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Hearty meatball tomato soup with tender beef meatballs, rich tomato broth, and fresh herbs served in a rustic bowl.

Homemade Meatball Tomato Soup Recipe – Comfort Food Dinner

Meatball tomato soup is a cozy, flavorful dish made with juicy beef meatballs simmered in a rich tomato broth. Enhanced with garlic, onions, and herbs, this soup is hearty enough to serve as a main course and pairs beautifully with crusty bread. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or family dinners.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main, Soup
Cuisine American, Italian-inspired
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Ladle

Ingredients
  

For the meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or mix with pork/turkey)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the tomato broth:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp thyme
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare meatballs: Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Shape into small meatballs.
  • Brown meatballs: Heat oil in skillet. Brown meatballs on all sides, then set aside.
  • Build tomato broth: In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, celery, and carrots until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Stir in herbs, salt, and pepper.
  • Simmer meatballs: Add browned meatballs to the pot. Simmer gently for 20–30 minutes until cooked through.
  • Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if needed.
  • Serve hot: Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs. Serve with crusty bread or rice.

Notes

  • Meat choice: Beef and pork blend for richness; turkey or chicken for lighter versions.
  • Tomato options: Fresh tomatoes for brightness, canned for convenience.
  • Variations: Add pasta, chickpeas, or a splash of cream for twists.
  • Make-Ahead: Meatballs can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated.
  • Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days; freeze meatballs and broth separately for 2 months.
Keyword Comfort Food, family recipe, hearty dinner, meatball soup, tomato broth