© Original recipe by Crave & Craft ©
Cozy Italian Meatball Soup for Comfort and Flavor 🍲✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for an easy dinner soup that combines hearty meatballs, flavorful broth, and comforting ingredients, then this Italian meatball soup recipe is perfect for you. Whether you want a warm meal on a chilly evening or a dish that the whole family will love, this recipe is both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. The rich flavors of seasoned meatballs simmered in a savory tomato-based broth make this comforting soup a staple in Italian-inspired cuisine. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Italian meatball soup.
2. Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
3. Step-by-step Instructions to Make the Italian Meatball Soup
Preparing the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Set aside.
Cooking the Meatballs
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, and cook until browned on all sides—about 5 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.
Creating the Soup Base
In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Simmering
Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Adding Greens
Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Italian Meatball Soup
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 2 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, ensuring the soup reaches a simmer to revive its flavors.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Best Experience
This Italian meatball soup pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful broth. For added richness, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top and garnish with chopped parsley. It’s a perfect comforting soup that warms you from the inside out!
6. FAQs about Italian Meatball Soup
Can I substitute ground chicken or turkey for beef?
Yes, you can use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version of the Italian meatball soup. Adjust seasoning accordingly for the best flavor.
Is this soup suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Always check your ingredients for gluten content.
How long does it take to prepare?
Overall, including preparation and cooking, expect about 40-45 minutes to make this delicious comforting soup.
7. Internal Links for More Delicious Recipes
- Creamy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: Perfect for quickly cooking or reheating leftovers, making the process faster and more convenient.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: This cookware set ensures even heat distribution, ideal for sautéing vegetables or browning meatballs.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo: Adds versatility, allowing you to char vegetables or cook meatballs with a crispy finish.
- Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista Espresso & Coffee Maker: For a cozy coffee to enjoy alongside your soup.
- KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer: Makes preparing meatball mixture effortless with its powerful motor and attachments.
9. Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a warm Italian meatball soup to bring comfort to your day. This easy dinner soup recipe combines flavorful homemade meatballs, wholesome vegetables, and a rich seasoned broth that will satisfy your cravings. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners, this soup is versatile and customizable. Give it a try today and enjoy a classic taste of Italy right in your own kitchen!
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Cozy Italian Meatball Soup for Comfort and Flavor
A comforting, hearty Italian meatball soup bursting with flavor and made with tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a savory broth.
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Combine ground meat, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
- Bake meatballs on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until tender.
- Add broth and diced tomatoes; bring to a boil.
- Add baked meatballs to the soup, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in spinach or kale and cook for another 5 minutes. Serve hot.
Notes
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Method: Bake, simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Dairy-Free (if cheese omitted)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg