Creamy Meatball Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1/2 large yellow onion, finely diced

1 lb. ground beef

1 egg

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. ground pepper

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp. ground allspice

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 Tbsp. butter

For the soup:

5 Tbsp. butter

2 carrots, thinly sliced

2 stalks celery, chopped

4 cloves minced garlic

1/2 cup flour

7 cups beef broth

1 cup heavy cream mixed with 2 Tbsp. cornstarch

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. dried parsley

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/4 to 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/4 to 1/2 cup sour cream (to your liking)

8 oz. egg noodles, cooked

Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix together breadcrumbs and heavy cream together. Let sit for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet and saute onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add to bread mixture.

Add ground beef, egg, and spices to bowl. Form into 1 to 2 tablespoon-sized meatballs.

Melt 1 Tbsp. butter and 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet. Work in batches to cook the meatballs until they are browned on all sides. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

Melt 5 Tbsp. butter in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add carrots and celery and saute for 3 minutes.

Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Sprinkle in flour and cook until golden brown, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes.

Turn heat to low and add beef broth gradually. Then add heavy cream, Worcestershire, parsley, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Bring soup to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until desired consistency is reached, stirring frequently.

Add meatballs and turn heat back to low. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.

Stir in sour cream until smooth.

Stir in cooked egg noodles and adjust seasoning, as needed.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for the meatballs, depending on your preference.

Is it necessary to let the breadcrumb and heavy cream mixture sit for 15 minutes?

Allowing the breadcrumb and heavy cream mixture to sit helps to bind the meatballs together and ensures a moist texture, but if you’re pressed for time, you can reduce this resting period or skip it altogether.

Can I omit the heavy cream in the soup for a lighter version?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative such as whole milk or half-and-half for a slightly lighter version of the soup.

How can I adjust the spiciness level of the soup?

You can adjust the spiciness level of the soup by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes added.

Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste preferences.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving, and add the cooked egg noodles just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Can I substitute regular pasta for the egg noodles?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, farfalle, or spaghetti, instead of egg noodles.

Can I use pre-made frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?

Yes, you can use pre-made frozen meatballs to save time, but homemade meatballs will offer a fresher taste and texture.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream for the soup?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that the soup may be slightly less creamy.

How can I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

If the soup becomes too thick, you can add more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this soup by omitting the meatballs and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Additionally, you can add more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.