Meatballs have been around for centuries, starting as “kofta” in ancient Persia and evolving into beloved dishes like Italy’s “polpette” and Mexico’s “albondigas.” Now, they’ve been reimagined for keto! This soup blends history with modern nutrition, creating a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for busy families.
Science Meets Nutrition
Studies show swapping breadcrumbs for almond flour boosts healthy fats, while low-carb veggies like zucchini and spinach add fiber. Bone broth brings collagen for skin and joint health. As a keto chef, I can confidently say this soup is as nourishing as it is delicious.
The Glow-Up We Needed
Meatballs went from “poor man’s food” to the star of this rich, creamy keto soup. My husband always grabs seconds, and my kids love chasing the meatballs in their bowls. It’s a recipe that brings joy to every meal! 
Table of Contents
| Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights) |
| Ingredients for keto Meatball Soup |
| How to Make This keto Meatball Soup |
| Storage & Serving Suggestions |
| Tips & FAQs |
| Health Benefits of keto Meatball Soup |
Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights)
Here’s why this Keto Meatball Soup Recipe deserves a spot on your weekly menu:
- Hearty and Comforting: Juicy, flavor-packed meatballs swimming in a rich, savory broth—what’s not to love? It’s comfort food without the carb overload!
- Low-Carb Goodness: Each serving boasts just 4g net carbs, making it a perfect fit for your keto goals.
- Easy to Customize: Prefer kale over spinach? Want zucchini noodles instead of diced zucchini? This recipe welcomes swaps like a warm hug.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love the tender meatballs, and you can secretly feel good about sneaking in those veggies.
- Quick to Make: Ready in just about 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something hearty, fast.
- Meal Prep Superstar: Make a big batch and store individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or weeknight dinners.
- Diet-Friendly: Gluten-free, dairy-free adaptable, and just 6 Weight Watchers points per serving—it’s a guilt-free delight for various dietary needs.
So, grab your favorite soup pot and let’s get this deliciousness simmering!
Ingredients Needed
For the Meatballs:
- Egg (binder)
- Almond flour or pork rind crumbs (for texture)
- Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese (for flavor)
- Garlic powder and pepper (seasoning)
- Ground beef
For the Soup:
- Beef broth
- Zucchini
- Diced tomatoes (no-sugar-added)
- Italian seasoning
- Baby spinach
How to Make Keto Meatball Soup
Prepare the Meatballs: Combine meatball ingredients and roll into small balls. Brown in a pot to lock in flavor.
Make the Soup Base: Sauté zucchini, then add beef broth, tomatoes, and seasoning. Simmer with meatballs to cook them through.
Add Greens: Toss in baby spinach to wilt just before serving.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle into bowls and top with parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage Tips
Keep your leftovers fresh and fabulous with these easy storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better as they meld together… so don’t rush to finish it all on day one!
- Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze the soup in individual portions (trust me, this makes life so much easier). Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth if it’s thickened up a bit in storage—voilà, good as new!
Serving Tips
Turn this keto meatball soup into a full-on dining experience with these serving ideas:
- Garnish Galore: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a little zing… because a soup should never be boring!
- Pair It Perfectly: Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or keto garlic bread to round out the meal beautifully.
- Impress Your Guests: Ladle the soup into fancy bowls (even if they’re mismatched), and let those meatballs steal the show. Trust me, this dish is a dinner-party darling!
- Keep It Casual: Pour it into your favorite oversized mug and sip it on the couch in your coziest socks. Soup night = self-care night!
With storage and serving this simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make a double batch… 
Tips & FAQs
How do you make meatball soup from scratch?
To make meatball soup, you start by preparing meatballs using ground meat, binders like breadcrumbs or almond flour, eggs, and seasonings. Sear the meatballs in a pot for flavor, then create a soup base with broth, tomatoes, vegetables, and herbs. Simmer everything together until the meatballs are cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Finish with your favorite garnishes like fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese.
How long should I boil meatballs in soup?
Meatballs typically need to simmer in the soup for 15-20 minutes to cook through. Ensure their internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for beef or pork and 165°F (74°C) for poultry. Avoid overcooking to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
What is albondigas soup made of?
Albondigas soup is a traditional Mexican dish made with meatballs that often include ground beef or pork, rice, and herbs like mint or cilantro. The soup base is a flavorful tomato broth, typically paired with vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and potatoes. Mint adds a unique twist to the meatballs, giving albondigas soup its signature taste.
