Meatballs and Potatoes Soup
Meatballs and Potatoes Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. This slow-cooked soup combines tender meatballs with flavorful beef broth, creating a rich base that is beautifully complemented by the earthiness of red potatoes and the sweetness of carrots.
With the added depth of Worcestershire sauce and fresh thyme, this soup offers a delightful balance of flavors that will warm you from the inside out. Ideal for busy days, it requires minimal preparation yet delivers maximum satisfaction, making it a family favorite for any time of year.
Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a nourishing lunch, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Hearty and Satisfying: This soup is filled with tender meatballs and hearty potatoes, making it a filling and satisfying meal that can stand on its own. It’s perfect for those looking for a comforting dish that doesn’t leave you hungry.
Rich and Flavorful Broth: The combination of beef broth and Worcestershire sauce creates a deep, savory base that enhances the flavors of the meat and vegetables. The fresh thyme adds a fragrant herbal note that ties everything together beautifully.
Convenient and Easy: Using frozen meatballs and a slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly convenient for busy days. With minimal preparation, you can have a delicious homemade soup simmering away without needing constant attention.
Customizable Spice Level: The optional addition of hot sauce allows you to tailor the soup’s heat level to your preference, making it versatile for different tastes and occasions.
Perfect for All Seasons: Whether enjoyed in the warmth of summer or the chill of winter, this soup provides comfort and nutrition, making it a versatile dish that fits any season or occasion.
Key Ingredients:
Beef Broth: This forms the rich, savory base of the soup, infusing each bite with deep, comforting flavors that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Frozen Meatballs: Convenient and easy to use, these meatballs cook directly in the soup, becoming tender and flavorful as they absorb the savory broth.
Red Potatoes: These potatoes add heartiness and texture to the soup, while their natural creaminess provides a satisfying contrast to the meatballs.
Fresh Thyme: With its aromatic and slightly earthy flavor, thyme enhances the soup’s depth and complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a zesty, umami-rich depth to the broth, elevating the flavor profile and bringing out the savory notes in the meat and vegetables.
Meatballs and Potatoes Soup
Ingredients
4 cups of beef broth
4 sprigs of fresh thyme
6 medium-sized red potatoes, peeled and chopped
20 frozen meatballs
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 stalks of celery, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1:
Begin by peeling and chopping all the vegetables into manageable pieces.
Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker to create the soup base.
Step 2:
Add the frozen meatballs directly into the broth.
Incorporate the chopped vegetables, stirring to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3:
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can optionally add two teaspoons of hot sauce.
Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or choose high for a quicker option of 4 hours.
Serve warm and enjoy your hearty soup!
Notes:
Choosing Meatballs: Using frozen meatballs is convenient, but you can also use homemade meatballs if you prefer. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the soup, or allow additional cooking time if adding raw meatballs.
Potato Varieties: While red potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, you can substitute with other varieties like Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor and texture profile.
Broth Variations: For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of beef broth and a splash of red wine. This can add depth to the soup, making it even more robust.
Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as green beans, peas, or corn, to enhance its nutritional value and add more color and flavor.
Adjusting Seasonings: Taste the soup halfway through cooking and adjust the salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to your liking. Remember that flavors develop over time, so be cautious with seasoning initially.
Spice Level: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add hot sauce gradually to reach your desired spice level. Alternatively, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a milder kick.
Leftovers: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen and improve with time, making leftovers even more delicious. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 10 grams | Fat: 10 grams | Saturated Fat: 3 grams | Carbohydrates: 25 grams | Fiber: 3 grams | Sugars: 4 grams | Cholesterol: 30 mg | Sodium: 700 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen ones?
Yes, you can use fresh meatballs. If they’re pre-cooked, add them as directed in the recipe.
If they’re raw, make sure to brown them in a skillet first to ensure they’re fully cooked by the time the soup is ready.
This step also adds extra flavor to the soup.
What can I use as a substitute for beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth, though the flavor will be slightly different.
For a richer taste, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or a splash of red wine to enhance the broth’s depth.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add more heat, you can increase the amount of hot sauce, or incorporate chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a diced jalapeño.
Adjust the spice level to your preference gradually, tasting as you go.
Can I make this soup in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a pressure cooker.
Add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 15-20 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally.
This method can significantly reduce the cooking time while maintaining flavor.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
You may need to add a little water or broth if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge.
Can I add the potatoes later to prevent them from getting too soft?
Yes, if you prefer your potatoes to have a firmer texture, you can add them halfway through the cooking process, especially if you’re using the high setting on your slow cooker.
This way, they will retain more of their structure and not become overly soft.
What type of meatballs work best for this soup?
Both beef and pork meatballs work well in this soup, as they provide a rich flavor that complements the beef broth.
If you prefer a lighter option, turkey or chicken meatballs can also be used, although they may alter the flavor profile slightly.
Can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If you find the soup too thin, you can thicken it by mashing a few of the potatoes against the side of the pot and stirring them into the broth.
Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the soup, allowing it to cook for a few more minutes until it thickens.
Is it okay to use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?
Yes, dried thyme can be used as a substitute for fresh thyme.
As dried herbs are more concentrated, use about one-third of the amount.
For this recipe, you would use approximately 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of dried thyme.
How can I make this soup more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, you can sauté the onions, celery, and carrots in a bit of olive oil or butter before adding them to the slow cooker.
This step caramelizes the vegetables and adds depth to the soup.
Additionally, deglazing the sauté pan with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or wine before adding it to the soup can boost the overall flavor.