There is something truly heartwarming about a bowl of Italian Meatball Soup Recipe that combines tender, juicy meatballs with vibrant veggies and comforting broth in every spoonful. This dish is a celebration of classic Italian flavors melded into a rustic, nourishing soup that is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. The blend of herbs, the slight kick from red pepper flakes, and the addition of fresh spinach make it a delightful experience for your palate and soul. Whether you’re new to making soup or looking to add a new favorite to your recipe box, this Italian Meatball Soup Recipe will certainly become your go-to for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, working together to create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in your soup. Each item brings its own magic—ground meats for richness, fresh vegetables for freshness, and herbs for that signature Italian aroma.
- Ground beef: Provides a rich and meaty base for the meatballs.
- Italian sausage: Adds spice and extra flavor to the meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps to bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Packs a salty, nutty punch inside the meatballs and as a topping.
- Large egg: Binds the meatball mixture for perfect shape and texture.
- Minced garlic: Gives a savory depth to both meatballs and soup base.
- Salt: Essential seasoning to elevate all flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and sharpness.
- Red pepper flakes: For a gentle spicy kick.
- Olive oil: Used to brown meatballs and sauté veggies, adding a silky richness.
- Chopped onion: Builds a sweet and savory foundation for the soup.
- Diced carrots: Brings natural sweetness and color.
- Diced celery stalks: Adds freshness and slight crunch.
- Beef or chicken broth: The soul of the soup, giving it a rich and warm base.
- Canned diced tomatoes: Introduce acidity and vibrant color to brighten the broth.
- Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb elevating the flavor profile.
- Dried basil: Sweet and earthy notes typical of Italian cuisine.
- Dried thyme: Adds subtle depth and complexity.
- Small pasta (ditalini or elbow): Perfect bite-size pasta that complements the meatballs and soup broth.
- Fresh spinach: Adds freshness, color, and nutrients, lightly wilted into the soup.
- Additional grated Parmesan: A finishing touch that adds extra savory goodness when served.
How to Make Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Mix the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes gently in a large bowl until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your meatballs tender. Shape the mixture into small 1-inch meatballs, getting ready for the next step where they develop that golden crust.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. This step seals in juiciness and builds flavor. Once browned, remove the meatballs and set them aside, leaving the flavorful oil behind to cook your vegetables.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Cook them gently until they soften and become fragrant, about five minutes. Then, stir in garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
Step 4: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the broth and canned diced tomatoes, followed by dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Carefully add the browned meatballs back to the pot, letting all those flavors meld together during a 15-minute simmer that turns simple ingredients into soul-warming magic.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Spinach
Stir in your choice of small pasta and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Then, toss in the chopped spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted. This bright green finish gives freshness and a beautiful pop of color to your soup.
How to Serve Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top is essential and instantly adds a rich, savory contrast to the warm broth. Freshly cracked black pepper or a few torn basil leaves make for lovely, aromatic garnishes that impress every time.
Side Dishes
Serve your Italian Meatball Soup Recipe with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up every drop of that flavorful broth. A crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette is another great companion to balance the heartiness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family meal, serve the soup in bread bowls, letting the soup soften the bread for an edible bowl treat. Or present the meatballs separately on skewers, giving guests the option to add as many as they’d like to their bowls. Little touches like these make meal times feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the following day.
Freezing
Freeze the soup in portions with the meatballs included for up to 3 months. To avoid mushy pasta, you can freeze the meatballs and broth separately from the pasta and add fresh pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Gently warm leftover soup over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the Italian Meatball Soup Recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking times as these meats can cook faster and remain moist.
What pasta works best in this soup?
Small shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work beautifully since they cook quickly and complement the size of the meatballs perfectly.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to adapt the recipe. Many grocery stores carry these alternatives, making it easy to enjoy this dish without gluten.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Definitely! You can make the meatballs ahead of time, even freeze them raw or cooked, which makes preparing the soup much quicker on busy days.
How spicy is this soup?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that enhances the flavors without overwhelming the dish. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a comforting, flavor-packed meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you truly have to try this Italian Meatball Soup Recipe. It’s simply delicious, hearty, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or keeping for yourself as a delightful weeknight dinner. Give it a go, and I promise it will win a special place in your heart and kitchen.
Print
Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting bowl filled with tender homemade meatballs, fresh vegetables, savory broth, and small pasta, all simmered together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
To Serve
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Shape the mixture into small meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides until they develop a golden crust. Remove browned meatballs from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the beef or chicken broth along with the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Soup: Return the browned meatballs to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer and let cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the small pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Finish: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. When ready to make the soup, simply add the frozen meatballs directly to the pot.
- For a lighter variation, substitute turkey sausage in place of Italian sausage.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this soup gluten-free if needed.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil as garnish for added freshness.