How many carbs are in meatball soup?
The carb content in meatball soup varies depending on the ingredients. Traditional recipes may contain 15-25 grams of carbs per serving, due to the addition of pasta, rice, or breadcrumbs. A keto version, with low-carb vegetables and almond flour meatballs, can have as little as 4-6 grams of carbs per serving.
What are meatballs made of?
Meatballs are made using ground meat (like beef, pork, chicken, or turkey), mixed with binders such as breadcrumbs, rice, or almond flour. Eggs hold the mixture together, while seasonings like garlic, onion, parsley, and pepper add flavor. Variations include different herbs, cheeses, or spices, depending on the recipe’s origin.
Can meatball soup be made keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or pork rinds in the meatballs, and use low-carb vegetables like zucchini or spinach in the broth. Avoid starchy additions like pasta or potatoes to keep it keto-compliant.
How can I store leftover meatball soup?
Cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
These FAQs cover the essentials of making, customizing, and enjoying meatball soup for a variety of dietary preferences and tastes!
Health Benefits of Keto Meatball Soup
1. Low-Carb Goodness
Keto meatball soup is designed to keep your carbohydrate intake in check, making it ideal for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. With just 4-6g net carbs per serving, it helps you stay in ketosis while enjoying a hearty and satisfying meal.
2. High in Healthy Fats
Thanks to ingredients like ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and beef broth, this soup is rich in healthy fats that provide long-lasting energy and keep you feeling full.
3. Packed with Protein
The meatballs are a powerhouse of protein, essential for muscle repair, hormone production, and maintaining a healthy immune system. This makes the soup perfect for active individuals or those looking to maintain lean muscle.
4. Nutrient-Dense Vegetables
This soup features low-carb vegetables like spinach and zucchini, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These veggies support overall health, boost immunity, and promote healthy digestion.
5. Gluten-Free and Grain-Free
By using almond flour or pork rinds in the meatballs, this recipe eliminates common allergens like gluten and grains, making it suitable for those with sensitivities or celiac disease.
6. Dairy-Free Adaptable
Skip the Parmesan cheese, and this soup becomes dairy-free while retaining its creamy, rich flavor. It’s perfect for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
7. Easy to Digest
This warm, brothy soup is gentle on the stomach and easy to digest, making it a great option for anyone recovering from illness or needing a light yet nutritious meal.
8. Blood Sugar Stabilizer
The low-carb and high-protein nature of this soup helps stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing energy crashes and cravings throughout the day.
10. Heart-Healthy
Using healthy fats from beef and broth combined with the antioxidants in vegetables, this soup supports cardiovascular health and reduces inflammation.
Enjoying keto meatball soup isn’t just a treat for your taste buds—it’s a nutritious meal that supports your overall well-being while keeping you on track with your health goals!
I’d love to hear how you make it your own! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or share a photo of your dish on social media and tag me. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who are looking for the keto meatball soup—they’ll thank you for it! 
Hearty Meatball Soup – Keto Low-Carb Comfort Food
Description
This keto meatball soup recipe is hearty, low-carb, and packed with flavor. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner, it’s gluten-free and dairy-free adaptable.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
For the Soup:
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
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In a small bowl, mix together the egg, almond flour, parsley, Parmesan, garlic powder, and black pepper.
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Add the ground beef and mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
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Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
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Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Lightly grease with olive oil or cooking spray.
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Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary. They don’t need to cook through completely at this stage. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Soup
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In the same pot, add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, zucchini, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle boil.
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Return the meatballs to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
Step 4: Add the Greens
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Stir in the baby spinach and let wilt for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
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Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring a generous portion of meatballs in each.
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Garnish with minced parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 220kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13g20%
- Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Protein 18g36%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
This Keto Meatball Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart (and my weekly dinner rotation!). When I first made it, my husband took one bite and said, “This is definitely a keeper.” My kids, who usually treat anything green like an alien invasion, actually asked for seconds—probably because they were too busy chasing the meatballs around their bowls to notice the spinach. That’s the beauty of this recipe: it’s a sneaky, delicious way to keep everyone happy and well-fed. From my bustling kitchen to yours, I hope it brings your family the same joy it brings mine!
