Greek Meatball Soup Recipe

Greek Meatball Soup, or Keftedes Soupa, is a rich and flavorful dish that brings comfort to the soul with each hearty spoonful. Rooted in Mediterranean culinary traditions, this soup strikes a perfect balance between savory, aromatic spices and wholesome ingredients. It’s an ideal meal for cooler weather or when you’re looking to enjoy a fulfilling bowl of something warm and nourishing.

The beauty of Greek meatball soup lies not only in the deliciousness of the meatballs themselves but in the soup’s ability to hold together various layers of taste-tender meatballs, refreshing herbs, tangy tomatoes, and a rich, savory broth. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and can be customized according to taste preferences or dietary restrictions.

Whether you’re looking for a recipe that will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation or you’re seeking something new to try for a special occasion, this dish has you covered. So, let’s dive into how to make this flavorful Greek Meatball Soup from scratch!

This recipe combines succulent, tender meatballs with a savory broth that’s brimming with Mediterranean flavors. It’s a dish that perfectly embodies the essence of Greek home cooking-simple ingredients, fresh herbs, and heartwarming comfort.

What You’ll Need

Ground meat (lamb, beef, or a combination)
Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and mint
Olive oil and garlic for the base
Onion and tomatoes for richness and depth
A splash of lemon juice for tanginess
Rice or orzo for added texture

It’s incredibly flexible, so if you’re missing one or two ingredients, don’t fret-you can always adjust and substitute based on what you have available.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the full list of ingredients you’ll need to make your own Greek Meatball Soup. Pay attention to the key ingredients that give it that signature Greek flavor:

For The Meatballs

Ground beef, lamb, or pork (choose your preferred meat or mix them): The combination of lamb and beef brings a robust and rich flavor, while pork adds a nice juiciness to the meatballs.
Breadcrumbs (or soaked stale bread): Breadcrumbs are essential for holding the meatball mixture together, giving it a light texture without becoming dense.
Eggs: Eggs are used as a binder, ensuring your meatballs stay intact as they cook.
Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and that signature herbal note that pairs so well with Mediterranean dishes.
Garlic: An absolute must for the depth of flavor. Fresh minced garlic adds a rich aroma that blends beautifully with the herbs.
Onion: Minced onion lends sweetness and depth to the meatballs, giving them a more rounded flavor.
Oregano: A quintessential herb in Greek cooking, oregano brings a savory, slightly peppery kick.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning the meatballs. Make sure to season well to bring out all the flavors.

For The Soup

Olive oil: Olive oil is the cornerstone of Greek cooking. It’s rich, healthy, and imparts an incredible taste to the broth.
Onions: A second round of onion to build up the flavor base of the soup.
Garlic: Just a touch to enhance the soup’s aromatic qualities.
Tomato paste: Adds richness and a deep, umami-packed flavor that forms the base of the soup’s broth.
Canned tomatoes (or fresh, if you have them): You’ll want to use tomatoes to give the soup that juicy, tangy flavor. Canned tomatoes work best for convenience, but fresh will do just fine.
Rice or Orzo: Both rice and orzo are traditional in this soup, providing texture and making the dish more filling. Orzo adds a bit of pasta texture while rice gives the soup a hearty, comforting feel.
Vegetable or chicken broth: The liquid base for the soup. Chicken broth gives it a deeper flavor, but vegetable broth keeps it lighter.
Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end of cooking adds that refreshing zing, giving a wonderful contrast to the rich meatballs and soup.
Fresh herbs: Parsley, dill, or mint work well for a garnish. These herbs brighten up the soup and add an extra layer of flavor.
Salt and pepper: To taste, always add salt gradually and adjust as needed.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients prepped and ready, it’s time to start cooking. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to make your Greek Meatball Soup:

Make The Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine your ground meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, minced parsley, garlic, onion, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined. You want the mixture to be firm but moist, so adjust the breadcrumbs if necessary.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. You can make them a little smaller or larger, depending on your preference.
Brown The Meatballs
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides. You’re not looking to cook them all the way through here, just to get a nice golden brown crust on the outside. Remove them from the pot and set them aside.
Prepare The Soup Base
- In the same pot, add a little more olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add the canned tomatoes (or fresh ones), broth, rice or orzo, and bring to a simmer. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Simmer And Cook The Meatballs
- Carefully drop the browned meatballs back into the pot. They should be floating in the broth.
- Cover and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the rice (or orzo) is tender.
- If you’re using orzo, be sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
Finish With Lemon And Herbs
- Once the meatballs are cooked and the soup has thickened to your liking, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, dill, or mint right before serving.

Ingredient Insights

Ground Meat: Using lamb brings an authentic Greek flavor to the dish, but beef or pork are excellent alternatives. A mix of beef and lamb gives the meatballs a balance of flavor and texture.
Rice vs. Orzo: Traditionally, orzo is used in many Greek soups because of its pasta-like texture, which makes the soup feel more substantial. Rice is a great alternative and gives a slightly different texture but still works wonderfully.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is always best, as it has a robust flavor that complements the other ingredients in the soup. It’s also the healthiest option for cooking and adds to the richness of the broth.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley is often the herb of choice for garnishing Mediterranean dishes, but dill and mint can add a refreshing twist. Fresh herbs elevate the soup and add an aromatic kick.

Expert Tips

Meatball Texture: If your meatballs are too tough, you might have overmixed the meat. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined. If they fall apart, add more breadcrumbs or an egg to bind them better.
Broth Base: For a richer flavor, you can add a touch of white wine or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the broth once everything’s done. It’ll create a creamy, tangy flavor profile that’s absolutely delightful.
Lemon Zing: If you love lemon, add a little lemon zest to the soup for an extra citrusy punch!
Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day. If you’re meal prepping, store the soup and meatballs separately to prevent the meatballs from becoming too soft in the broth. Reheat the meatballs when you’re ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: You can create meatless “meatballs” by using a combination of lentils, chickpeas, or mushrooms instead of meat. Form them into small balls and follow the same steps.
Gluten-Free: Swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, or use ground almonds or rice flour as a binder in the meatballs.
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the soup for a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the rich meatballs and soup.
Low-Carb: For a low-carb version, replace the rice or orzo with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Final Words

Greek Meatball Soup is the kind of dish that reminds you of home, no matter where you are. The balance of savory meatballs, rich broth, and fresh herbs creates a comforting, heartwarming meal that will make you feel nourished from the inside out. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize based on dietary preferences and available ingredients.

Greek Meatball Soup Recipe