This heartwarming Italian meatball soup recipe is a hearty meal in itself. It combines tender meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a rich tomato-based broth that's infused with Italian seasoning. It's a satisfying soup that's perfect for a chilly day or when you're in need of some comfort food.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonplace in any kitchen. However, if you're unfamiliar with Italian breadcrumbs, they're simply breadcrumbs that have been seasoned with Italian herbs. You can find them in the bread or pasta aisle of most supermarkets. Similarly, look for the short pasta in the pasta aisle - examples include ditalini or orzo. Lastly, for a truly authentic taste, get a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it fresh.
Ingredients for Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
Ground beef: The main ingredient for your meatballs, choose a lean variety for a healthier option.
Garlic: Adds a robust flavor to your meatballs, a staple in Italian cuisine.
Italian seasoning: A blend of dried oregano, thyme, and basil, this seasoning gives your food an authentic Italian flavor.
Egg: Binds the meatball ingredients together.
Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty bite to your meatballs and soup. Freshly grated Parmesan is always the best.
Italian breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs are seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, adding an extra layer of flavor to your meatballs.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables, it adds a mild fruity flavor.
Onion, celery, carrots: These make up the 'holy trinity' of Italian cooking and provide a flavor base for the soup.
Tomatoes and tomato sauce: Adds depth, tanginess, and richness to the soup.
Beef broth: Forms the base of the soup, imparting a meaty flavor.
Short pasta: Adds heartiness to the soup. You can use any variety you like.
Parsley: A common herb in Italian cooking, used here to garnish and add a fresh note to the soup.
One reader, Kassandra Mcfarland says:
This Italian meatball soup recipe is a game-changer! The meatballs are so flavorful and the broth is rich and comforting. It's the perfect combination of hearty and delicious. I love making this for my family on chilly nights - it's always a hit!
Techniques Required for Making Italian Meatball Soup
How to make the meatballs: Combine ground beef, garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Shape the mixture into small balls and broil until lightly browned.
How to prepare the soup: Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté onion, celery, and carrots. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer, then add the meatballs and pasta. Simmer until the pasta and vegetables are tender.
How to serve: Top the soup with fresh parsley and serve with Parmesan cheese if desired.
If you’re looking for a new soup recipe, then I highly recommend making this delicious Italian meatball soup recipe. This Italian style soup gets its subtle sweet and savory flavors from the beef meatballs, pasta, and tender vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth. Honestly, it’s like having some classic spaghetti and meatballs, but in a soup version. I made this pasta soup for dinner and it was such a delicious meal starter and side dish. Every bite was just so flavorful and perfectly tender that I decided to make more of it to share with family!
This Italian meatball soup is basically a variation of the popular Italian wedding soup. The traditional version uses chicken broth mixed with meatballs, herbs and other veggies to elevate the taste. For my recipe, however, I used crushed tomatoes instead so it has a much thicker soup base than the traditional Italian wedding soup. When I made this Italian meatball soup recipe, I started making the beef meatballs from scratch. You can use store bought frozen meatballs, but I prefer making my own. Anything homemade for me is a hundred times better!
The ingredients are really simple and easy to find so you don’t have to worry about going to an Italian grocery store for the ingredients. For the homemade meatballs, I used lean ground beef. You can also use ground chicken, ground pork, ground turkey, or even spicy or sweet Italian sausages as an alternative. Once you have your meat, combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and then shape them into small balls.
I proceeded to broil them in the oven, and while they were cooking, I made the delicious tomato soup base. Start cooking the vegetables first to release the flavors and make them tender. Afterwards, I added the crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes), tomato sauce, beef broth, and the seasonings. Let the broth simmer before adding the cooked beef meatballs and uncooked pasta into the pot. I added the parsley and parmesan cheese last, and then covered it to let the sauce thicken.
