This cozy Italian Meatball Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tasty meatballs, veggies, and a rich tomato broth, it’s perfect for chilly days.
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love meatballs? I like to serve it with crusty bread for dipping. Yum! Making this soup is quick and easy, which is a lifesaver on busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: Ground beef is classic for meatballs, but a mix of beef and pork adds great flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken works too, though the texture may change a bit.
Breadcrumbs: Using plain breadcrumbs helps bind the meatballs. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. I often use panko for extra crunch!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano is a nice substitute. Nutritional yeast can offer a cheesy flavor for a vegan option.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley adds freshness, but basil or oregano can be great swaps. Dried herbs can also be used, just reduce the quantity since they’re stronger.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs are Tender and Juicy?
Perfect meatballs are tender inside, and it’s all about the mixing method. Overmixing can make them tough! Combine the ingredients gently until just mixed.
- Use your hands for mixing to keep the texture light.
- Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes before adding them to the soup. This helps them hold their shape.
- Cook them gently in the broth; a rapid boil can break them apart.
What’s the Best Way to Add Flavor to the Soup?
To boost flavor, sauté the veggies in olive oil until soft—this builds a nice base. Adding garlic before the broth gives a lovely aroma!
- Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
- Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Finish the soup with freshly chopped herbs for a burst of freshness just before serving.
Enjoy crafting a warm and tasty Italian Meatball Soup!
Italian Meatball Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup small pasta (like orzo or ditalini)
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Italian Meatball Soup will take about 20 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes to cook, totaling around 50 minutes. You’ll spend time mixing the meatballs, sautéing the vegetables, and allowing the flavors to blend beautifully as it simmers. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently using your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined—don’t overmix! Shape this mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set them aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and smell fragrant. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the Broth and Tomatoes:
Carefully pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (don’t forget to add the juice!). Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to let it simmer.
4. Cook the Meatballs:
Gently add the meatballs to the simmering soup. Allow them to cook for about 15 minutes until they are cooked through and tender, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the Pasta and Greens:
Next, toss in the small pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 7-10 minutes until it’s al dente. Just a couple of minutes before serving, stir in the chopped spinach or kale and let it wilt.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy this comforting Italian Meatball Soup with some crusty bread for dipping!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Store-Bought Meatballs Instead?
Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought meatballs to save time! Just add them to the soup during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to heat through. You can skip the meatball preparation step if you go this route.
How Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and substitute the pasta with a gluten-free pasta option. Additionally, ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free as some brands may add gluten-containing ingredients.
What Other Veggies Can I Add?
This soup is very versatile! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. Just chop them into small pieces and add them during the sautéing step so they cook down nicely.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to loosen it up. Enjoy your comforting soup again in no time!
