One-Pot

Meatball Pasta Soup

Name: Meatball Pasta Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork; 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme; 1 tsp (5g) dried bay leaves; 1 lb (450g) pasta; 4 cups (1L) chicken broth; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper

By Greta Yarrow · June 19, 2026 · One-Pot

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves6

As a home cook, I've always loved making comforting, satisfying meals for my family. One of our favorite Italian-American dishes is Meatball Pasta Soup, a hearty, one-pot wonder that's perfect for chilly evenings or special occasions. The combination of tender homemade meatballs, al dente pasta, and a rich, flavorful broth is absolutely irresistible.

I learned the basics of this recipe from my grandmother, who would spend hours in the kitchen perfecting her meatball recipe. Over the years, I've tweaked and refined the recipe to make it my own, and I'm excited to share it with you today. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.

So what makes this recipe so special? For starters, the meatballs are made from scratch using a combination of ground beef, pork, and breadcrumbs, which gives them a tender, juicy texture. The pasta is cooked to a perfect al dente, and the broth is flavored with a blend of aromatic spices and herbs that will leave your kitchen smelling amazing.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's also a great way to use up leftover ingredients. You can customize the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of pasta. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make a delicious Meatball Pasta Soup that's sure to become a family favorite. From the initial prep work to the final serving, I'll provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to make this dish a success. So let's get started and make some delicious Meatball Pasta Soup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal prep work.
The meatballs are made from scratch using a combination of ground beef and pork, which gives them a tender, juicy texture.
The pasta is cooked to a perfect al dente, which adds texture and satisfaction to the dish.
The broth is flavored with a blend of aromatic spices and herbs, which adds depth and complexity to the dish.
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's also a great way to use up leftover ingredients.
The recipe is customizable, so you can add your favorite vegetables or use different types of pasta to make it your own.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Meatball Pasta Soup is in the layering of flavors. By browning the meatballs and cooking the pasta in the same pot, we're able to create a rich, savory broth that's infused with the flavors of the meat and the pasta. The addition of aromatic spices and herbs, such as bay leaves and thyme, adds depth and complexity to the dish.

Another important factor is the texture of the meatballs. By using a combination of ground beef and pork, we're able to create a tender, juicy texture that's not too dense or heavy. The breadcrumbs help to bind the meat together, while the egg adds moisture and richness.

Finally, the type of pasta used is also important. I prefer to use a short, sturdy pasta shape, such as penne or rigatoni, which holds up well to the hearty broth and meatballs. By cooking the pasta to a perfect al dente, we're able to create a satisfying, comforting dish that's sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Meatball Pasta Soup, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, and pasta. You'll also need some aromatic spices and herbs, such as bay leaves and thyme, to add depth and complexity to the dish.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose high-quality ground beef and pork, and look for a good quality pasta that will hold up well to the hearty broth and meatballs. You can also customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of pasta.

1 lb (450g) ground beefChoose a high-quality ground beef with a fat content of at least 20% for the best flavor and texture.
1/2 lb (225g) ground porkGround pork adds a tender, juicy texture to the meatballs and helps to balance out the flavor of the beef.
1 cup (120g) breadcrumbsBreadcrumbs help to bind the meat together and add texture to the meatballs. You can use either plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs.
1 eggThe egg helps to moisten the meatballs and adds richness to the dish.
1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the meatballs and helps to balance out the sweetness of the pork.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the richness of the meatballs.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent, savory flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the sweetness of the pork.
1 tsp (5g) dried thymeThyme adds a savory, slightly bitter flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the sweetness of the pork.
1 tsp (5g) dried bay leavesBay leaves add a mild, slightly sweet flavor to the dish and help to balance out the savory flavors of the meatballs.
1 lb (450g) pastaChoose a short, sturdy pasta shape, such as penne or rigatoni, which holds up well to the hearty broth and meatballs.
4 cups (1L) chicken brothChicken broth adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the sweetness of the pork.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltSalt enhances the flavors of the dish and helps to balance out the sweetness of the pork.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, savory flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the sweetness of the pork.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenWooden spoon or silicone spatulaMeatball scoop or small ice cream scoopInstant-read thermometerColander or strainerSlotted spoon

