italian meatball soup recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
italian meatball soup recipe
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The Best italian meatball soup recipe

I’ve been making this Italian meatball soup recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My kids love it, and I love how easy it is to make. The best part is that it’s a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether we’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat for the weekend, this recipe never fails to deliver. The combination of tender meatballs, rich broth, and fresh herbs is just unbeatable. And the best part?

It’s incredibly easy to customize to our tastes – my husband likes it with a bit more spice, while the kids prefer it with extra veggies. This soup is truly a family favorite, and I’m excited to share the recipe with you today. I’ve been experimenting with different ingredients and techniques over the years, but this basic recipe remains the same.

It’s a classic for a reason! One of the things I love about this soup is that it’s incredibly versatile. We can serve it as a main course, or as a side dish for something like pasta or rice.

And because it’s so easy to make ahead of time, we often have leftovers for days – which means we can enjoy it again and again without any fuss. Plus, the leftovers freeze beautifully, so we can stash some away for future meals. I’ve tried making this soup with ground beef, turkey, and pork – each works beautifully – but my favorite is still ground beef.

There’s something about the way the meatballs hold together when they’re made with beef that just can’t be beat.

Italian Meatball Soup

Italian Meatball Soup

4.8 from 1815 votes

A hearty and comforting soup featuring tender meatballs, vegetables, and a rich tomato broth. Perfect for a cold day or when you need a satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Soup

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups spinach, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
2Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
5Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides.
6This should take about 5-7 minutes.
7Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
8In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
9Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
10Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
11Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
12Transfer the vegetable mixture to a large pot.
13Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, and bay leaf.
14Stir well to combine.
15Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
16Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
17Add salt and pepper to taste.
18Add the cooked meatballs to the soup.
19Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the meatballs are heated through and the flavors have melded.
20Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
21Remove the bay leaf.
22Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
23Enjoy your Italian Meatball Soup with a side of crusty bread if desired.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Skillet
Large pot
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for added flavor. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

This Italian meatball soup recipe has been a staple in our household for years – and for good reason! It’s an incredibly easy meal to make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to serve.

And because it freezes beautifully, we can enjoy leftovers again and again without any fuss. Plus, it’s an amazing way to get some extra veggies into your diet (just add them towards the end of cooking time).

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it pairs with other dishes – try serving it alongside some crusty bread or over rice for a hearty meal that’ll satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Meatball Soup

Q: What kind of meat should I use?

I prefer using ground beef for this recipe, but you can also use ground turkey or pork if you prefer.

Q: Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to serve.

Q: How do I keep meatballs from breaking apart?

To prevent meatballs from breaking apart while they’re cooking in the soup, make sure they’re not too big or too dense.

Q: Can I customize this recipe to suit my tastes?

This recipe is incredibly versatile – feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own!

Q: How do I reheat leftover soup?

To reheat leftover soup safely, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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