Concrete Mixer-Inspired Meatball Soup
A hearty meatball soup inspired by the robust tools of construction, blending rich beef meatballs in a savory tomato broth with herbs. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 small diced onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 medium diced carrots
- 2 diced celery stalks
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 large beaten egg, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Mix gently until just combined.
- Step 2: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, about 24 pieces, and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent.
- Step 4: Pour in 28 oz crushed tomatoes and 4 cups beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering broth one by one. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and the soup is flavorful.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Concrete Mixer-Inspired Meatball Soup take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Concrete Mixer-Inspired Meatball Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Concrete Mixer-Inspired Meatball Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Concrete Mixer-Inspired Meatball Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Concrete Mixer-Inspired Meatball Soup?
Italian soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
