Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite cozy meal that fills my kitchen with the most heavenly aroma—Italian Meatball Soup! 🎉 This soul-warming soup takes me back to weekends spent with my family around the table, cracking jokes and enjoying good conversation over bowls of hearty, delicious soup. It was my mama’s specialty, and I always look forward to savoring each comforting spoonful, especially on chilly evenings.
What I love about this recipe is how beautifully it combines tender meatballs with fresh veggies and broth. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and it’s incredibly easy to make! Plus, you can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand or even change up the pasta if you’re feeling adventurous. So, let’s get cooking and make a batch of this Italian delight together!
What’s in Italian Meatball Soup?
Let’s break down the delicious elements that come together to make this soup a winner.
Ground Beef (or a mix of beef and pork): This is the star of our meatballs! I usually go for a mix of both if I want that extra flavor. A pound is enough for a hearty soup that serves four people.
Bread Crumbs: These little beauties help bind our meatball mixture and give them a lovely texture. I prefer to use plain breadcrumbs, but panko can add an extra crunch if you fancy!
Grated Parmesan Cheese: The secret to scrumptious meatballs! It infuses a delightful umami flavor. Always go for the real deal—it makes a world of difference.
Egg: This helps to bind our ingredients together, giving the meatballs that perfect bounce.
Garlic: Because who doesn’t love garlic? It adds depth and fragrance both in the meatballs and the soup.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that brings that classic Italian flavor. It’s usually made up of basil, oregano, and thyme—yum!
Salt and Pepper: The ultimate seasoning duo for enhancing all the flavors!
Olive Oil: For sautéing our veggies and adding richness to the soup.
Onion, Carrots, and Celery: Known as the holy trinity in many cuisines, they provide a great base for our soup with sweetness and crunch.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: The base for our broth, adding sweetness and acidity. I love using tomatoes with herbs for an extra flavor boost.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: This is crucial for that savory depth. If you have homemade broth lying around, even better!
Small Pasta: I love using ditalini or elbow macaroni, but any small shapes will work. They soak up that broth beautifully!
Fresh Spinach: For a delicious pop of color and nutrition. It wilts perfectly into the soup, giving it freshness.
Fresh Parsley or Basil: These fragrant herbs make an excellent garnish and add a hint of brightness.
Additional Grated Parmesan: Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese!
Is Italian Meatball Soup Good for You?
Well, let’s talk health benefits! This soup is a great way to get your protein from the ground beef, which also provides important nutrients like iron. The spinach adds a wonderful dose of vitamins A and C, while the carrots provide beta-carotene and fiber. Speaking of fiber, the breadcrumbs and pasta also round out the meal by making it heartier.
Now, while it’s delicious, it’s worth noting that if you’re watching your sodium intake, look for low-sodium versions of broth and diced tomatoes. And if you’re trying to make it lighter, you can swap out some of the meat with ground turkey or keep it vegetarian with chickpeas instead.
Ingredients for Italian Meatball Soup (Serves 4)
– 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 5 cloves garlic, minced (2 for meatballs, 3 for soup)
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
– 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
– Additional grated Parmesan for serving
How to Make Italian Meatball Soup?
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making this scrumptious soup!
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, 2 cloves of minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until just combined, then form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and brown them on all sides. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the diced onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the veggies soften. Then, toss in the remaining 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant!
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken or vegetable broth; bring it all to a gentle simmer.
5. Add the meatballs back into the pot and let them cook in the broth for about 15 minutes. Can you smell that? Heaven!
6. Stir in the small pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
7. In the last few minutes of cooking, add the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt and pepper if necessary.
9. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Dig in and enjoy every comforting bite!
Delicious Variations and Tips
If you’re feeling a little creative, this soup is incredibly versatile:
– **Add more veggies:** Feel free to toss in bell peppers or zucchini when you sauté the base. It’s a sneaky way to up those nutrients!
– **Make it heartier:** Add more pasta or serve it alongside a slice of crispy garlic bread. You can never go wrong there, right?
– **Storage tips:** Ensure any leftovers are stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, and don’t forget to add a pinch of salt!
I hope you give this Italian Meatball Soup a try and enjoy it as much as I do! It’s the perfect dish for gatherings or just a quiet night in. If you do make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out—shoot me a message or drop a comment below! Buon Appetito! 🍲
