Description
Everything you love about a cheesy, saucy meatball sub transformed into a hearty and comforting soup topped with gooey mozzarella and served with crusty bread.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix)
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced (divided use)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 onion, diced
1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
4 cups beef or chicken broth
1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp oregano
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Toasted baguette slices or garlic bread, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, half the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix and roll into bite-sized meatballs.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté onion and remaining garlic until softened.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, basil, and oregano. Bring to a simmer.
5. Return meatballs to the pot and simmer for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked and flavors meld.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Top each serving with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Garnish with parsley or basil.
8. Serve hot with toasted baguette slices or garlic bread for dipping.
Notes
Make-ahead: Cook the meatballs and soup base separately, then combine before serving.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Turn leftovers into a baked casserole by layering soup in a dish, topping with bread and cheese, then broiling.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Meatball Sub Soup, Cheesy Meatball Soup, Comfort Food