Hearty & Easy Spaghetti and Meatball Soup: Your New Favorite Comfort Food Dinner
There’s something truly magical about comfort food, isn’t there? It wraps you in a warm hug, brings back cherished memories, and simply makes everything feel right with the world. And when it comes to classic comfort, spaghetti and meatballs undoubtedly reign supreme. But what if we told you there’s a new, exciting way to enjoy this beloved dish, one that’s even quicker, easier, and perfect for any night of the week? Enter: Spaghetti and Meatball Soup!
This delightful recipe takes everything you adore about traditional spaghetti and meatballs and transforms it into a savory, soul-warming soup. It’s a fun, fresh twist that promises to become a staple in your meal rotation. Imagine tender pasta, savory meatballs, and a rich, aromatic broth, all simmering together to create a symphony of flavors. It’s an incredibly satisfying meal that’s both familiar and wonderfully innovative.
The Allure of Soup: A Year-Round Delight
Are you the kind of person who enjoys a steaming bowl of soup all year round, or do you reserve it strictly for when the chilly weather sets in? For me, soup season truly begins when the nights grow crisp. As soon as that first hint of autumn or winter chill hits, my mind immediately drifts to warm, cozy culinary creations. From a creamy Crock Pot Potato Soup to hearty stews, I’m always on the lookout for the next comforting concoction to chase away the cold.
One of the primary reasons I have such an affinity for soup is the pure joy of dipping bread. There’s nothing quite like tearing off a piece of crusty bread and soaking up every last drop of flavorful broth. While cornbread is my go-to for a robust chili, a good, crusty loaf is absolutely essential for a truly exceptional soup experience. It adds texture, absorbs flavor, and makes every spoonful feel even more substantial and satisfying. This spaghetti and meatball soup pairs perfectly with a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread, making it an ideal family meal.
Transforming a Classic: Why Spaghetti and Meatball Soup?
So, what could be better than turning the beloved classic, spaghetti and meatballs, into a comforting soup? This innovative approach offers all the familiar flavors in a more accessible and often quicker format. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy your favorite pasta dish, especially on busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table without fuss.
The beauty of this spaghetti meatball soup lies in its simplicity and versatility. While homemade meatballs elevate the dish to an extra special level, don’t hesitate to use quality frozen meatballs if you’re pressed for time or simply prefer the convenience. Either option will result in a deeply comforting bowl of soup that your entire family will eagerly devour. It’s truly a testament to how adaptable and universally loved the combination of pasta and meatballs is, transcending traditional forms to bring warmth and joy in a bowl.
The Heart of the Soup: Perfect Meatballs
My love for meatballs runs deep – pretty much any kind will do! Whether they have an exotic Asian twist like Peanut Chicken Meatballs or embrace the traditional Italian style, I’m certainly not picky. Growing up, meatballs were a staple in our household. We’d enjoy them as an appetizer, as the star of dinner, mixed generously with pasta, or in various other creative ways. You name it, I loved it!
Among my favorites is a hearty Italian Meatball Soup, primarily because of its sheer simplicity and incredible flavor. If you share my passion for homemade meatballs, then I promise you, this spaghetti meatball soup will quickly become your new favorite. It’s incredibly quick to assemble, making it a perfect contender for a satisfying meal any night of the week. The key is the rich broth combined with perfectly cooked meatballs and just the right amount of spaghetti.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Meatballs: Tips for Success
For those who love to cook from scratch, making your own mini meatballs for this soup is a rewarding experience. You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer, ready to be dropped into your soup base when needed. This is an excellent meal prep strategy: dedicate some time on the weekend to make a batch, and then you can have this delicious spaghetti and meatball soup on the table in mere minutes during the week.
When incorporating meatballs into the soup, it’s crucial to ensure they are already cooked before adding them to the simmering broth. The meatballs only need to heat through for about 6-7 minutes while the noodles cook, which isn’t enough time to cook raw meat thoroughly. Pre-cooking ensures they are safe to eat and maintain their shape and texture within the soup. If using frozen meatballs, choose a good quality brand and follow the same principle: ensure they are cooked or thawed before adding them to the soup for the final reheat.
Assembling Your Delicious Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
The process of making this comforting spaghetti and meatball soup is remarkably straightforward, perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike. You start by sautéing aromatic onions and garlic in a large pot, building a flavorful foundation for your broth. Once fragrant and softened, you’ll introduce chicken broth and marinara sauce, along with a touch of Italian seasoning, to create a rich and savory base.
Bringing the mixture to a gentle boil sets the stage for the star ingredients: the spaghetti and meatballs. For ease of eating in a soup, it’s best to break the thin spaghetti in half before adding it. This prevents long strands from being difficult to manage with a spoon. The noodles cook quickly in the hot broth, typically in just 6-7 minutes, ensuring they are perfectly al dente. During this time, your pre-cooked mini meatballs will warm through, infusing the soup with their delicious flavor.
A final seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and your spaghetti and meatball soup is ready to be served. Garnishing with fresh Parmesan cheese and basil adds a lovely touch of freshness and extra depth of flavor. This quick and easy method ensures you get a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
Serving Suggestions and Customizations for Your Soup
This spaghetti and meatball soup is wonderfully versatile and can be customized to suit your family’s preferences. To make it a complete meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette. As mentioned, a warm, crusty bread is non-negotiable for dipping! Garlic bread or even focaccia would also be fantastic companions.
Looking to add more vegetables? Feel free to toss in some diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers when you sauté the onions and garlic. A handful of fresh spinach added at the very end will wilt beautifully into the hot soup, boosting its nutritional value and color. For a cheesier experience, a sprinkle of mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta could be added to each bowl just before serving. Experiment with different pasta shapes too; small pasta like ditalini or even broken lasagna noodles could work in a pinch.
I originally posted a version of this recipe years ago, when I had a notoriously picky eater at home. A lot has changed since then, but one thing remains constant: my family still absolutely adores this soup. It truly has the power to transform the way you think about classic spaghetti and meatballs, offering a new perspective on a beloved dish.
Make Meal Planning Easy with This Delicious Recipe
When you’re planning your menu for the week, be sure to add this incredibly delicious and easy-to-make spaghetti and meatball soup to your list. It’s not just a meal; it’s a bowl of pure comfort that will satisfy everyone at the table. Your family will undoubtedly love its hearty flavors and familiar appeal, and you’ll appreciate just how simple it is to whip up, even on the busiest of days. It’s the perfect solution for a flavorful, stress-free dinner that brings everyone together.
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Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
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Equipment
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Pot and Pan Set
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Small Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 42 oz chicken broth
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 6 oz thin spaghetti, broken in half
- 1 pound mini meatballs, cooked
- salt and pepper to taste
Mini Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
Instructions
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In a large pot heat olive oil. Add onions and garlic and saute over medium heat until soft.
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Add chicken broth, marinara sauce and Italian Seasoning. Bring to a boil.
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Add spaghetti and meatballs, and cook 6-7 minutes, or until the noodles are done. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil to serve.
To Make Meatballs
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Mix everything together and form into mini meatballs. Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes, depending on size.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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