Other people would include more veggies like baby spinach or lentils to make an Italian meatball and lentil soup variation. Sometimes, they even add a can of cannellini beans for added texture and flavor. I tried the beans before, and they were yummier since the slightly nutty taste of the beans paired well with the meatballs and broth. You can also switch up your pasta with other short and bite-sized pastas. Long and thin pastas are not ideal for this soup dish since it’s not really spaghetti – it’s soup. I’ve tried rotini pasta, but you can also experiment with elbow macaroni, ditalini, tubetti, anelli, or even rotelle (wagon wheels)!
How To Make Italian Meatball Soup
This Italian meatball soup recipe is a hearty dish made with beef meatballs, veggies, and pasta all simmered in an indulgent tomato broth. Serve with a tasty slice of crusty bread.
Serves:
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, dried
- ½ tsp parsley, dried
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
- ⅓ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- Cooking spray
For the Soup:
- 2 tsp olive oil
- ½ cup onion, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 15 oz tomatoes, crushed
- 16 oz tomato sauce
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, dried
- salt and pepper, to taste
- ¾ cup short pasta, uncooked
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- parmesan cheese, optional, for serving
Instructions
Meatballs:
- For the meatballs, place all of the meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Stir with a large spoon or use your hands to combine all the ingredients.
- Shape the meat mixture into small balls. Place on a baking sheet pan lined with cooking spray. Coat the tops of the meatballs with cooking spray.
- Broil for 8 to 10 minutes until the meatballs are lightly browned.
Soup:
- While the meatballs are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots.
- Cook the vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer. Add the meatballs and pasta to the soup. Simmer for 10 minutes or until pasta and vegetables are tender.
- Top with parsley. Serve with parmesan cheese if desired.
- Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium. Cook slowly until chili has reduced and thickened for about 1 hour.
- Season with sea salt and stir in cilantro.
Nutrition
- Calories: 463.77kcal
- Fat: 26.58g
- Saturated Fat: 8.19g
- Trans Fat: 0.89g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12.65g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.81g
- Carbohydrates: 30.80g
- Fiber: 4.31g
- Sugar: 8.41g
- Protein: 26.34g
- Cholesterol: 85.95mg
- Sodium: 1294.16mg
- Calcium: 198.15mg
- Potassium: 1254.02mg
- Iron: 4.49mg
- Vitamin A: 257.59µg
- Vitamin C: 19.74mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Italian Meatball Soup
When shaping the meatballs, try to keep them all the same size. This ensures that they cook evenly and at the same rate. If some meatballs are larger than others, they may not cook through at the same time, resulting in some being overcooked while others may still be undercooked. Using a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon can help to get uniform-sized meatballs.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Italian Meatball Soup
Prep ahead: Prepare the meatball mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables for the soup, saving time on prep work.
Double batch: Consider making a double batch of meatballs and soup, then freeze the extra for a quick and easy meal later.
One-pot wonder: Use a large pot to cook the meatballs and the soup in the same pot, reducing the number of dishes to clean up.
Pre-cut ingredients: Consider using pre-cut vegetables to save time on chopping and preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be used as a healthier alternative to ground beef. It also has a mild flavor that works well in Italian meatball soup.
italian seasoning - Substitute with dried oregano and basil: Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs, including oregano and basil. Using these individual herbs allows for more control over the flavor profile of the soup.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino romano is a hard, salty cheese with a similar flavor profile to parmesan. It can be used as a substitute in the meatballs for a slightly different but still delicious result.
italian breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs have a coarser texture and can add a nice crunch to the meatballs. They are a suitable substitute for Italian breadcrumbs in this recipe.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly while still providing a flavorful base for the dish.
short pasta - Substitute with orzo: Orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta, can be used as a substitute for short pasta in the soup. It adds a different texture and shape to the dish while still absorbing the flavors of the soup.
