This classic Mom’s Meatball Soup is a comforting, hearty dish filled with tender homemade meatballs, potatoes, carrots, and flavorful seasonings. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is made with a savory chicken stock base, optional pasta, and a secret ingredient – fresh dill – to elevate the taste. You can even make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a family-friendly meal, this easy meatball soup recipe is both satisfying and versatile. Enjoy the wholesome flavors of this meatball soup, which can be made ahead of time or frozen for later.

Ingredients:

Soup Ingredients:

7 cups water
8 cups low-sodium chicken stock
2 tsp fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
6-8 medium potatoes, cubed
3 medium carrots, thinly sliced
½ cup pasta (optional)
½ onion, finely diced
2 large sticks of celery, finely diced
3 Tbsp canola oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten (optional)
2 Tbsp fresh or frozen dill
Mrs. Dash seasoning
Ground black pepper

Meatball Ingredients:

2 lbs ground pork
1 tsp Mrs. Dash seasoning
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp fine sea salt
1 large egg
½ onion, finely diced

Instructions:

In a large soup pot, combine water and chicken stock over high heat. Add 2 tsp salt and the cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes.
While the potatoes cook, slice the carrots and add them to the pot. Optionally, add ½ cup of thinly sliced pasta or your choice of pasta.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ½ chopped onion, 1 tsp Mrs. Dash, ½ tsp ground black pepper, 2 tsp salt, and 1 egg. Mix well until fully incorporated.
Roll the pork mixture into small meatballs and gently drop them into the boiling soup. Let them cook for at least 10 minutes or until they float to the top, ensuring they are fully cooked.
In a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, heat the canola oil. Add the diced celery and remaining ½ onion. Sauté until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes, then add to the soup pot.
Optionally, beat the egg and slowly pour it into the soup while stirring continuously to avoid clumps.
Stir in the dill, then season the soup with additional Mrs. Dash, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to blend the flavors before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This hearty, comforting meatball soup is packed with flavor, filled with tender meatballs, and brimming with healthy vegetables. The rich chicken stock base provides a savory foundation, while the addition of dill and Mrs. Dash seasoning gives it a delightful burst of flavor. The simplicity of this soup, paired with the option to add pasta, makes it both satisfying and versatile for any meal.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Meat Options: While ground pork is used in this recipe, you can substitute with ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a lighter option.
Pasta: You can use any pasta of your choice, such as small shells, elbow macaroni, or gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies like zucchini, peas, or green beans to make the soup even more nutritious.
Seasoning: For extra depth, add a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
Egg Addition: The egg in the soup is optional but adds a rich texture. If you skip it, the soup will still taste delicious.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop overnight!

Can I freeze the soup? Yes, you can freeze the meatball soup for up to 3 months. To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, it’s best to cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving.

Is this soup gluten-free? The soup can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that the seasoning is free of gluten. You may also want to check the labels of your chicken stock.

Serving

Serve this comforting meatball soup with a side of crusty bread, crackers, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It also pairs wonderfully with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Suggestions

Garnish: Top with fresh herbs like parsley or more dill for a burst of color and flavor.
Pairing: Serve with a light, tangy cucumber salad or roasted veggies for a wholesome meal.
Make it Spicy: If you enjoy heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the soup for an extra kick.

Enjoy a warm, nourishing bowl of Mom’s Meatball Soup that’s perfect for any season!