Spaghetti and Meatball Soup is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table. This soup is perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Packed with flavor and made in just one pot, this dish transforms the familiar flavors of spaghetti and meatballs into a hearty soup that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a flavorful meal ready in under 35 minutes.
- Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of spices, broth, and meatballs creates a rich taste that warms the soul.
- Versatile: Change up the ingredients or add vegetables to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.
- One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy easy cleanup with this recipe that requires minimal dishes.
- Great for Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for lunch or dinner later in the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin cooking Spaghetti and Meatball Soup, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 5-quart pot
- Cooking spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- 5-quart pot: Ideal for simmering large quantities of soup without spilling over.
- Cooking spoon: Essential for stirring ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors.
- Knife: Necessary for chopping garlic and any additional ingredients you may want to add.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 24 ounce jar spaghetti sauce
- 28 ounce package beef broth (about 3-4 cups)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
For the Meatballs and Pasta
- 15 cooked meatballs
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti
For Garnishing
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley
How to Make Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
In a 5-quart pot, stir together spaghetti sauce, beef broth, basil, oregano, garlic, bay leaf, and crushed red pepper.
- Add fully cooked meatballs to the mixture.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Turn down the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes. If using frozen meatballs, increase cooking time as necessary.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
While your soup simmers, prepare the spaghetti according to package directions.
- Drain once cooked and set aside.
- If you prefer bite-sized pieces, cut the spaghetti into smaller lengths.
Step 3: Serve Your Soup
To serve your delicious Spaghetti and Meatball Soup:
- Add a portion of spaghetti into each bowl.
- Ladle hot soup over the pasta.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with chopped parsley for added flavor.
Enjoy this comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table!
How to Serve Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
Serving Spaghetti and Meatball Soup can be a delightful experience that elevates your dining table. Here are some creative ways to serve this comforting dish.
Family-Style
- Serve the soup in a large pot at the center of the table, allowing everyone to ladle their own portions. This creates a warm, communal atmosphere.
Individual Bowls
- Dish out soup into individual bowls for a more formal presentation. Top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for an elegant touch.
With Garlic Bread
- Pair each serving with warm garlic bread on the side. The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the rich soup beautifully.
Salad on the Side
- Offer a fresh green salad alongside the soup. A simple vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors of the soup.
As a Meal Prep Option
- Prepare several servings in advance and store in individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week. Reheat as needed for a quick meal.
Topped with Extra Ingredients
- Let guests customize their bowls by providing toppings like crushed red pepper flakes or extra herbs. This adds a personal touch to each serving.
How to Perfect Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
To make your Spaghetti and Meatball Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.
Use Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality spaghetti sauce and broth for richer flavors. Fresh ingredients make all the difference.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings as needed. A pinch of salt or extra herbs can elevate the dish.
Simmer Longer: For deeper flavors, allow your soup to simmer longer than 20 minutes if time permits. This melds all ingredients beautifully.
Make it Chunky: If you prefer a thicker consistency, add more meatballs or reduce the amount of broth slightly. This creates a heartier meal.
Incorporate Vegetables: Add diced vegetables like carrots or bell peppers during cooking for added nutrition and texture.
Serve Hot: Ensure that your soup is served piping hot for maximum enjoyment. Warm bowls can also help maintain temperature.
Best Side Dishes for Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Spaghetti and Meatball Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.
Garlic Bread: This classic pairing is perfect for dipping into the broth, adding flavor and crunch to your meal.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup, balancing flavors nicely.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a light, flavorful side.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition while complementing the main dish.
Cheesy Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks topped with melted cheese are great for soaking up every last drop of soup.
Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables creates an Italian-inspired appetizer spread.
Polenta Fries: Crispy polenta fries provide an interesting twist while being deliciously dippable in your soup.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms bring an extra layer of flavor to your table and pair well with Italian cuisine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Spaghetti and Meatball Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.
- Skipping the seasoning: Many people forget to season their broth properly. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust with salt, pepper, or herbs.
- Overcooking the pasta: If you add uncooked spaghetti directly into the soup, it can become mushy. Cook it separately and then combine it right before serving.
- Using low-quality meatballs: The flavor of your soup can suffer if you use bland or frozen meatballs. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought options for better taste.
- Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch to your dish. Don’t skip this step; sprinkle it on just before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Not letting it simmer long enough: A good simmer allows flavors to meld together. Aim for at least 20 minutes but feel free to let it simmer longer for a richer taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Spaghetti and Meatball Soup.
Can I use different types of meatballs?
Yes, you can use turkey or chicken meatballs if you prefer.
How do I make Spaghetti and Meatball Soup vegetarian?
Substitute meatballs with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
What can I serve with Spaghetti and Meatball Soup?
Consider pairing it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How long does Spaghetti and Meatball Soup last in the fridge?
It typically lasts 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
Spaghetti and Meatball Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, making it even more nutritious. We encourage you to try this recipe; it’s sure to bring joy to your dinner table!
Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
Spaghetti and Meatball Soup is a warm, comforting dish that takes the beloved flavors of classic spaghetti and meatballs and transforms them into a hearty soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or meal prep for the week, this easy one-pot recipe requires minimal cleanup while delivering maximum flavor. In just under 35 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of savory broth filled with tender meatballs and al dente pasta. Customize your soup with fresh herbs or veggies to suit your taste, making this dish both versatile and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 24 ounces spaghetti sauce
- 28 ounces beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 15 cooked meatballs
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine spaghetti sauce, beef broth, basil, oregano, and minced garlic. Add meatballs and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- To serve, place spaghetti in bowls, ladle soup over the top, and garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
