Name: Healthy Meatballs Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken (or extra lean ground beef); 1 egg; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs or oat flour; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 small onion, grated or finely chopped; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried herbs; 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning meatballs); 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 1 zucchini or 1 cup green beans, chopped (optional); 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 2 cups baby spinach or kale; 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Description

Healthy Meatballs Soup is a hearty, nourishing one-pot meal filled with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful broth. Light yet satisfying, it’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken (or extra lean ground beef)
1 egg
1/3 cup breadcrumbs or oat flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 small onion, grated or finely chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried herbs
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning meatballs)
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 zucchini or 1 cup green beans, chopped (optional)
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
2 cups baby spinach or kale
6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

In a bowl, mix ground meat with egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and herbs. Form into small meatballs.
Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet and lightly brown the meatballs on all sides. Set aside.
In a large soup pot, add carrots, celery, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Gently drop in the meatballs. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
Add zucchini or green beans and diced tomatoes. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
Stir in spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb version.
Bake meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes as an alternative to browning.
Freeze raw or cooked meatballs for easy future meals.
Add cooked quinoa or brown rice to make the soup more filling.
This soup freezes well for up to 2 months—cool completely before storing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 280
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 95mg