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ITALIAN MEATBALL SOUP

Italian Meatball Soup is a comforting, hearty dish packed with rich flavors. This classic soup features tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a savory tomato broth with vegetables, herbs, and sometimes pasta or rice.

A perfect blend of Italian seasonings, garlic, and Parmesan enhances its depth of flavor. Ideal for chilly days, this dish warms both the body and soul. It's a family-friendly meal that's easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Whether for a cozy dinner or meal prep, Italian Meatball Soup is a satisfying and nourishing choice for any occasion.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: , ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 200  C
Servings: 6
Estimated Cost: 20.00
Calories: 450 kcal
Best Season: Fall, Winter
Description

Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender, seasoned meatballs simmered in a rich tomato broth with vegetables and pasta.

This flavorful soup combines the warmth of Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and garlic, creating a delicious, homey meal perfect for any season.

Often served with crusty bread or grated Parmesan, it’s a family favorite that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

The slow-simmering process enhances the depth of flavor, making each spoonful a perfect blend of meaty goodness and savory broth.

Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
    • For the Soup:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 large carrot (diced)
  • 1 celery stalk (diced)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 cup small pasta
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan & chopped parsley
Instructions
  1. 1
    Prepare the Meatballs:

    In a bowl, mix all meatball ingredients. Roll into small (¾-inch) balls and set aside.

  2. 2
    Sauté Vegetables:

    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

  3. 3
    Simmer the Soup:

    Add diced tomatoes, broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

     

  4. 4
    Cook the Meatballs:

    Gently drop the meatballs into the soup. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.

     

  5. 5
    Add Pasta & Greens:

    Stir in pasta and cook for 7-10 minutes. Add spinach and cook for 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning.

  6. 6
    Serve:

    Ladle into bowls, top with Parmesan and parsley. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 450kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 8g40%
Sodium 800mg34%
Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
Dietary Fiber 6g24%
Sugars 8g
Protein 30g60%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Italian Meatball Soup – Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Bowl

Italian Meatball Soup is a warm, comforting dish featuring tender meatballs, flavorful broth, and fresh vegetables. Here are some expert tips and tricks to make it even better:

1. Perfecting the Meatballs

  • Use a mix of meats – A combination of beef and pork (or even turkey for a leaner option) adds great flavor.
  • Add breadcrumbs & cheese – Italian breadcrumbs and Parmesan help keep the meatballs moist.
  • Season well – Garlic, oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes enhance the taste.
  • Chill before cooking – Refrigerate the shaped meatballs for at least 15 minutes to help them hold their shape in the soup.
  • Brown for extra flavor – While you can drop raw meatballs into the broth, browning them first in a pan adds a richer taste.

2. Enhancing the Broth

  • Use quality stock – Homemade or low-sodium chicken/beef broth makes a huge difference.
  • Add depth – A splash of white wine or a Parmesan rind while simmering boosts umami flavor.
  • Balance acidity – A small amount of tomato paste or crushed tomatoes adds a tangy richness.
  • Simmer gently – A slow simmer helps infuse flavors without breaking the meatballs.

3. Choosing the Right Vegetables

  • Classic choices – Carrots, celery, onions, and spinach/kale work beautifully.
  • Don't overcook greens – Stir in spinach or kale at the end to keep them vibrant.
  • Add zucchini or mushrooms – These add texture and soak up the broth’s flavor.

4. Serving & Garnishing Tricks

  • Serve with pasta or rice – Small pasta (orzo, ditalini) or rice makes the soup more filling.
  • Top with fresh herbs – Basil or parsley brightens up the dish.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan – A sprinkle of cheese enhances the richness.
  • Serve with crusty bread – A slice of warm Italian bread is perfect for soaking up the broth.

5. Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Make meatballs in advance – Freeze uncooked meatballs for quick prep later.
  • Reheat gently – Avoid boiling the soup when reheating to prevent overcooking the meatballs.
  • Store separately – If using pasta, keep it separate from the broth to prevent sogginess.

Servings

  • Yields: 4-6 servings
  • Great for meal prep – Flavors develop even more the next day!
Keywords: Meatballs, ItalianSoup, ComfortFood, TomatoBrot, HeartyMeal,
Read it online: https://homerecipeguide.com/recipe/italian-meatball-soup/
Samantha Doe
Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.