Why You’ll Love this Hearty Meatball Rice Soup
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a steaming bowl of meatball rice soup that warms you from the inside out.
I’m convinced this recipe will become your new favorite for those chilly evenings when you need something substantial yet simple.
What makes this soup special? It’s incredibly versatile—swap turkey for pork if that’s what’s in your fridge.
The tender meatballs, seasoned with aromatic basil and oregano, pair perfectly with hearty rice and sweet carrots.
Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when cooking feels like a chore.
Who doesn’t love a meal that’s both nourishing and quick?
What Ingredients are in Hearty Meatball Rice Soup?
To make this hearty meatball rice soup, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully in a comforting bowl. The foundation of this recipe is tender, flavorful meatballs made from your choice of ground meat, paired with aromatic herbs and hearty rice. What I love about this soup is how the broth absorbs all those delicious flavors, creating something that feels like it simmered all day—even though it comes together in under half an hour.
- 1 pound ground turkey (or ground pork as an alternative)
- 1 tablespoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh basil)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 3 carrots
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 16 ounces vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup water
- Sunflower or safflower oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make this Hearty Meatball Rice Soup
Making this soul-warming meatball rice soup couldn’t be simpler, and it begins with perfectly seasoned meatballs. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground turkey (or ground pork if you prefer) with 1 tablespoon dried basil, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt.
Using your hands—yes, they’re your best tools in the kitchen sometimes—mix everything thoroughly, then roll the mixture into small, thumb-sized meatballs. These little protein-packed bites will cook quickly and absorb all those aromatic herbs beautifully.
Next, heat a splash of sunflower or safflower oil in a skillet over medium heat, and gently place your meatballs in the pan. Let them brown on all sides, creating that delicious caramelized exterior that adds so much depth to the soup.
While the meatballs are cooking, chop 3 carrots into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Once the meatballs are nicely browned, remove them from the pan but keep all those flavorful juices right where they are.
Add your chopped carrots to the same pan along with 1/4 cup water, cover, and let them steam until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
While your carrots are cooking, pour 16 ounces of vegetable or chicken broth into a stock pot and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where everything comes together in soup harmony. For the best results and even heat distribution, consider using a Le Creuset Dutch oven which helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
Add 2 cups of already cooked rice to the broth, followed by your beautifully browned meatballs, tender carrots, and all those savory pan juices. Let everything mingle for just a few minutes, allowing the flavors to marry.
For an even more efficient meal prep, consider using a premium stand mixer to quickly combine your meatball ingredients for consistent texture and flavor distribution.
Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then ladle this comforting creation into bowls. And just like that, you’ve created a hearty, satisfying meal that tastes like it took hours instead of minutes.
Hearty Meatball Rice Soup Substitutions and Variations
While this meatball rice soup is delicious as written, you’ll be happy to know it’s incredibly adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand or dietary needs you’re accommodating.
Don’t have ground turkey? Ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work beautifully.
Vegetarians can skip the meatballs entirely and add extra vegetables or white beans for protein.
Rice varieties offer endless possibilities too—brown rice adds nutty flavor, wild rice gives wonderful texture, or try orzo pasta for something different.
The vegetable lineup is flexible as well. Celery, zucchini, spinach, or kale can join or replace the carrots.
Need it gluten-free? This recipe already is!
What to Serve with Hearty Meatball Rice Soup
This hearty meatball rice soup deserves perfect companions to round out your meal experience.
I love pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice—the freshness cuts through the richness beautifully.
Crusty garlic bread is another no-brainer, ideal for sopping up those flavorful last spoonfuls. Who doesn’t need something to dip, right?
For a complete dinner, consider adding a light appetizer like bruschetta or stuffed mushrooms.
And if you’re feeling fancy, a glass of medium-bodied red wine ties everything together. Pinot Noir works wonderfully with the savory turkey meatballs.
Final Thoughts
After preparing this meatball rice soup countless times, I’ve come to appreciate its incredible versatility and comfort-food status in my kitchen.
It’s one of those recipes that welcomes substitutions based on what you have on hand—ground turkey or pork, fresh or dried herbs, whatever works. The simplicity of rolling those seasoned meatballs while the carrots simmer creates a rhythm that feels almost meditative. For a change of pace, you could try making creamy Alfredo sauce using a combination of cream and Parmesan cheese.
What makes this soup special? Perhaps it’s how the broth absorbs all those savory flavors, or how the rice adds such satisfying texture.
Perfect for cold evenings or when someone’s feeling under the weather, don’t you think? For another family-friendly comfort food option, try making Italian-style lasagna with layers of seasoned ground beef and three different cheeses.
