Mum's Tomato and Meatball Soup

Warm, hearty, and brimming with the nostalgic flavors of home, Mum’s Tomato and Meatball Soup is the ultimate comfort food. This family-favorite recipe features tender, homemade beef meatballs infused with Parmesan, garlic, and fresh parsley, simmered to perfection in a flavorful tomato broth enriched with aromatic herbs and a classic mirepoix of onion, carrot, and celery. The addition of optional pasta makes it a complete, satisfying meal perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. Quick to prepare and full of rich, savory goodness, this one-pot wonder is a testament to simple ingredients creating something truly special. Serve it steaming hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh parsley for an extra touch of comfort. Ideal for busy families or anyone craving a classic homemade soup recipe!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Ground beef
• 50 grams Breadcrumbs
• 30 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large Egg
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium Carrot, diced
• 1 stalk Celery, diced
• 800 grams Canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 liter Chicken or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 100 grams Pasta (optional, e.g., small shells or ditalini)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.25 teaspoons of black pepper. Mix well with your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 2

Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet or plate. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 4

Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, and the remaining 0.5 teaspoons of salt and 0.25 teaspoons of black pepper. Stir well, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 5

Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering soup. Do this in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pot.

Step 6

Cover the pot and simmer the soup for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.

Step 7

If using pasta, cook it separately according to the package instructions, then stir it into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 8

Taste the soup and adjust for seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with a garnish of additional parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2793.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2297.3

Total Fat 141.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 49.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 603.5mg	0%
Sodium 9956.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 146.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.9g	0%
Total Sugars 52.3g
Protein 125.9g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 819.5mg	0%
Iron 20.7mg	0%
Potassium 4689.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.8%

Protein: 21.3%

Carbs: 24.8%