This Italian Meatball Soup is warm and comforting, loaded with tasty meatballs, soft veggies, and rich broth. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
If you’re feeling a bit chilly, this soup is just what you need. I love serving it with some crusty bread for dipping—you can never go wrong with that combo!
Making the meatballs is super fun and easy. Just mix, roll, and drop them into the pot. Soon, you’ll be enjoying a bowl of hearty goodness that warms your soul!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef and Pork: The mix of these meats gives great flavor. If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. I like a mix of meats because it adds depth to the overall taste.
Italian-style Breadcrumbs: These are typically seasoned, but if you don’t have them, regular breadcrumbs work too. Just add a pinch of Italian seasoning to your mix! It’s a great way to keep it simple.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are perfect here, but for a fresh twist, you can use chopped fresh tomatoes. If you want a bit of heat, try using diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is a classic choice, but any small pasta like ditalini, orecchiette, or even gluten-free pasta will do! Sometimes I like to use whole wheat for a little more nutrition.
How Do I Make Meatballs That Are Tender and Flavorful?
Making tender meatballs is all about gentle handling. Overworking the meat will make them tough. Here’s how to make them perfectly:
- Mix your ingredients carefully until just combined—don’t squish everything together!
- When shaping, keep them slightly loose and don’t pack them tightly. This helps keep them tender!
- Browning them in olive oil adds great flavor—but don’t worry about cooking them through at this stage; they’ll finish cooking in the soup!
What’s the Best Way to Build Flavor in the Soup?
Building flavor in the soup is key! Follow these tips:
- Sauté the onion and garlic until soft—this brings out their sweetness.
- Using quality broth (homemade or low-sodium) makes a huge difference. If you’re in a hurry, store-bought is fine too!
- After adding your herbs, let the soup simmer to blend the flavors well—this is what makes it comforting!
Enjoy crafting this Italian Meatball Soup! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm gathering that brings everyone together.
How to Make Italian Meatball Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/3 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
For the Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Garnish:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup will take approximately 15 minutes of prep time and about 30 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s enough time to savor the process of making those delicious meatballs and brewing a comforting pot of soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. They don’t have to be fully cooked through since they’ll finish cooking in the soup. Once browned, remove them and set aside.
3. Prepare the Soup Base:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Combine Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the chicken or beef broth along with the canned diced tomatoes (making sure to include their juice). Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. This will be the flavorful base of your soup!
5. Add the Meatballs:
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then carefully add the browned meatballs. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
6. Cook the Pasta:
Add the elbow macaroni (or your choice of pasta) to the pot and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, typically around 7-9 minutes. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick together.
7. Finish with Spinach:
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach leaves, letting them wilt into the soup, which should only take about 2-3 minutes.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with additional salt and pepper if desired. This is your moment to tailor the flavor just right!
9. Serve Up and Enjoy:
Serve the delicious Italian meatball soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top. This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping and savoring every last drop!
Hope you enjoy this comforting Italian Meatball Soup that’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to warm you up!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for the Meatballs?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of different meats. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may require a little extra moisture, so you might want to add a splash of broth or an extra egg.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Your Italian Meatball Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, where it can last for about 3 months.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. You can also add more veggies or beans for added protein!
What Should I Serve With This Soup?
This hearty soup is wonderful on its own but can be paired with crusty bread, a side salad, or even a simple garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth!
