Italian Meatball Soup

Name: Italian Meatball Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

A hearty and comforting soup filled with flavorful meatballs, fresh herbs, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-06T15:19:20.936Z

This Italian Meatball Soup is a delightful blend of juicy meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato broth. It's a perfect dish for family gatherings or a cozy night in.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Savory meatballs bursting with Italian flavors
Comforting broth that warms you from the inside out
Quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner

      

A Comforting Classic

Italian Meatball Soup is a delightful dish that brings together the best of Italian cuisine in a single bowl. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup will make you feel right at home, no matter the weather outside. The combination of tender meatballs, fresh herbs, and vibrant vegetables creates a symphony of tastes that is both satisfying and nourishing.

This soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Each spoonful is a journey through layers of flavor, from the savory meatballs to the aromatic broth. Whether it's a cozy dinner for two or a gathering with friends, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy enough for even novice cooks to master!

Perfect for Any Night

One of the best things about Italian Meatball Soup is its versatility. It can easily be adapted to include whatever vegetables you have on hand or to suit dietary preferences. Want to add some spinach or kale for extra nutrition? Go for it! This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something quick yet delicious.

With minimal prep time and simple steps, this soup can be on your table in under an hour. The ease of preparation means you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge!

A Flavorful Family Favorite

Italian Meatball Soup is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of meatballs and a rich broth is a hit with both kids and adults alike. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that everyone will love. It's the kind of dish that warms not only your body but also your heart.

Moreover, leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. You can easily store any extras in the refrigerator for a quick lunch or dinner option later in the week. This makes it not only delicious but also a practical choice for busy families.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious soup:

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start preparing the soup!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Italian Meatball Soup:

Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Brown the Meatballs

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Simmer the Soup

Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.

Add the Meatballs

Return the meatballs to the pot and simmer for an additional 15 minutes until cooked through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot. Enjoy your comforting Italian meatball soup!

Enjoy your delicious Italian Meatball Soup!

Tips for Success

To ensure your meatballs are perfectly tender, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Just combine the ingredients until they are well incorporated, and then form them into balls to maintain a nice texture. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or chicken, for a lighter version of this classic dish.

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the broth or meatball mixture. This will give your soup a delightful kick and elevate the overall taste profile. Just remember to adjust the seasoning gradually to suit your taste!

Serving Suggestions

When serving Italian Meatball Soup, consider pairing it with a slice of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. The crunchy texture of the bread complements the warm soup beautifully, while a salad adds a refreshing contrast. For an Italian twist, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top of the soup before serving for added richness.

For a more filling meal, you can also serve the soup over cooked pasta or rice. This adds a hearty touch and makes the dish even more satisfying. Feel free to customize your toppings too, such as adding grated cheese, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant finish.

Storage and Reheating

To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for longer storage. If freezing, consider storing the meatballs and broth separately to maintain their textures upon reheating.

When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. If the soup has thickened, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. This comforting soup will taste just as good the second time around!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?

Yes, you can substitute frozen meatballs. Just add them directly to the soup during the simmering stage.

→ How can I make this soup healthier?

You can use lean ground turkey instead of beef and add more vegetables to the soup.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with a side salad or crusty garlic bread.