Italian Meatball Soup

Italian Meatball Soup is a warm and comforting dish filled with tender homemade meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a rich, flavorful broth. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days or anytime you need a comforting bowl of goodness. With savory meatballs, tender pasta, and fresh vegetables, this one-pot meal is both satisfying and easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and filling with tender meatballs and pasta
• Easy one-pot meal with minimal cleanup
• Perfect for meal prep or freezing for later
• Loaded with classic Italian flavors
• Customizable with your favorite vegetables and pasta

Ingredients

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

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 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 chicken or beef broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup small pasta (orzo, ditalini, or acini di pepe)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Meatballs

1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
   • Roll the mixture into small 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
3. Brown the Meatballs:
   • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides for 5-7 minutes.
   • Remove the meatballs and set aside.

Make the Soup

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.
   • Cook for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
2. Add Broth and Seasonings:
   • Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes with their juice.
   • Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Simmer the Soup:
   • Return the meatballs to the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low.
   • Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Cook the Pasta and Add Spinach:
   • Add the pasta to the soup and cook until tender (about 8-10 minutes).
   • Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted (optional).
5. Serve:
   • Ladle soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
   • Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Meatball Soup: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef.
• Vegetable-Loaded Soup: Add zucchini, peas, or green beans for extra veggies.
• Creamy Meatball Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
• Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice or omit the pasta for a keto-friendly meal.
• Spicy Italian Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage in the meatballs.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup (without the pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a pot over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Add a bit of broth if the soup is too thick.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, pre-cooked or frozen meatballs can be used to save time.

2. What kind of pasta works best in Italian meatball soup?

Small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, acini di pepe, or mini shells work well.

3. How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

If making ahead, cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup when reheating.

4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, add browned meatballs, sautéed vegetables, broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding the pasta in the last 30 minutes.

5. Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs.

6. How do I make this soup extra rich in flavor?

Use beef broth, add a splash of red wine, or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste for added depth.

7. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes, adjusting the liquid as needed.

8. How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart in the soup?

Make sure the meatball mixture is well combined and gently brown them before adding to the soup.

9. Can I add beans to this soup?

Yes, cannellini beans or chickpeas make a great addition to the soup.

10. What can I serve with Italian meatball soup?

Serve with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Italian Meatball Soup is a cozy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The tender meatballs, savory broth, and fresh vegetables create a warm and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and loved by all ages. Whether served as a starter or a main dish, this soup delivers rich Italian flavors and hearty goodness in every bite. Enjoy this delicious, comforting soup with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a slice of crusty bread!

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