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Pioneer Woman Meatball Soup

Pioneer Woman Meatball Soup - recipe card
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This hearty, rustic soup features tender homemade beef meatballs simmered in a rich, savory tomato broth with carrots, celery, and pearl pasta. It’s a comforting, one-pot meal that’s perfect for cold evenings, with a deep, satisfying flavor that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean)
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup pearl pasta (or orzo)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 16-20). Set them on a plate or tray; they will be added to the soup later.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the meatballs in a single layer (you may need to do two batches). Brown them for 3-4 minutes per side, turning gently with tongs, until they have a deep golden crust on all sides. The meatballs will not be cooked through—that’s fine—they will finish in the broth.
  4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside. Leave the rendered fat and browned bits in the pot—they add flavor.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and begin to soften. The vegetables should release their moisture and sizzle gently.
  6. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. You should smell the garlic become aromatic.
  7. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir in the dried basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—this is where lots of flavor lives.
  8. Bring the soup to a gentle boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a steady simmer. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  9. Gently return the browned meatballs to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Simmer for another 10 minutes, letting the meatballs cook through.
  10. Add the pearl pasta to the soup. Stir well to prevent sticking. Continue to simmer according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
  11. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The broth should be savory with a bright tomato acidity.
  12. Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to distribute the meatballs and vegetables evenly. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Storage: Cool soup completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating. Freezing: The soup can be frozen without the pasta for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop, adding cooked pasta fresh when serving. Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, or in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Avoid boiling vigorously to prevent the meatballs from becoming tough.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball soup, pioneer woman, beef meatballs, tomato soup, vegetable soup, pasta soup, one pot, comfort food, easy soup, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-meatball-soup/