Ball Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe for Hearty Comfort Meals

When the chill of autumn or winter sets in, nothing beats a warm, hearty bowl of soup to comfort your soul. Our Ball Vegetable Beef Soup recipe is a delicious, satisfying classic that combines tender beef meatballs, fresh garden vegetables, and a rich, savory broth.

This soup is not only perfect for a cozy family dinner but also packs a nutritious punch with a medley of colorful veggies and protein. The meatballs add a delightful texture and flavor dimension that makes this soup a standout among everyday meals.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or looking to impress guests with a wholesome homemade meal, this recipe is simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough to become a household favorite. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile — you can swap vegetables or adjust seasoning to suit your taste.

Ready to dive into the recipe? Let’s get started on making this soul-warming soup that’s sure to become your go-to comfort food this season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ball Vegetable Beef Soup is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will satisfy your hunger and warm your heart. Here’s why it stands out:

• Hearty and Nutritious: Packed with protein-rich beef meatballs and a variety of fresh vegetables, this soup is a balanced meal in a bowl.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, even kitchen novices can whip this up effortlessly.
• Comforting and Versatile: The rich broth and tender meatballs make it a perfect comfort dish, yet you can easily customize the veggies or spices.
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the meatballs and colorful veggies, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Soup:
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Slotted spoon or tongs (for removing meatballs)

Instructions

1. Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a plate or tray.
3. Sear the meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the meatballs with a slotted spoon and set aside.
4. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
5. Add the broth and tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in the dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
6. Cook the vegetables: Add the green beans and zucchini to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
7. Add the meatballs back: Gently return the browned meatballs to the soup. Simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
8. Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meatball mixture or a pinch of red chili flakes for heat in the soup.”

• Vegetable swaps: Feel free to add potatoes, peas, corn, or kale for different textures and flavors.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in the meatballs.
• Slow cooker option: Brown the meatballs and sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of chilli powder to the broth.
• Healthier version: Use lean ground beef or ground turkey and low-sodium broth to reduce fat and salt content.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Ball Vegetable Beef Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad for a more complete meal. For a cozy family dinner, serve it alongside a warm loaf of sourdough or your favorite rolls.

For lighter fare, complement the soup with steamed rice or a quinoa salad. Leftovers make a perfect lunch option — reheat gently on the stove or microwave until steaming hot.

If you’re interested in exploring more hearty and delicious recipes, check out 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious or discover comforting vegetarian meals with A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.

Conclusion

This Ball Vegetable Beef Soup is a versatile, nourishing recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth, it’s a wholesome dish that can be enjoyed year-round.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this soup’s blend of flavors and textures will keep everyone happy and satisfied.

By experimenting with different veggies or seasoning, you can easily customize the recipe to your liking. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak extra nutrients into your diet without sacrificing taste.

If you love this recipe, don’t forget to explore other comforting dishes like Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love or check out some delicious Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals for more inspiration.

Enjoy your cooking and stay cozy!

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