How to Make Meatball Pasta Soup

1
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Mix the ingredients together with your hands or a wooden spoon until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the meat.
2
Use a meatball scoop or small ice cream scoop to form the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.
3
Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in the large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
4
Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon.
5
Add the pasta to the pot and cook until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Check the pasta for doneness by biting into it; it should still have a bit of bite or chew to it.
6
When the pasta is cooked, add the browned meatballs back to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
7
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. You can also add some extra parsley or thyme if you like.
8
Serve the soup hot, with some grated Parmesan cheese on top and a sprinkle of parsley. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or a side salad.
9
To check if the meatballs are cooked through, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of a meatball. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F (74°C).
10
Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the soup to cool down slightly.
11
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. You can also add some extra chicken broth if the soup is too thick.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh parsley and real Parmesan cheese, to get the best flavor out of your soup.
Don't overmix the meat mixture, or the meatballs will be tough and dense.
Brown the meatballs on all sides to get a nice crust on them. This will add texture and flavor to the soup.
Use a large pot or Dutch oven to cook the soup, as this will allow you to cook the pasta and meatballs in the same pot.
Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will allow the flavors to meld together and the soup to cool down slightly.
Experiment with different types of pasta and ingredients to make the soup your own. You can add some diced vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to the pot for added flavor and nutrition.
Make a big batch of the soup and freeze it for later. This will save you time and money, and you'll have a delicious, comforting meal ready to go whenever you need it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the meat mixture, which can make the meatballs tough and dense.
Not browning the meatballs on all sides, which can result in a lack of texture and flavor.
Not cooking the pasta until it's al dente, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not seasoning the soup enough, which can result in a bland, unappetizing flavor.
Not letting the soup rest before serving, which can result in a soup that's too hot and unappetizing.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can result in a soup that lacks flavor and texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to the pot for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, to change up the texture and flavor of the soup.
Add some red pepper flakes to the pot for a spicy kick.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a leaner, healthier option.
Add some canned tomatoes to the pot for a burst of juicy flavor.
Use fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, instead of dried herbs for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

What to Serve With Meatball Pasta Soup

This soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can serve it with some crusty bread or a side salad for a filling, satisfying meal. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup for an extra burst of flavor.

Some other ideas for serving the soup include adding some diced vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to the pot for added flavor and nutrition. You can also use different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, to change up the texture and flavor of the soup.

Crusty breadSide saladGrated Parmesan cheeseDiced vegetables, such as carrots or zucchiniDifferent types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze the soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw the soup overnight in the fridge, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

To reheat the soup, simply heat it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and steaming. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can result in a soup that's too hot and unappetizing.

Some tips for storing and reheating the soup include using airtight containers to keep it fresh, labeling and dating the containers so you know how long they've been stored, and reheating the soup to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Finally, you can also make a big batch of the soup and freeze it for later. This will save you time and money, and you'll have a delicious, comforting meal ready to go whenever you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this soup?

A short, sturdy pasta shape, such as penne or rigatoni, is best for this soup. This type of pasta holds up well to the hearty broth and meatballs.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork. This will result in a leaner, healthier option.

How long can I store the soup in the fridge?

You can store the soup in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw the soup overnight in the fridge, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How do I reheat the soup?

What is the internal temperature of the soup when it's reheated?

The internal temperature of the soup should be at least 165°F (74°C) when it's reheated.

Can I make a big batch of the soup and freeze it for later?

Yes, you can make a big batch of the soup and freeze it for later. This will save you time and money, and you'll have a delicious, comforting meal ready to go whenever you need it.

How long can I store the frozen soup?

You can store the frozen soup for up to 3 months.

The Full Recipe

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