Irresistible Italian Meatball Soup Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

The aroma of Italian Meatball Soup wafts through the kitchen, wrapping around you like a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture this: tender meatballs swimming in a rich, savory broth, with vibrant vegetables dancing alongside them, creating a symphony of flavors that sing to your taste buds. spicy potato soup pairing Swedish meatball soup alternative similar Italian meatball recipe. perfect garlic flatbread side.

Every spoonful is an invitation to comfort, nostalgia, and joy. I remember my first attempt at making this soup; it turned into a family affair with laughs, messy hands, and a few too many meatballs rolling off the counter. This dish is perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings, promising a delightful experience that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

I can still picture my family’s faces lighting up when they took their first bite of this soup; it was pure bliss.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for tender meatballs; it helps balance flavor and health. For more inspiration, check out this ground beef casserole recipe recipe.

• Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs work best; they help keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds richness; avoid pre-grated varieties for better texture.

• Garlic Cloves: Mince fresh garlic cloves for maximum flavor impact; don’t skimp on this aromatic delight.

• Carrots: Diced carrots add sweetness and color; use fresh ones for the best crunch.

• Celery Stalks: Chopped celery brings in that satisfying crunch and enhances the broth’s overall flavor.

• Canned Tomatoes: Opt for crushed tomatoes; they create the perfect base for the broth’s depth.

• Chicken Broth: A good-quality broth elevates the soup’s flavor; homemade is ideal if you have it!

• Spinach or Kale: Fresh greens add nutrition and vibrant color; toss them in just before serving.

• Herbs (Basil & Oregano): Fresh herbs infuse the soup with aromatic notes; dried works too if fresh isn’t available.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prepare the Meatballs: Start by combining ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and herbs in a mixing bowl. Mix until just combined but be careful not to overwork it to keep them tender.

Shape Them Up!: With clean hands (and maybe some music playing), roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—this ensures they won’t stick!

Sear Those Meatballs!: In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add the meatballs in batches. Sear until browned on all sides—around 5 minutes—and then transfer them to a plate so they don’t get lonely.

Create the Flavorful Broth: In that same pot, toss in diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they soften and release their heavenly aroma—about 5 minutes should do it!

Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth into your pot of sautéed veggies. Bring this fragrant mixture to a gentle boil while scraping up any tasty bits stuck at the bottom.

Toss Back the Meatballs!: Gently return your seared meatballs to the pot. Reduce heat to low and let everything simmer together for 20-30 minutes so those flavors meld beautifully.

Add Greens at Last!: Right before serving, stir in spinach or kale until wilted. This final touch not only boosts nutrition but also adds stunning green color!

Serve hot with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for an even heartier meal. Your family will be raving about this Italian Meatball Soup long after dinner is done! For more inspiration, check out this creamy vegetable soup recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the meatballs in a skillet, then simmer them in broth while adding vegetables for depth of flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in turkey or chicken for the meatballs, or add spinach for an extra nutrient boost.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warm.

Memories of my grandmother’s kitchen flood back whenever I make this soup; her secret was always a pinch of love mixed in with the ingredients.

FAQ

Can I use frozen meatballs in this Italian Meatball Soup?

Yes, frozen meatballs work well; just increase the cooking time to ensure they heat through.

What can I serve with Italian Meatball Soup?

Pair it with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

How do I make this soup vegetarian-friendly?

Substitute meatballs with veggie versions and use vegetable broth as your base.

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Italian Meatball Soup

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• Author: Sofia Valentina
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Italian Meatball Soup is the ultimate cozy dish, perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings. This hearty soup features tender meatballs simmered in a rich broth alongside colorful vegetables, creating a comforting symphony of flavors. Easy to prepare and full of nostalgia, it guarantees warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. Serve it hot with crusty bread or over pasta for an unforgettable meal that will keep everyone coming back for more.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano

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Instructions

1. Prepare the meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Sear the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. Create the broth: In the same pot, sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened.
5. Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth; bring to a gentle boil while scraping up any browned bits.
6. Return meatballs: Gently add seared meatballs back into the pot; reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes to meld flavors.
7. Finish with greens: Stir in spinach or kale just before serving until wilted.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg