Easy Meatball Sub Soup

Name: Easy Meatball Sub Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons garlic minced; 1 6 oz. can tomato paste; 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes; 4 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2-3 dozen small frozen meatballs; 6 bread bowls; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

KrystelJuly 4, 2024

DifficultyEasy

Servings6

Warm Your Soul: Easy Meatball Sub Soup in a Bread Bowl

Introduction

The journey to my kitchen today was inspired by a simple craving for something hearty, comforting, and reminiscent of cozy family dinners. As I rummaged through my pantry, my eyes landed on tomato paste and a can of beef broth, sparking the idea to transform the beloved meatball sub into a soup. Not just any soup, but a meatball sub soup brimming with homemade meatballs, simmered in a rich tomato sauce seasoned perfectly with Italian seasoning, and served in an inviting bread bowl.

The allure of melding the classic flavors of a sub sandwich with the warmth of a soup seemed like the perfect culinary adventure. The thought of sitting down with a bowl of this delicious soup, the mozzarella cheese melted to perfection, and the bread bowl soaking up every bit of flavor brings a sense of comfort and satisfaction. It's like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly evening. This dish promises the nostalgia of your favorite meatball recipes with the ease and simplicity needed for any day of the week. Key Takeaways:

This easy meatball sub soup in a bread bowl merges classic sub flavors with the cozy warmth of soup.
Ideal for any time, offering both comfort and convenience.
Features homemade meatballs, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a tomato-based soup.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Gathering all the right ingredients for a cozy night in can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt, but for our Easy Meatball Sub Soup, the list is surprisingly simple.

Homemade meatballs or, if you’re strapped for time, grocery store finds can do the trick.
Tomato paste and crushed tomatoes for that rich, tomatoey base we all crave.

Beef broth adds depth, while Italian seasoning brings the soup to life. Mozzarella cheese, the star of the show, along with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, adds a cheesy gooeyness that’s non-negotiable. And, don’t forget the bread bowl for serving—it turns a simple soup into a hearty meal.

Once you've got all these gathered, you’re well on your way to a comforting, delicious soup that's sure to warm up your soul!

Homemade Meatballs vs. Store-Bought

You might find yourself at a crossroads - to embrace the kitchen and make your own meatballs, or to take the super easy route and pick them up from the grocery store. On one hand, making your own meatballs allows you to choose your own mix of beef, or even a leaner option like ground turkey or a combination of beef and pork mix, giving you full control over the flavor and nutritional content. Adding your own herbs, breadcrumbs, and a pinch of love can turn a simple meal into a gourmet experience for the whole family.

On the flip side, the grocery store offers convenience with pre-made meatballs, saving you time and a little bit of cleanup, though you might have to compromise on the homemade taste and the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in your food. Ultimately, whether I’m leaning towards a hearty soup needing bits of mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning or a quick weeknight fix, choosing between homemade or store-bought meatballs boils down to how much time and effort I’m willing to invest for that extra flavor and personal touch.

Soup Base Preparation

I like to keep things straightforward and flavor-packed. The process begins with a deep, spacious pot over medium heat, setting the stage for the magic to unfold. First off, swirl in that rich olive oil, just waiting to sizzle the minced garlic to aromatic perfection. Then comes the real game-changer, the tomato paste, melding beautifully with the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, creating a soup base that's robust and brimming with promise.

A generous sprinkle of Italian seasoning brings forth those herby notes that beckon the essence of home cooking. And let's not forget, tweaking the salt and pepper ensures every spoonful is tailored to your taste. It’s in these simple steps—olive oil, garlic, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and the quintessential Italian seasoning—that the foundation of our soup transforms from mere ingredients to a savory embrace, ready to cradle our beloved meatballs.

