Spicy Meatball Soup is a warm and comforting dish that combines the heat of chili flakes with tender meatballs in a savory broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner.

“Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colors, there are only so many basic flavors—what’s exciting is how you mix them.” — Wolfgang Puck

Spicy Meatball Soup is a warm, comforting, and hearty dish that combines flavorful homemade meatballs with a zesty and aromatic broth. Perfect for colder months or when you need something filling, this soup has the right balance of heat and savory goodness. The juicy meatballs made from ground beef or a combination of beef and pork are simmered in a flavorful, spicy broth infused with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a hint of chili. With just the right amount of spice, this soup offers a delicious kick that will leave you craving more.

This Spicy Meatball Soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. It can be made in one pot, making cleanup easy, and the flavors only get better after sitting for a while. Let’s dive into how to make this satisfying, spicy soup!

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and ground pork)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or more for extra heat)
• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce (optional, for added spice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
• Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (and/or pork), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. If using, add chopped parsley for freshness.
• Using your hands, mix everything together until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
• Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set them aside on a plate.

2. Brown the Meatballs:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Working in batches, add the meatballs to the pot and brown them on all sides. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked through at this point, as they’ll continue to cook in the soup.
• Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside on a plate.

3. Make the Soup Base:

• In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed, then sauté the chopped onion, carrot, and celery over medium heat until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5-6 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and sriracha (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Simmer the Soup:

• Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low and carefully add the browned meatballs back into the pot.
• Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have melded together. You can check the meatballs by cutting one in half to ensure they’re no longer pink inside.

5. Adjust Seasoning:

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and more hot sauce or chili powder if you like it spicier.
• If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Serve:

• Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

Tips for Perfect Spicy Meatball Soup:

1. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes, chili powder, and hot sauce to your taste. For a milder version, reduce or omit the spicy ingredients.
2. Make-Ahead Option: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Make a big batch and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
3. Tender Meatballs: To ensure your meatballs are tender, don’t overwork the meat when mixing. Mix just until everything is incorporated, and handle the meatballs gently when forming them.
4. Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to make the soup even heartier and more nutritious.
5. Healthy Swap: If you prefer a leaner soup, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for leaner meats.
6. Serving Suggestions: For extra comfort, serve the soup with a side of warm crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful broth. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds a nice touch!

Why You’ll Love Spicy Meatball Soup:

• Comforting and Hearty: The combination of tender meatballs and a flavorful, spicy broth makes this soup the ultimate comfort food.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup is perfect for making ahead and storing in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for busy weeks or large gatherings.
• Customizable: You can adjust the level of heat, add extra veggies, or even switch up the meat to make it suit your preferences.
• Packed with Flavor: With a combination of spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder, this soup is bursting with savory, warm flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Meatballs: Make this soup vegetarian by using plant-based meatballs or making your own with ingredients like lentils, quinoa, and vegetables.
• Creamy Spicy Meatball Soup: For a creamier version, stir in a bit of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a rich, velvety texture.
• Spicy Italian Meatball Soup: Add Italian seasonings like basil and oregano to give the soup an Italian twist, and serve with a dollop of ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Serve with warm bread to soak up the rich broth and add a crunchy element.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Rice or Noodles: For a more filling meal, serve this soup over a bed of cooked rice or add noodles for a satisfying twist.

Spicy Meatball Soup is the perfect meal for when you’re craving something comforting with a little heat. It combines the hearty appeal of meatballs with the bold flavors of a spicy broth, creating a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a filling weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this soup will be a hit!