A Taste of Nostalgia

There’s something magical about a meatball sub. The rich, tangy tomato sauce, the perfectly seasoned meatballs, and the gooey, melted cheese all tucked inside a warm, crusty roll—it’s a meal that brings back memories of childhood dinners, late-night cravings, and family gatherings. But what if you could enjoy that same delicious experience in the form of a soul-warming soup?

I remember the first time I made this Meatball Sub Soup. It was a cold, rainy evening, the kind where all you want to do is wrap yourself in a blanket and enjoy something warm and hearty. A classic meatball sub sounded perfect, but I wanted something cozier, something that felt like a hug in a bowl. That’s when the idea struck—why not turn it into a soup? A dish that could soak into fresh bread, be scooped up with a spoon, and deliver all those familiar flavors in every bite.

Now, this soup has become a family favorite. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and so comforting that it feels like home with every spoonful. If you love meatball subs, you’re going to fall head over heels for this soup.

Why This Soup Stands Out

Meatball Sub Soup is more than just a clever twist on a classic sandwich. It’s a dish that takes all the best elements of a meatball sub and enhances them in a way that’s both indulgent and practical.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner, a game-day gathering, or a comforting meal on a cold day, this soup fits the bill. The combination of rich broth, flavorful meatballs, and cheesy goodness makes it a crowd-pleaser.

Great for Meal Prep

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge for a few days, or even freeze it for later. The flavors get even better as they sit, making leftovers something to look forward to.

A Creative Way to Enjoy a Classic

If you love experimenting in the kitchen, this recipe is a fun way to put a new spin on an old favorite. By serving it in a bread bowl, you get the same satisfaction of biting into a sandwich but with the added coziness of a warm, flavorful soup.

Hearty Meatball Sub Soup in a Bread Bowl

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Author: Krystel

Ingredients

• For the Soup:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound cooked meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• For the Bread Bowls:
  • 6 small round bread loaves

Directions

1. Prepare the Bread Bowls:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Slice off the top of each bread loaf and hollow out the center to create a bowl, leaving about ½-inch thickness on the sides and bottom.
   • Place the hollowed bread bowls on a baking sheet and set aside.
2. Cook the Soup:
   • In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
   • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to enhance its flavor.
   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, stirring well to combine.
   • Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the cooked meatballs. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Assemble and Serve:
   • Ladle the hot soup into each prepared bread bowl.
   • Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each.
   • Place the filled bread bowls in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   • Carefully remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.

Enjoy this comforting and hearty meatball sub soup, perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week!

What Makes This Soup So Delicious?

The Rich and Savory Broth

The base of this soup is made with crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasonings, creating a robust and flavorful broth that soaks perfectly into the bread bowl. Unlike a traditional marinara sauce, this broth is slightly thinner, making it ideal for spooning up with every bite.

Tender, Juicy Meatballs

Whether you use homemade meatballs or store-bought ones, they add a hearty texture to the soup. Cooking them in the broth allows them to soak up even more flavor, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

Melty Cheese for the Ultimate Comfort

No meatball sub is complete without gooey, melted cheese. The mozzarella and Parmesan in this soup bring all the creamy, stringy goodness that makes a meatball sub so irresistible. When baked inside the bread bowl, the cheese turns golden and bubbly, making each bite extra indulgent.

A Bread Bowl That Soaks Up Every Bit of Flavor

The bread bowl isn’t just a serving vessel—it’s an essential part of the experience. The crusty exterior holds up well against the soup, while the inside becomes soft and flavorful as it soaks up the broth. By the time you get to the bottom, you’re left with the perfect bite of soup-soaked bread.

Tips to Elevate Your Meatball Sub Soup

Choose the Right Bread

A sturdy, crusty bread like a sourdough or Italian round loaf works best for bread bowls. Avoid soft bread, as it may become too soggy too quickly.

Enhance the Broth

For an even deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering the soup. It adds richness and complexity to the broth.

Make It Spicy

If you love a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausage meatballs instead of traditional ones.

Experiment with Cheese

While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you can also try provolone, fontina, or even a bit of ricotta for a creamy twist.

Add Some Greens

For an extra layer of texture and nutrition, stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Soup Without a Bread Bowl?

Absolutely! While the bread bowl adds an extra layer of deliciousness, this soup is just as tasty when served in a regular bowl with some crusty bread on the side.

2. Can I Use Frozen Meatballs?

Yes! Frozen meatballs work great in this recipe. Simply thaw them before adding them to the soup, or let them simmer a little longer to ensure they’re heated through.

3. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. If you have extra bread bowls, store them separately and assemble fresh when serving.

4. Can I Freeze This Soup?

Yes! The soup itself freezes well, but it’s best to freeze it without the cheese and bread. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before adding cheese and serving in fresh bread bowls.

5. Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the meatballs for plant-based meatballs or roasted mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavors will still be delicious and hearty.

6. What Sides Go Well with This Soup?

A fresh Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make great sides to balance out the richness of the soup.

A Bowl Full of Memories

Meatball Sub Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. It takes everything we love about a classic meatball sub and turns it into a cozy, comforting dish that warms both the body and the soul. Whether you’re making it for a special family dinner or just looking for a way to elevate a simple weeknight meal, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your home.

So the next time you’re craving comfort food, give this recipe a try. Sit back, grab a spoon, and enjoy every warm, cheesy, and savory bite.

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