Italian Meatball Soup Recipe: A Hearty and Comforting

Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of Italian cuisine in one bowl. This soup is made with tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato-based broth with vegetables and pasta, making it a satisfying meal perfect for any season. Whether you’re craving something warm on a chilly night or a nutritious meal for the family, this Italian Meatball Soup Recipe is an excellent choice. Packed with protein, vitamins, and wholesome ingredients, it’s both delicious and nourishing. Let’s dive into the details of this classic soup.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Sugar: 8g

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Active Time: 30 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course, Soup
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories Per Serving: 320 kcal

Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet (if baking meatballs instead of frying)
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 6 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
2. Mix well using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Optionally, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes on a lined baking sheet or pan-fry them in a little olive oil until browned on all sides.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

1. Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes.
2. Stir in dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Carefully drop in the prepared meatballs.
5. Cover and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Greens

1. Stir in the small pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 7-10 minutes) until tender.
2. Add fresh spinach or kale and stir until wilted (about 2 minutes).
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
3. Serve warm with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side.

Tips for the Best Italian Meatball Soup

• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them for quick soup preparation.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and substitute gluten-free pasta.
• Extra Flavor: Adding a Parmesan rind while simmering enhances the broth’s depth.
• Vegetable Variations: You can add zucchini, bell peppers, or peas for more color and nutrition.
• Slow Cooker Option: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding pasta and greens in the last 30 minutes.

Conclusion

This Italian Meatball Soup Recipe is a comforting and nutritious dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. The homemade meatballs, rich tomato broth, and wholesome vegetables create a perfect balance of flavors. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy meal prep idea, this soup is easy to make and incredibly delicious. Try it out and enjoy the taste of Italy in every spoonful!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.