Spaghetti and Meatball Soup

Imagine your favorite comfort food, spaghetti and meatballs, transformed into a warm, inviting bowl of soup. That’s exactly what Spaghetti and Meatball Soup offers – all the beloved flavors of the classic Italian-American dish, but in a hearty, slurpable form perfect for a cozy evening. This soup is a delightful twist on a family favorite, combining tender meatballs, al dente spaghetti, and a rich, savory tomato broth into a meal that is both satisfying and incredibly comforting.

Why Spaghetti and Meatball Soup is a Must-Try

This soup is a true culinary innovation, taking a beloved dish and making it even more accessible and comforting. It eliminates the need for separate plates of pasta and sauce, combining everything into one harmonious bowl. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, meal prep, or simply when you’re craving the familiar taste of spaghetti and meatballs without the traditional fuss.

Beyond its convenience, Spaghetti and Meatball Soup is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences, using different types of ground meat for the meatballs, opting for gluten-free spaghetti, or adding extra vegetables for a more nutrient-dense meal. It’s a dish that appeals to all ages, making it a guaranteed hit with both adults and children. The robust flavors and satisfying textures ensure that every spoonful is a delightful experience.

The Heart of the Bowl: Key Ingredients

1. The Meatballs

The meatballs are undoubtedly the star of this soup. You can make them from scratch using a mix of ground beef, pork, and veal for a traditional flavor, or opt for lean ground beef, turkey, or even a plant-based alternative. Incorporating breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, and seasonings ensures they are tender, flavorful, and hold their shape in the soup. Browning the meatballs before adding them to the soup is crucial for developing a rich, savory crust and locking in their juices.

2. The Spaghetti

While the name suggests spaghetti, you can use any small pasta shape that holds up well in soup, such as ditalini, small shells, or even broken lasagna noodles. Cooking the pasta separately and adding it to the soup just before serving prevents it from becoming mushy and absorbing too much liquid, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.

3. The Tomato Broth

A rich and flavorful tomato broth forms the base of this soup. A combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a good quality beef or vegetable broth creates a deep, savory foundation. A touch of red wine can add an extra layer of complexity, while Italian seasonings like oregano, basil, and thyme infuse the broth with classic Italian flavors. A pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

4. Aromatics and Seasoning

Onion and garlic are essential aromatics that build the foundational flavor of the soup. Sautéing them until fragrant before adding the liquids creates a depth of flavor that permeates the entire dish. Fresh parsley, both in the meatballs and as a garnish, adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the soup. Don’t forget salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed to enhance all the delicious flavors.

Crafting Your Perfect Spaghetti and Meatball Soup: Step-by-Step

Making this soup is a straightforward process, even for those new to cooking. Here’s a general guide to ensure a delicious outcome:

1. Prepare and Brown Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine your chosen ground meat with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, and seasonings. Form into small meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter). In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the meatballs in a little olive oil until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Build the Broth: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute to deepen its flavor. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef or vegetable broth. Add Italian seasonings, a bay leaf, and a pinch of sugar (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer and Develop Flavors: Return the browned meatballs to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, or longer if time allows. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through and become tender.
5. Cook Spaghetti Separately: While the soup simmers, cook the spaghetti (or other pasta) according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
6. Combine and Serve: Once the soup has simmered and the pasta is cooked, remove the bay leaf. Stir the cooked spaghetti into the soup. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Elevating Your Spaghetti and Meatball Soup

• Homemade Meatballs are Best: While pre-made meatballs can be convenient, making your own allows you to control the ingredients and flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly in the hot soup.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh basil or oregano at the very end of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Cheese, Please!: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese over each serving is highly recommended.
• Make it Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. If making ahead, store the cooked spaghetti separately and add it to individual servings just before reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Freezing Instructions: The soup base (without the spaghetti) freezes exceptionally well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding freshly cooked spaghetti.

Nutritional Benefits of Spaghetti and Meatball Soup

Beyond its comforting taste, Spaghetti and Meatball Soup offers a range of nutritional benefits:

• Good Source of Protein: The meatballs provide a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle growth, repair, and satiety.
• Rich in Lycopene: Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to various health benefits, including heart health.
• Provides Energy: The spaghetti provides complex carbohydrates, offering sustained energy to fuel your day.
• Contains Vitamins and Minerals: Depending on the vegetables and broth used, the soup can be a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and iron.
• Hydrating: As a soup, it contributes to your daily fluid intake, helping to keep you hydrated.

Spaghetti and Meatball Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a bowl full of warmth, flavor, and nostalgia. Its comforting nature and ease of preparation make it a perfect addition to your recipe rotation. Enjoy the delicious fusion of classic flavors in every spoonful!

Spaghetti and Meatball Soup

All the beloved flavors of classic spaghetti and meatballs transformed into a hearty, comforting soup.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Main Dish, Soup

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian-American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef, pork, veal
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil for browning

For the Soup

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 6 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp sugar optional, to balance acidity
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 oz spaghetti broken into 1-2 inch pieces (cooked separately)
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish, optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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Method

 

Prepare and Brown Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Build the Soup

1. In the same pot, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef or vegetable broth. Add dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Simmer Soup with Meatballs

1. Return the browned meatballs to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and flavors have melded.

Cook Spaghetti and Serve

1. While the soup simmers, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
2. Remove bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the cooked spaghetti. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For best results, cook spaghetti separately and add to individual servings to prevent it from becoming mushy. The soup base can be made ahead and frozen without the spaghetti.