If you are craving a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, look no further than this Comforting Vegetable Soup with Meatballs and Pasta Recipe. It’s packed with tender homemade meatballs, vibrant vegetables, and bite-sized pasta swimming in a rich tomato and beef broth. Each spoonful blends robust flavors and textures that bring both satisfaction and nourishment, making it the perfect dish to cozy up with on any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is all it takes to create this soul-soothing soup. Each component plays an essential role, from adding savory depth and freshness to creating a balanced, colorful bowl that bursts with flavor and texture.
- Ground beef (1 lb / 450g): The base for your juicy homemade meatballs, bringing rich and tender protein.
- Egg (1): Binds the meatballs perfectly, keeping them tender and shaped during cooking.
- Salt (1 tsp + 1 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors, used both in meatballs and soup vegetables.
- Ground pepper (½ tsp): Adds a subtle spice to the meatballs.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp total): Boosts savory notes, split between meatballs and vegetables for depth.
- Onion powder (½ tsp): Infuses gentle sweetness and enhances the meaty flavor.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup / 50g): Keeps meatballs moist while giving them a tender bite.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Perfect for sautéing your onions, carrots, and celery to fragrance perfection.
- Onion (½, diced): Adds hearty, aromatic base flavor to the soup.
- Carrots (2, sliced): Bring natural sweetness and beautiful color.
- Celery stalks (2, chopped): Provide a subtle freshness and crunchy texture.
- Italian seasoning (½ tsp): A blend of herbs that gives your soup an inviting Mediterranean touch.
- Zucchini (1, chopped): Adds a light, tender vegetable note to balance heartiness.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can / 14 oz / 400g): Infuse the broth with vibrant tomato flavor and texture.
- Tomato sauce (1 can / 8 oz / 225g): Deepens the richness of the soup base.
- Beef broth (4 cups / 1 liter): Creates a savory, comforting liquid foundation.
- Frozen green beans (1 cup / 150g): Add a pop of green and tender veggie bites.
- Frozen corn (½ cup / 75g): Sweetens each spoonful with petite kernels.
- Elbow macaroni or small pasta (½ cup / 50g): Provides satisfying texture and substance.
How to Make Comforting Vegetable Soup with Meatballs and Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
Start by blending your ground beef with an egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and breadcrumbs. This mix is the secret to tender, flavorful meatballs that hold their shape in the soup. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls — perfect bite-sized morsels that pack a punch of juicy goodness.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, heat olive oil in a large stockpot and toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Let them gently cook until they soften and their natural sweetness comes alive, about 4 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle in salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning for a fragrant foundation that will warm your kitchen and your heart.
Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Into this aromatic base, stir in chopped zucchini, canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer. The mix of tomatoes and broth creates a wonderfully rich and tangy soup base that complements the meatballs perfectly.
Step 4: Add Meatballs
Here’s where the magic happens — carefully drop your raw meatballs into the simmering soup, cover the pot, and let them cook through for 15 to 20 minutes. The meatballs will infuse the broth with deep, savory flavor as they cook to juicy perfection.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Frozen Veggies
Once your meatballs are tender and cooked, toss in frozen green beans, corn, and your choice of elbow macaroni or other small pasta. Simmer the soup for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until the pasta is tender and the veggies are just heated through, delivering a delightful blend of textures in every bite.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle this warm, comforting creation into bowls and serve immediately. If you like, sprinkle fresh parsley or grated Parmesan on top to elevate the flavor and presentation. Every spoonful of this soup promises a nourishing and festive experience.
How to Serve Comforting Vegetable Soup with Meatballs and Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or some grated Parmesan cheese adds a fresh, vibrant touch that brightens the soup beautifully. Crusty bread or a garlic breadstick serves as a perfect companion to soak up every last drop of the savory broth.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness, or offer a warm, buttery cornbread to keep the meal hearty and filling without overpowering the delicate flavors. A crisp apple salad is also delightful for a refreshing burst.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a swirl of olive oil on top and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. You can also serve meatballs on skewers as an appetizer before the soup, keeping the theme for a fun dinner party twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it an even better next-day meal!
Freezing
You can freeze leftover soup without the pasta to maintain texture; store meatballs and broth with vegetables separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating to keep it from becoming mushy.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Add fresh pasta during reheating for best texture. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for the meatballs?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative; just keep an eye on cooking time as it can dry out more quickly. Adding a little extra moisture like grated zucchini to the meat mixture can help.
What kind of pasta is best for this soup?
Small shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or ditalini work best since their size makes them easy to eat with the meatballs and vegetables, and they cook quickly without overpowering the soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, skip the meatballs and beef broth, substituting vegetable broth and adding extra beans or lentils for protein. You could also prepare vegetarian “meatballs” using plant-based ingredients.
How can I make the meatballs more tender?
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture — just combine until ingredients are blended. Using an egg and breadcrumbs helps keep them moist and soft while cooking gently in the soup.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, the soup freezes well without pasta. To avoid a mushy texture, cook pasta fresh when reheating. Store in airtight freezer containers for up to 3 months for convenient future meals.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade bowl of Comforting Vegetable Soup with Meatballs and Pasta Recipe — it beckons family and friends to gather and share, filling the kitchen with love and warmth. Give it a try soon, and discover how effortless it is to create this nourishing, flavorful, and soul-satisfying classic that will surely become a favorite in your recipe box.
