Hearty Meatball and Rice Soup

Packed with savory meatballs, tender vegetables, and warm spices, this soup is the perfect comforting meal!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Soup:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with liquid
• ½ cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.

2. Brown the Meatballs

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch.
3. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.

4. Simmer the Soup

1. Pour in the chicken or beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), rice, thyme, and parsley. Stir well to combine.
2. Return the browned meatballs to the pot.
3. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the flavors are well blended.

5. Season and Serve

1. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
2. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
3. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Time Required

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Tips for Success

• Use lean ground turkey for a lighter option or ground beef for a richer flavor.
• For an extra twist, substitute rice with small pasta like orzo or ditalini.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.