Hungarian Meatball Soup (Húsgombócleves)

Hungarian Meatball Soup, known as Húsgombócleves, is a comforting traditional Hungarian soup made with tender meatballs, vegetables, potatoes, and delicate noodles simmered in a flavorful homemade broth.

This hearty soup is simple, warming, and perfect for a family lunch or dinner. The combination of juicy meatballs, sweet carrots, potatoes, onion, and silky noodles makes it a satisfying Hungarian classic.

🇭🇺 What Is Húsgombócleves?

The Hungarian word húsgombóc means meatball, while leves means soup. Together, Húsgombócleves simply means meatball soup.

There are many variations throughout Hungary and Central Europe. Some versions use a clear broth, while others include paprika, sour cream, or different vegetables.

This version keeps the broth light and golden, allowing the flavor of the meatballs and vegetables to shine.

🥣 Ingredients

For the Soup

• 8 cups (2 liters) chicken or beef broth
• 1 lb (450 g) ground pork or a mixture of pork and beef
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion, peeled
• 1 small parsnip, peeled and sliced
• 1 small piece of celery root, diced
• 1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon Hungarian paprika
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Meatballs

• 450 g (1 lb) ground pork or pork-beef mixture
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Hungarian paprika

For the Noodles

• 2–3 oz (60–85 g) thin egg noodles