Rigatoni Meatball Soup

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Rigatoni Meatball Soup is a comforting, hearty soup that brings together tender meatballs, rigatoni pasta, and a savory broth filled with tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs. The combination of juicy, flavorful meatballs with the al dente pasta creates a satisfying dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners. The broth absorbs all the flavors of the meatballs, making every spoonful delicious and filling.

I first made Rigatoni Meatball Soup when I was looking for a hearty soup that was a little different from the usual, and it quickly became a favorite. The meatballs were flavorful and juicy, and the rigatoni added the perfect texture to balance out the broth. The simple, fresh ingredients came together beautifully, and it felt like a comforting, homemade meal.

What’s great about this soup is how customizable it is. You can make the meatballs with beef, turkey, or chicken, or even make them vegetarian. Add in your favorite veggies, like spinach, carrots, or zucchini, for extra nutrients and flavor. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or even serving to guests. Whether you’re enjoying it with a side of garlic bread or just on its own, Rigatoni Meatball Soup is sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

  • Cozy family dinners
  • Meal prepping
  • Cold winter nights
  • Italian food lovers
  • Quick and hearty meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Rigatoni Meatball Soup will become a staple in your home:

  • Comfort in a Bowl: A rich, savory soup packed with pasta and meatballs.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes this an easy weeknight meal.
  • Flavor-Packed: The broth is infused with garlic, onions, and Italian herbs for a deep, savory taste.
  • Tender Meatballs: Juicy, homemade meatballs add heartiness and protein.
  • Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Rigatoni holds up beautifully in the broth, staying firm and chewy.
  • Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a great dinner option.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for a convenient future meal.
  • Easily Customizable: Adjust spices, swap pasta, or add veggies to suit your taste.
  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy an Italian-inspired meal without leaving your kitchen.
  • Dippable Delight: Perfect for pairing with crusty bread or garlic toast.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 6 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 22g, Carbs: 55g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and turkey)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Soup:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups rigatoni pasta
  • ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

  • Ground Beef: Provides a rich, meaty base for the soup.
  • Rigatoni Pasta: Holds up well in broth, maintaining its shape and texture.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the flavorful foundation of the soup.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and umami to the dish.
  • Garlic and Herbs: Bring classic Italian flavors to the broth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Meatballs:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  2. Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
  3. Cook Meatballs: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the meatballs for 3-4 minutes until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Prepare the Soup:

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
  2. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Return Meatballs to Pot: Add the browned meatballs back into the soup and simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Stir in rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
  5. Finish with Cream (Optional): Stir in heavy cream for a creamy variation.
  6. Add Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan for extra richness.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley, and additional Parmesan.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Rigatoni Meatball Soup:

  • With Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
  • Topped with Extra Parmesan: Because more cheese is always better.
  • Alongside a Fresh Salad: A crisp Caesar or arugula salad complements the hearty soup.
  • As a Party Appetizer: Serve in small bowls for a warm, comforting starter.
  • With Croutons: Add crunch by sprinkling garlic croutons on top.
  • Spiced Up: Add a drizzle of chili oil for heat lovers.
  • In a Bread Bowl: Hollow out a crusty bread roll and serve the soup inside.
  • With Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted zucchini or eggplant enhances the meal.
  • As Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!

Additional Tips

  • Choose the Right Meat: A mix of ground beef and turkey gives meatballs a richer flavor, but you can also use turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme can elevate the flavor of the soup. Add them towards the end of cooking to maintain their vibrant taste.
  • Sauté the Veggies: Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and carrots in olive oil for a few minutes to release their flavors before adding the broth.
  • Use a Quality Broth: Opt for a homemade or low-sodium broth for a more robust taste without overpowering the soup with salt.
  • Simmer the Meatballs: For tender meatballs, cook them gently in the broth instead of frying them first. This will infuse them with more flavor.
  • Make Extra Meatballs: If you’re making the soup in a large batch, consider doubling the meatball recipe to freeze some for future meals.
  • Add Greens: Stir in some spinach or kale towards the end for a pop of color and added nutrition.
  • Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Add the rigatoni in the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent it from getting too soft and mushy.
  • Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Since pasta and meatballs can absorb some of the broth, taste and add more salt, pepper, or herbs before serving.
  • Serve with Fresh Parmesan: For extra flavor, top the soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Recipe Variations

  • Spicy Rigatoni Meatball Soup: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili to the meatballs or the broth to give your soup a spicy kick.
  • Italian Sausage and Rigatoni Soup: Replace some of the ground beef in the meatballs with Italian beef sausage for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Vegetable-Packed Rigatoni Soup: Stir in chopped carrots, celery, zucchini, and spinach for a hearty, veggie-filled soup that adds depth and nutrients.
  • Creamy Rigatoni Meatball Soup: Add a touch of heavy cream or half-and-half to the broth for a rich, creamy texture.
  • Lemon and Basil Rigatoni Soup: Brighten the flavors with fresh lemon juice and zest, and sprinkle chopped basil on top for a refreshing twist.
  • Pesto Rigatoni Meatball Soup: Stir in a spoonful of basil pesto into the broth for a fragrant, herby infusion that complements the meatballs.
  • Cheesy Rigatoni Meatball Soup: Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese into the soup for a melty, cheesy finish or sprinkle on top for garnish.
  • Smoky Chipotle Rigatoni Soup: For a smoky, spicy flavor, add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the broth or the meatballs.
  • Minestrone-Style Rigatoni Soup: Add in a can of diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and cannellini beans, along with some chopped greens for a minestrone-inspired version.
  • Herb-Infused Rigatoni Meatball Soup: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano in the broth for a more aromatic and earthy flavor profile.

Special Equipment

  • Large Dutch Oven – For simmering the soup evenly and retaining heat.
  • Mixing Bowls – To combine and season the meatball mixture.
  • Sheet Pan – For baking or broiling the meatballs before adding them to the soup.
  • Slotted Spoon – To transfer meatballs without excess grease.
  • Immersion Blender – Optional, for slightly thickening the broth.
  • Ladle – To serve the soup easily.
  • Fine Mesh Strainer – For rinsing pasta and straining broth if needed.
  • Garlic Press – For finely mincing garlic without hassle.
  • Cheese Grater – For freshly grating Parmesan on top.
  • Wooden Spoon – For stirring without scratching the pot.

Conclusion

Rigatoni Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of classic Italian meatballs with the satisfying texture of rigatoni pasta, all swimming in a rich, savory broth. The soup features small, tender meatballs made from ground beef or turkey, seasoned with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, then simmered in a flavorful broth made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and Italian spices. The rigatoni pasta is added to the soup at the end, soaking up the savory broth and adding a hearty element to the dish.

What makes Rigatoni Meatball Soup so special is the combination of juicy, flavorful meatballs with the warmth and richness of the broth. The pasta and meatballs together create the perfect balance of textures, while the broth pulls everything together with its savory, aromatic flavors. It’s a great meal for a cozy dinner, offering both the heartiness of a stew and the comfort of classic Italian flavors.

I can’t wait to see how your Rigatoni Meatball Soup turns out! Snap a photo and share it on Instagram, tagging me so I can admire your delicious creation. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made it your own—I’d love to hear about your personal twist on this delicious, comforting soup!