth and a savory quality to the soup.
1 cup diced carrots: Sweet and tender, these will contribute both flavor and color.
1 cup diced celery: Adds crunch and a slight earthiness to the mix.
1 teaspoon dried basil: A classic herb in Italian cooking that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Another essential herb that adds warmth to the soup.
Fresh parsley for garnish: This not only brightens up your soup but adds a fresh touch at the end.

These ingredients are pretty straightforward and easy to find. As you get more comfortable, feel free to experiment with additional veggies or spices that you love!

How to Prepare Tomato Meatball Soup

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into making this scrumptious tomato meatball soup! I promise it’s super easy, and I’ll guide you through each step. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delightful meal on the table in no time!

Making the Meatballs

First things first, let’s make those meatballs! In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. I like to use my hands for this part – it feels more personal and gives you a better feel for the mixture. Just mix everything until it’s well combined, but don’t overdo it; you want a nice, tender meatball.

Next, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This size is perfect because they’ll cook evenly in the soup. If you find the mixture is too sticky, a little bit of water on your hands can help shape them without making a mess. Set the meatballs aside on a plate while you prepare the soup base.

Preparing the Soup Base

In a large pot, pour in that beautiful can of crushed tomatoes and the beef broth. Give it a good stir to combine the two. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. It’s really important not to rush this step; letting it come to a boil slowly helps develop the flavors. If you see bubbles starting to pop, then you’re ready for the next step!

Once it’s boiling, add in the diced carrots, diced celery, dried basil, and oregano. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes. This is when your kitchen will start smelling amazing! Just be sure to keep an eye on the pot; you don’t want anything to stick to the bottom.

Cooking the Meatballs

Now for the exciting part – it’s time to add the meatballs! Carefully drop them into the boiling soup. Don’t worry about them sticking together; they’ll separate as they cook. Once all the meatballs are in, reduce the heat to low. This is where the magic happens! Let everything simmer gently for about 30 minutes.

To check if the meatballs are done, look for a couple of signs: they should be cooked through and no longer pink inside, and they’ll float a bit on the surface. If you want to be extra sure, you can cut one in half to check. And just like that, your delicious tomato meatball soup is almost ready to serve! Just a little longer, and it’ll be time to enjoy!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a quick note before you dig in! The nutritional information for this tomato meatball soup can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use and any substitutions you make. While I can’t provide exact numbers, you can expect each serving (about 1 cup) to have roughly:

Calories: 300
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 800mg
Cholesterol: 70mg

These values are just estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your own ingredients and dietary needs. Happy cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time!
Comforting Flavor: The rich combination of tomatoes and savory meatballs creates a warm and inviting soup perfect for chilly days.
Easy to Make: Perfect for beginners, this recipe uses simple steps and common ingredients that you probably already have at home.
Adaptable: Feel free to throw in extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers; it’s a great way to use up what you have!
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good meatball soup, making it an easy choice for dinner that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Leftover Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep or cozy leftovers!

Tips for Success

Making tomato meatball soup is a delightful experience, but a few tips can help ensure it turns out perfectly every time. Here are my go-to hints to avoid common pitfalls and elevate your soup game!

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, and nobody wants that!
Use a cookie scoop: For evenly sized meatballs, try using a cookie scoop! This little tool helps you portion out the meatballs quickly and keeps them all the same size for even cooking.
Let the soup simmer: Patience is key! Allow the soup to simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. This not only cooks the meatballs thoroughly but also melds the flavors beautifully.
Check seasoning: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes a little extra salt or a pinch of sugar can enhance the flavors dramatically!
Don’t rush the boiling step: When bringing the soup base to a boil, take your time. A gradual boil allows the flavors to develop better than if you crank the heat up too high.
Store leftovers correctly: If you have any soup left, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

These little tips will help ensure your tomato meatball soup is not just good, but great! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!

Variations of Tomato Meatball Soup

One of the best things about tomato meatball soup is how easily you can mix things up! Once you get the hang of the basic recipe, feel free to get creative with different ingredients or methods. Here are some fun variations to try:

Swap the meat: Instead of ground beef, why not use ground turkey or chicken? It’s a lighter option that still packs a punch of flavor. Just keep in mind that turkey can be a bit drier, so don’t skip the breadcrumbs!
Add greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a boost of nutrients and color. They’ll wilt beautifully and enhance the flavor without overpowering the soup.
Try different veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even corn! Just chop them into similar sizes to your carrots and celery so they cook evenly.
Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sprinkle them into the soup as it simmers. A dash of hot sauce can also elevate the flavor!
Experiment with herbs: Instead of just basil and oregano, consider adding fresh thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs can really brighten up the soup!
Make it creamy: For a richer soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving. It adds a delicious creaminess that complements the tomatoes perfectly!

These variations keep the essence of tomato meatball soup while letting you personalize it to your taste. So, don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

Now that your delicious tomato meatball soup is ready, let’s talk about how to serve it up for the ultimate dining experience! A few thoughtful sides and garnishes can take your soup from good to absolutely fantastic. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a hearty sourdough loaf is perfect for dipping into the soup. The combination of the crunchy bread with the rich, savory soup is simply divine!
Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl just before serving. It melts slightly and adds an extra layer of flavor that cheese lovers will adore.
Fresh Basil: Chopping up some fresh basil and adding it as a garnish gives a lovely burst of color and a refreshing taste that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
Salad: Pair your soup with a light side salad, like a simple mixed greens salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. The brightness of the salad balances the richness of the soup.
Crackers or Breadsticks: For a little crunch, serve some crispy crackers or breadsticks on the side. They’re great for dunking and add a fun texture to the meal.
Olive Oil Drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the soup just before serving can elevate the flavors and make it look so inviting!

These serving suggestions not only enhance the flavor of your tomato meatball soup but also create a lovely presentation that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy every spoonful and the cozy moments that come with sharing a meal!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.