Italian Meatball Soup

Italian Meatball Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish filled with tender meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a rich tomato-based broth. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving a warm and cozy bowl of soup. With simple ingredients and easy prep, this recipe comes together quickly and is great for meal prep or leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty & Comforting: Packed with juicy meatballs, pasta, and veggies in a savory broth.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Customizable: Adjust the seasonings, pasta, or vegetables to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day and freezes well!

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells)
• 1 cup fresh spinach or kale (optional)
• Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan, for garnish

Directions

1. Make the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a plate.

2. Prepare the Soup

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

3. Cook the Meatballs

1. Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering soup. Reduce the heat to low and let them cook for about 15 minutes.
2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, ensuring the meatballs cook evenly.

4. Add Pasta & Greens

1. Stir in the pasta and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
2. If using spinach or kale, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.

5. Serve & Enjoy

1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage in the meatballs.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
• No Pasta: Swap the pasta for white beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup (without pasta) for up to 3 months. When reheating, cook fresh pasta separately and add it before serving.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave individual servings. Add extra broth if the soup thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes! You can use store-bought frozen meatballs. Just add them directly to the simmering soup and cook until heated through.

What’s the best pasta to use?

Small pasta like ditalini, orzo, or small shells works best. Avoid larger pasta shapes, as they can overpower the soup.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all ingredients (except pasta and greens) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add pasta during the last 30 minutes.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

For best results, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings. This prevents it from absorbing too much broth.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the meatballs and use vegetable broth. Add beans or lentils for protein.

What sides go well with this soup?

Crusty bread, garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables make great pairings.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes! Use about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher taste.

How do I thicken the broth?

If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked vegetables or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).

Can I use Italian sausage instead of ground beef?

Yes! Italian sausage adds a great depth of flavor. Remove the casings and use it just like ground beef.

Conclusion

Italian Meatball Soup is a warm, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any time of year. With tender homemade meatballs, comforting pasta, and a rich tomato broth, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make and full of delicious Italian flavors. Try different variations, store leftovers for later, and enjoy this cozy classic with your family!

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