Meatball Soup Recipe | Instant Pot Meatball Soup

Warm up with this delicious and easy-to-make Instant Pot Meatball Soup! This hearty soup is packed with tender meatballs, vegetables, and a flavorful broth, making it the perfect comfort food for any season. Using the Instant Pot, you’ll have a delicious homemade soup on the table in no time, with minimal effort.

Why You'll Love This Spectacular Soup

• Quick and Easy. Ready in under 30 minutes, thanks to the Instant Pot.
• Hearty and Filling. Packed with protein-rich meatballs and wholesome vegetables.
• Flavorful. A rich and savory broth that complements the tender meatballs perfectly.
• One-Pot Meal. Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in the Instant Pot.

With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can enjoy a homemade soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day—without the wait!

How Do You Keep Meatballs From Falling Apart In Soup?

To keep meatballs from falling apart in soup, follow these tips:

• Don’t Overmix. When combining the ingredients for your meatballs, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough and more likely to fall apart.
• Use a Binder. Incorporate a binder like breadcrumbs, eggs, or grated cheese into the meatball mixture. This helps hold the meatballs together during cooking.
• Chill the Meatballs. After forming the meatballs, chill them in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before adding them to the soup. This helps them firm up and stay together during cooking.
• Brown the Meatballs. Browning the meatballs in a skillet or in the Instant Pot on sauté mode before adding them to the soup helps create a crust that keeps them intact.
• Handle Gently. When adding meatballs to the soup, place them gently into the liquid and avoid stirring vigorously. This will prevent them from breaking apart.
• Don’t Overcook. Overcooking can cause the meatballs to lose moisture and become crumbly. Cook them just until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

What Does Meatball Soup Taste Like?

The overall flavor of meatball soup is a balance of savory, slightly tangy, and rich, with the herbs and spices adding layers of complexity. It's a dish that is both hearty and soothing, making it a perfect comfort food for cooler weather.

Ingredients You'll Need

For The Meatballs

• Ground Beef- Provides the rich, savory base for the meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs- Helps bind the meatballs and gives them a tender texture.
• Parmesan Cheese- Adds a nutty, salty flavor to the meatballs.
• Egg- Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
• Garlic- Adds aromatic depth and flavor.
• Italian Seasoning- A blend of herbs that infuses the meatballs with traditional Italian flavors.
• Salt and Pepper- Enhances the overall flavor of the meatballs.

For The Soup

• Olive Oil- Used to sauté the vegetables, adding richness to the broth.
• Onion- Provides a sweet and savory base for the soup.
• Carrots- Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
• Celery- Adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor.
• Garlic- Adds an aromatic punch to the soup base.
• Crushed Tomatoes- Gives the broth a rich, tangy flavor.
• Chicken Broth- Creates the flavorful, savory base of the soup.
• Pasta (optional)- Makes this meatball soup even more hearty.
• Italian Seasoning- Complements the meatballs and enhances the broth.
• Salt and Pepper- Balances the flavors of the soup.

How To Make Meatball Soup

1. Prepare the Meatballs. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Sauté the Vegetables. Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Add the Meatballs. Gently place the prepared meatballs into the Instant Pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. If using pasta or rice, add it to the pot at this stage.
5. Cook the Soup. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release the remaining pressure.
6. Add Pasta. Add the pasta to the cooked soup. Turn the Instant Pot to saute and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
7. Serve. Carefully open the Instant Pot, giving the soup a gentle stir. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips And Tricks

Making a perfect Instant Pot Meatball Soup requires a few simple tips and tricks to ensure that your soup is as delicious as possible:

• Use Fresh Ingredients. Fresh vegetables and herbs will make a big difference in the flavor of your soup.
• Don’t Overmix the Meatballs. Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to keep them tender.
• Brown the Meatballs (Optional). For extra flavor, you can brown the meatballs in the Instant Pot on sauté mode before adding the vegetables.
• Adjust the Seasonings. Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to your liking.

Variations

This Instant Pot Meatball Soup is versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

• Turkey- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Spicy- Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or soup for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian- Use vegetarian meatballs and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Creamy- Stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a rich, creamy broth.

What To Eat With Meatball Soup

Instant Pot Meatball Soup is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Bread- Perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
• Salad- A fresh, crisp salad provides a nice contrast to the warm, hearty soup.
• Grilled Cheese- A classic comfort food pairing.
• Roasted Vegetables- Add even more veggies to your meal with a side of roasted vegetables.

How Long Does It Last?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Can You Freeze It?

This soup freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

More Instant Pot Soup Recipes

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• Caldo de Res
• Chicken Fajita Soup
• Barley and Chicken Soup
• Szechuan Pork Soup

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