Assembling Your Bread Bowl

So, let's talk about how we transform those hearty loaves into cozy vessels for our savory soup. Grabbing your bread bowl – a sturdy hoagie roll or a round soughdough works wonderfully – and a sharp serrated knife, we're going to carve out the center, leaving a thick boundary to hold our meatball masterpiece. Gently, but with confidence, scoop out the soft insides. What you're aiming for is a snug cradle for the soup, not a leaky canoe!

Now, spoon that rich, tomatoey soup brimming with homemade meatballs, bits of mozzarella, and all the Italian seasoning your heart desires into the bread bowl, letting it soak just a bit into the bread's crust. For those of you mindful of carbs or just not keen on bread bowls – no worries! Ladle this delicious soup directly into your favorite bowl and maybe top it with a hunk of crusty bread on the side. Either way, you're in for a treat that's both deeply satisfying and heartwarmingly inviting.

Adding the Cheese: A Key Step

Oh, the magic happens when we get to the cheese - yes, the heavenly mozzarella and parmesan! Let me tell you, layering these cheeses into the soup and then scattering more atop those sturdy bread bowls right before they hit the broiler is nothing short of transformative. It’s like watching a cozy blanket being tucked around a loved one. The mozzarella melts into stretchy, gooey goodness, enveloping every meatball with love, while the parmesan adds that sharp, nutty flavor that hugs your soul. This step isn’t just about adding cheese; it’s about elevating the entire dish, giving it that irresistible texture and depth of flavor that makes you close your eyes and sigh with the first spoonful. And when those bread bowls come out under the broiler, golden and bubbly, it’s a sight to behold – a true testament to the heartiness and deliciousness of this soul-warming soup.

Broiling to Perfection

Alright, let's dive into the art of broiling to perfection, a crucial step in bringing our Easy Meatball Sub Soup to its glorious finish. Trust me, when you see that golden, bubbly cheese atop your bread bowl, it's a little moment of triumph. Here's how you nail it: Preheat your broiler while you're giving those filled bread bowls their cheesy crowns. You’ll want to keep a keen eye on them as they broil for about 2-3 minutes. It’s this short blast of high heat that transforms the mozzarella into that irresistibly golden delight without risking the burn. And remember, every broiler is a bit different, so the ‘golden moment’ might vary slightly. Just watch closely, and you'll catch that perfect bubbling cheese top at its peak moment, making your hearty soup a sight to behold and a joy to indulge in.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Let's spice things up a bit, shall we? With our easy meatball sub soup, the possibilities are as endless as they are delicious. Imagine swapping out the mozzarella for some sharp provolone cheese or stirring in a bit of red pepper flakes for that extra kick. Or why not make a batch with ground chicken meatballs for a lighter twist? The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility.

And when it comes to serving, while the bread bowl is a hearty classic, laying out some crispy garlic butter hoagie rolls on the side can be just as satisfying, offering that beloved crunch with each dip. For those cozy family gatherings, a side of creamy tomato soup or a simple Italian sausage soup could round out the meal, making every spoonful a comforting embrace. Remember, whether you opt for fresh basil garnish or a sprinkle of Parmesan, it's all about making the dish your own!

A Warm Ending to a Cozy Meal

As we wrap up this culinary journey, I can't help but feel a warmth that goes beyond the steamy bread bowls and the savory soup they cradle. This Easy Meatball Sub Soup in a Bread Bowl isn't just a meal; it’s a hug for your soul, a testament to the comfort and joy that comes from sharing good food with those we cherish. Imagine the laughter and stories unfolding around your dining table as everyone digs into their own bread bowl, the blend of homemade meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese creating an orchestra of flavors in their mouths.

I invite you, with a heart full of enthusiasm, to bring this heartwarming recipe into your kitchen. Turn it into your next mealtime adventure, a cozy gathering that turns into memories. Whether it's for a chilly evening or a casual Sunday lunch, this soup is more than just a dish—it's a way to bring your favorite people together, sharing moments and creating bonds over a deliciously simple yet profoundly comforting meal. Dive into the warm embrace of this soup and let the joy it brings fill your home.