There’s something incredibly comforting about the simple combination of savory flavors that make meatballs a household favorite. Meatballs with mushroom soup, in particular, elevates the humble meatball into something special, blending tender, flavorful meat with a creamy, rich sauce. This recipe is not just about flavor but also about bringing a feeling of warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction to the dinner table. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight meal or a hearty weekend dish, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
What makes this dish stand out is the versatility and ease of preparation. The meatballs can be customized with your choice of meats, seasonings, and even vegetables. The creamy mushroom soup adds depth and a touch of luxury to the entire dish, making it irresistible. It’s one of those recipes you can make on autopilot, but it always turns out delicious.
In this guide, we’ll walk through every step of creating this mouthwatering dish. From ingredients and cooking instructions to tips for perfecting your meatballs, you’ll get all the insights you need. Ready to dig in?
Meatballs With Mushroom Soup Recipe
Now, let’s talk about how to make the ultimate meatballs with mushroom soup. This dish balances the richness of meatballs with the creamy texture of a mushroom sauce, creating an indulgent yet hearty meal that everyone can enjoy. It’s comforting, filling, and just plain delicious.
Ingredients Needed
Before diving into the cooking, let’s gather the ingredients. These are the staples that make this dish a true comfort food:
For The Meatballs
- Ground Meat (Beef, Pork, or a blend of both): 1 lb – The foundation of the meatballs, providing flavor and texture. You can experiment with different types of ground meat, like turkey or chicken, for a leaner option.
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup – These help bind the meatballs together while keeping them light and tender.
- Egg: 1 large – Adds moisture and structure to the meatballs.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced – Brings aromatic depth and savoriness.
- Onion: 1/2, finely chopped – Provides sweetness and complexity to the meatballs.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated – Adds a nutty, salty kick to the meatballs.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon – A classic herb that pairs well with the other flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste – Essential for seasoning.
- Olive Oil: For frying – This will be used to cook the meatballs before simmering them in the soup.
For The Mushroom Soup
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 2 cans (about 10.5 oz each) – The heart of the sauce. You can opt for a low-fat version if you prefer.
- Milk: 1/2 cup – To thin out the soup and make it creamy.
- Beef Broth: 1 cup – Adds richness and helps the meatballs cook in a flavorful liquid.
- Fresh Mushrooms: 1 cup, sliced – Adds texture and enhances the mushroom flavor in the soup.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon – A tangy, savory addition that balances the richness of the dish.
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon – A great complement to both the mushrooms and the meatballs.
Cooking Instructions
-
Make The Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parmesan, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything gently until combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat to ensure tender meatballs.
- Roll the mixture into small, golf-ball-sized meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 20 meatballs, depending on the size.
-
Fry The Meatballs
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-6 minutes total. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point, as they will finish cooking in the soup.
-
Prepare The Mushroom Soup
- In a large pot, pour in the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Add the sliced fresh mushrooms and dried thyme.
- Once the soup is simmering, carefully drop the browned meatballs into the soup. Cover the pot and let everything simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
-
Serve
- Once the meatballs are done, remove the pot from heat and give the soup a quick taste. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the meatballs and soup with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up all the creamy sauce.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding your ingredients is key to making this recipe a success. Here’s why each one matters:
- Ground Meat: The choice of ground meat is crucial. Beef offers a rich, hearty flavor, while pork adds tenderness and moisture. A blend of both is ideal for balance. If you go for leaner meats like turkey, you may need to adjust with extra fat or breadcrumbs to maintain texture.
- Breadcrumbs: These provide the structure to your meatballs, helping them stay together while keeping them light. You can even use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture if desired.
- Parmesan Cheese: This isn’t just for flavor – it helps bind the meatballs together while adding a savory umami kick. Don’t skip this ingredient!
- Mushrooms: The fresh mushrooms are essential in enhancing the mushroom flavor in the soup, providing both texture and depth. While canned cream of mushroom soup is the base, the addition of fresh mushrooms makes the dish feel elevated.
- Beef Broth: The broth adds a savory backbone to the creamy mushroom soup, enriching the flavor and helping to cook the meatballs.
Expert Tips
To take your meatballs and mushroom soup to the next level, here are some tips:
- Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Just mix until everything is combined, then stop.
- Make Sure the Oil Is Hot: When frying meatballs, ensure the oil is sufficiently hot before adding them. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the meatballs may absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Use Fresh Mushrooms: While canned mushrooms can be convenient, fresh mushrooms offer a much better flavor and texture in the soup.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: When cooking the meatballs in the soup, keep the heat at a gentle simmer. Boiling can cause the meatballs to break apart.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors only get better as it sits!
Recipe Variations
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some ways to switch things up:
- Vegetarian Meatballs: Use a plant-based meat substitute or a combination of mushrooms, lentils, and breadcrumbs to create a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the soup to give the dish a spicy edge.
- Cheese Variations: Swap the parmesan for a different hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a slight variation in flavor.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like basil, rosemary, or parsley to change the flavor profile of both the meatballs and the soup.
Final Words
Meatballs with mushroom soup is one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for feeding the family or impressing guests. With the right balance of tender meatballs and creamy, flavorful mushroom soup, this dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Meatballs With Mushroom Soup?
You will need ground beef or pork, breadcrumbs, an egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and canned mushroom soup. For added flavor, you can also include Worcestershire sauce and dried herbs such as oregano or thyme.
Can I Use Fresh Mushrooms Instead Of Canned Mushroom Soup?
Yes, you can substitute fresh mushrooms. To do so, sauté the mushrooms with onions, garlic, and a little butter, then add broth or cream to create a sauce before adding the meatballs. The texture and flavor will be different from the canned soup version but still delicious.
How Do I Make The Meatballs For This Recipe?
Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix everything until well-combined, then shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Brown them in a skillet before adding them to the soup.
Can I Cook The Meatballs Directly In The Mushroom Soup Without Browning Them First?
Yes, you can cook the meatballs directly in the soup. However, browning them first enhances the flavor and gives them a nice texture. If you skip the browning step, just ensure the meatballs are fully cooked in the soup, which might take a bit longer.
What Can I Serve With Meatballs In Mushroom Soup?
Meatballs with mushroom soup go well with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. You can also serve them with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make meatballs with mushroom soup ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs and sauce, then refrigerate them for up to 1-2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the dish on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Or Chicken Instead Of Beef Or Pork?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef or pork. Keep in mind that poultry might produce a slightly lighter flavor and texture, but the mushroom soup will still complement the meatballs well.
Is There A Way To Make This Recipe Gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with ground almonds or crushed rice crackers. Additionally, make sure the mushroom soup you use is gluten-free or consider making your own from scratch.
How Can I Adjust The Flavor Of The Mushroom Soup In The Recipe?
You can enhance the flavor of the mushroom soup by adding ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, or a splash of white wine. You could also stir in some fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to elevate the taste.
Can I Make A Larger Batch Of Meatballs With Mushroom Soup For A Crowd?
Yes, you can scale up the recipe to make a larger batch. Just increase the quantities of ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, and other ingredients proportionally. You may also need a larger pot to accommodate the increased number of meatballs and soup.