Go Back
–+ servings
Meatball Soup
Meatball Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that blends tender homemade meatballs with a rich tomato-based broth, green chilies, rice, and aromatic onions. This comforting Tex-Mex-inspired soup balances mild heat from chilies with savory taco seasoning for a warming, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or cold days. It’s easy to prepare and makes a large batch, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American, Tex-Mex
Servings 8
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 32 oz diced tomatoes (2 cans)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 8 oz green chilies (2 cans)
  • 1 onion (medium, chopped)
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 oz taco seasoning
  • 2 quarts water
  • 2 eggs (large )
  • ½ cup bread crumbs
  • salt (to taste)
  • pepper (to taste)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

  • In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

  • In a bowl, combine ground beef, taco seasoning, eggs, and bread crumbs.
  • Mix well until evenly blended.

Step 3: Shape and Boil the Meatballs

  • Form small meatballs (about 1 inch).
  • Drop them into the boiling water carefully.

Step 4: Remove Excess Fat

  • Skim off any fat or foam from the top of the boiling water.

Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients

  • Stir in tomatoes, green chilies, onion, and cooked rice.
  • Reduce heat to simmer.

Step 6: Simmer Until Done

  • Cook for 30–40 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and flavors are well combined.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Tips

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat that needs to be skimmed.
  • Substitute part of the water with beef broth for a richer flavor.
  • Add diced carrots or celery for extra vegetables and texture.
  • For spicier soup, use hot green chilies or add chili powder.
  • Swap rice with small pasta if preferred.
  • Form meatballs small so they cook evenly and stay tender.
  • Brown the meatballs briefly in a pan before boiling for deeper flavor.
  • Use fresh tomatoes in place of canned if available (adjust liquid).
  • Add fresh cilantro or lime juice at the end for brightness.
  • Freeze leftovers in portions; rice may absorb liquid, so add more broth when reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 22gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 820mgPotassium: 560mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 520IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 3.1mg
Keyword easy soup, family dinner, green chili, hearty soup, meatball soup, rice soup, taco seasoning, tomato soup
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!