Frozen Italian Meatball Soup
This post may contain affiliate links which might earn us money. Please read my Disclosure and Privacy policies hereWelcome to the wonderful world of comfort food with a twist. Our Frozen Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty, warming dish that's easy to make and incredibly satisfying. This recipe uses frozen Italian meatballs, making it a convenient choice for those busy days when you still crave a home-cooked meal.
Bursting with Italian flavors and nutritious ingredients, this soup will surely become a family favorite in no time. Read on to discover how to bring this delightful dish to your table.
Can you make soup with frozen meatballs?
Absolutely, you can make soup with frozen meatballs, and there are plenty of reasons why you might want to! Utilizing frozen meatballs can save considerable time and effort without compromising taste or quality. Frozen meatballs are pre-seasoned and cooked, meaning they can be added directly to your soup, which significantly simplifies the cooking process.
Moreover, frozen meatballs are versatile; they can be used in a variety of soup types, from robust tomato-based broths to creamy, vegetable-packed chowders. This versatility allows you to explore a range of flavors and textures, making each soup unique despite using the same base ingredient.
Also, since frozen meatballs are available year-round, they allow for consistent soup-making even when fresh meat may not be readily accessible. Not to mention, they are a great way to add protein to your meals, making the soup more filling and satisfying.
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Can you boil frozen meatballs?
Yes, you can boil frozen meatballs. It's a simple and effective method to cook them thoroughly while preserving their flavor. To do so, simply place the frozen meatballs in boiling water or broth and let them cook for around 15-20 minutes, or until they're heated through.
This method is particularly useful when preparing soup, as the boiling process cooks the meatballs and allows their flavors to infuse into the broth, enhancing the dish's overall taste.
Should you thaw frozen meatballs before cooking?
No, you don't need to thaw frozen meatballs before cooking them. In fact, it's not recommended as it can change the texture of the meatballs and make them too soft.
When adding frozen Italian meatballs to soup or sauce, increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes. This will ensure even cooking and heating of all ingredients in your dish.
What other ingredients do you need?
In addition to frozen Italian meatballs, this recipe calls for a range of fresh vegetables. We suggest using onion, carrot, celery, and garlic cloves, which give the soup an extra flavor boost. You can also add potatoes and zucchini if you like your soup heartier.
Is this soup budget-friendly?
Yes, this soup is budget-friendly and also customizable to your taste. You can easily adjust the amount of vegetables used and even swap out some ingredients for cheaper alternatives.
For example, frozen Italian meatballs are a great money-saving option, and you can also use canned beans or lentils instead of fresh ones. This soup is an easy and nutritious way to feed your family on a budget!
How do you serve this soup?
This delicious Italian Meatball Soup is great as a main or side dish. Serve it with crusty bread and sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor.
It's also perfect to pack for lunch the next day – store it in an airtight container and heat up when you're ready to eat. Enjoy!
Can you make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, making this Italian Meatball Soup in a slow cooker is the perfect way to get tender and juicy meatballs every time. Add all the ingredients into your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until all vegetables are completely cooked.
Ingredients to make frozen Italian meatballs soup
To make this budget-friendly soup, we used the following ingredients:
- olive oil
- garlic, minced
- onion, chopped
- carrots, peeled and chopped
- beef broth (or chicken stock)
- diced tomato (We used diced tomato with garlic, basil, and oregano)
- tomato sauce
- meatballs, frozen
- dried basil
- salt and pepper to taste
- dried thyme
- small shells or any noodles (We used what we had in the pantry)
- fresh spinach
- Parmesan cheese
How To Make Italian Meatball Soup
To make this hearty soup follow the steps below:
- To prepare your dish, boil olive oil in a sizable pot. Add the diced carrots, minced garlic, and chopped onions, and saute over medium heat for a few minutes.
- Next, add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, and thyme to a pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once the ingredients are simmering, add the frozen meatballs and pasta and let it cook over medium heat until pasta is cooked.
- Add the fresh spinach a few minutes after adding the pasta for best results.
- Make sure you taste the soup to see if salt and pepper are needed.
- Serve and add Parmesan cheese if desired.
Frozen Italian Meatball Soup
Embark on a culinary journey with our Frozen Italian Meatball Soup. This easy-to-make, hearty dish is the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. Using frozen Italian meatballs, this soup delivers Italian flavors right to your table.
Ideal for those hectic days when you crave a satisfying, home-cooked meal but are short on time. Let's dive into the recipe and bring this delightful, flavorful soup to life.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 fresh carrots, peeled and chopped
- 6 cups of beef broth (or chicken stock)
- 1 can of diced tomato with garlic, basil and oregano
- 1 can of tomato sauce
- 12 to 16 meatballs, frozen
- 1 tbs of dried basil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 box of small shells
- 1/2 of fresh spinach
Instructions
- Add olive oil, carrots, garlic, and onions in a large saucepan, and saute for a few minutes.
- Pour beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, salt and pepper, and thyme and boil.
- Add the meatballs and pasta and cook over medium heat until the pasta is cooked.
- Add the fresh spinach a few minutes after adding the pasta.
- Serve and add Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
You can add salt and pepper to taste.
Top with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 326Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 1807mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 5gSugar: 8gProtein: 17g
These nutritional calculations might not be accurate. Please speak with a licensed nutritionist to assist you.
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