Rigatoni Meatball Soup Recipe

Rigatoni Meatball Soup is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta, juicy meatballs, and a rich tomato-based broth. This one-pot meal is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Serve it with crusty bread and Parmesan for the ultimate comfort food experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty & Satisfying: Loaded with pasta, meatballs, and a flavorful broth.
• One-Pot Meal: Easy cleanup and minimal effort.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, add veggies, or swap pasta shapes.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day!
• Great for All Seasons: Warm and cozy in winter, but light enough for year-round enjoyment.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

• Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Egg
• Garlic, minced
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

For the Soup:

• Olive oil
• Onion, chopped
• Carrots, diced
• Celery, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Crushed tomatoes (canned)
• Tomato paste
• Beef or chicken broth
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Rigatoni pasta
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Directions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined.
2. Roll into small meatballs (about 1 inch in size).
3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to cook through). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Soup

4. In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
6. Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, then add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
7. Return the meatballs to the pot and let cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.

Step 3: Add the Pasta

8. Stir in rigatoni pasta and cook until al dente (about 10-12 minutes).
9. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

10. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve warm with crusty bread.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Lighter Version: Use ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs.
• Vegetable-Packed: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a little heavy cream or ricotta cheese at the end.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup without pasta for up to 2 months. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, adding extra broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes! Use store-bought frozen meatballs and add them directly to the simmering broth.

Can I cook the pasta separately?

Yes! This prevents it from getting too soft in leftovers. Just add cooked pasta when serving.

What’s the best type of pasta for this soup?

Rigatoni holds sauce well, but penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni also work.

How do I thicken the soup?

Let it simmer longer or stir in a little Parmesan or heavy cream.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meatballs first, then add everything (except pasta) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in cooked pasta before serving.

What can I serve with this soup?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables complement it well.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes! Use about 4 cups of diced fresh tomatoes, but simmer longer for a richer flavor.

How do I make the soup less acidic?

Add a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream to balance the acidity.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors develop even more overnight. Just reheat and enjoy.

What’s a good substitute for beef broth?

Use chicken or vegetable broth, but beef broth gives the richest flavor.

Conclusion

Rigatoni Meatball Soup is a hearty, comforting, and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a cozy meal for your family, this soup is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a warm, delicious bowl of goodness!

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