There’s just something so comforting about a big bowl of hearty vegetable meatball soup, don’t you think? I love how this recipe brings together the vibrant flavors of fresh veggies and those savory meatballs, all in one delightful pot. It’s super easy to whip up—like, you don’t need to be a master chef to make this happen! You can have it ready in just 35 minutes, and trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing while it’s cooking. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a warm hug for your belly. So, grab your favorite pot, and let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients for Vegetable Meatball Soup
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious vegetable meatball soup:
- 1 cup of chopped carrots
- 1 cup of chopped celery
- 1 cup of chopped onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup of cooked meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to chop those veggies nice and small for even cooking! Fresh ingredients will give the soup a vibrant flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen veggies work just fine. Now that you’re all set with your ingredients, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Vegetable Meatball Soup
Ready to turn those fresh ingredients into a delicious soup? Let’s break it down step by step. Don’t worry, it’s super simple and I’ll guide you through every part!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating a splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, toss in your chopped carrots, celery, and onion. You want to cook these for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re nice and soft. This is where the magic begins—your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Now, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring it around to release that garlicky goodness. Then, it’s time to pour in your can of diced tomatoes. Stir everything together and let it cook for a couple of minutes so those flavors can mingle.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth
Next, pour in the vegetable broth and bring the whole mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This step helps all those flavors deepen—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 4: Incorporate Meatballs and Mixed Vegetables
Now, add your frozen mixed vegetables and cooked meatballs to the pot. Give it a good stir! Season with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy—this is where you can tweak the flavor to your liking!
Step 5: Final Simmering
Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when everything is heated through and the colors are bright and inviting. Serve this warm bowl of comfort and get ready to enjoy each delicious spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Packed with nutritious veggies and protein-rich meatballs.
- Rich, comforting flavors that warm your soul.
- Perfect for meal prep or cozy weeknight dinners.
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
Tips for Success
To make your vegetable meatball soup truly shine, here are some helpful tips! First off, use fresh vegetables whenever possible—they’ll enhance the flavor and texture of your soup. If you’re using frozen mixed veggies, don’t worry; they work just fine, but try to add them towards the end of cooking to keep some crunch. Also, taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your preference; a little extra salt or a dash of pepper can make a big difference. And remember, if you like a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce the broth. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are approximate values. Each serving of this delicious vegetable meatball soup has about:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
It’s a wholesome meal that’s not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients to keep you energized!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making your vegetable meatball soup? No worries, I’ve got you covered!
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What can I substitute for meatballs? If you want to keep it vegetarian, you can use lentils or chickpeas instead for some added protein. You could also try meat alternatives like veggie meatballs.
How do I store leftovers? Simply let the soup cool, then transfer it to containers. It freezes well too, so you can keep it for up to 2 months in the freezer. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I use different vegetables? Definitely! Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just remember to adjust cooking times if needed!
Serving Suggestions
This hearty vegetable meatball soup is delicious on its own, but pairing it with a few sides can elevate your meal! Consider serving it with a warm crusty bread or a slice of garlic bread for dipping. A simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch. If you’re feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of your soup can take it to the next level. Enjoy your cozy meal!
For more delicious soup recipes, check out Tortellini Soup Recipe or Scottish Lentil Soup Recipe.
Print
Vegetable Meatball Soup: 5 Steps to Comforting Goodness
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty vegetable meatball soup that is easy to make and packed with flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of chopped carrots
- 1 cup of chopped celery
- 1 cup of chopped onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup of cooked meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the frozen mixed vegetables and cooked meatballs.
- Season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for another 10 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot and enjoy your soup!
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables for better flavor.
- If using frozen meatballs, ensure they are fully cooked.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: vegetable meatball soup, easy soup recipe, healthy soup