Presentation Tips for Serving Italian Meatball Soup
Elevate the meatballs: Instead of simply placing the meatballs in the soup, consider arranging them in a visually appealing manner on the plate. This could involve stacking them neatly or placing them in a circular pattern to create an eye-catching presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the soup with freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish. The vibrant green color will contrast beautifully with the rich colors of the soup and meatballs.
Incorporate a drizzle of olive oil: Before serving, add a delicate drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the soup. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Use high-quality parmesan cheese: Instead of simply sprinkling parmesan cheese on top, consider shaving thin slices of high-quality parmesan cheese using a vegetable peeler. Arrange the cheese shavings on top of the soup for a sophisticated touch.
Select the right serving vessel: Choose a beautiful, elegant bowl or dish to serve the soup. The vessel should complement the colors of the soup and meatballs and add to the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Create a balanced composition: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate. Aim for a balanced composition, ensuring that the meatballs, soup, and garnishes are arranged thoughtfully to create an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Consider the use of negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to breathe visually. Avoid overcrowding the plate and let the elements stand out on their own.
Add a final flourish: Before sending the dish out, consider adding a final touch such as a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a small edible flower to add a touch of sophistication and artistry to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Italian Meatball Soup
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients.
- Stockpot: A large, deep pot used for making soups and stews.
- Sheet pan: A flat, rectangular pan used for baking and broiling.
- Large spoon: Used for stirring and serving soups and stews.
- Large pot: Used for cooking the soup and meatballs.
- Broiler: Used for browning the meatballs.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding flavor to the soup.
Storing and Freezing Italian Meatball Soup
- Let the italian meatball soup cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
- If using a container, leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the soup, place the container or bag in the freezer and store for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the soup in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the soup appears too thick after freezing and reheating, add a little beef broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Taste the reheated soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the reheated italian meatball soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
How To Reheat Leftover Italian Meatball Soup
- Reheat the italian meatball soup in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the meatballs and vegetables are evenly heated throughout.
- If you're short on time, you can reheat the soup in the microwave. Transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat the soup in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through.
- For a quick and easy lunch, reheat individual portions of the italian meatball soup in a thermos. In the morning, heat the soup on the stove or in the microwave until it's piping hot. Pour the hot soup into a preheated thermos and seal it tightly. The soup will stay warm for several hours, making it perfect for a midday meal at work or school.
- If you find that the soup has thickened after refrigeration, you can thin it out by adding a little beef broth or water while reheating. This will help restore the soup's original consistency without compromising its flavor.
- To add a fresh twist to leftover italian meatball soup, garnish it with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped fresh parsley just before serving. These simple additions can brighten up the flavors and make the soup feel like a brand new meal.
Interesting Fact About Italian Meatball Soup
The Italian meatball soup recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of savory meatballs, rich tomato broth, and tender pasta. It's a versatile recipe that can be customized with different herbs and spices to suit individual preferences. This soup is a perfect option for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. It's a great way to enjoy a classic Italian dish in a warm and satisfying soup format.
Is Making Italian Meatball Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This Italian meatball soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as ground beef, vegetables, and pantry staples, are affordable and readily available. The use of simple, everyday items makes it budget-friendly. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-20, making it an economical choice for a satisfying meal. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8/10, considering its affordability, delicious flavors, and the ability to feed a family without breaking the bank.
Is Italian Meatball Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Italian meatball soup recipe, while comforting and flavorful, has some aspects that could be improved to make it healthier. The recipe includes a mix of nutritious ingredients like vegetables (onion, celery, carrots) and lean protein (ground beef), but there are a few areas of concern:
- The meatballs are made with ground beef, which can be high in saturated fat depending on the fat content of the meat.
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of cheese (Parmesan), which can add extra saturated fat and sodium to the dish.
- The soup base relies on beef broth, which can be high in sodium.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for lean ground beef (90% or higher) or substitute a portion of the beef with ground turkey or chicken to reduce the overall fat content.
- Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese in the meatballs and as a topping, or use a low-fat alternative.
- Choose low-sodium beef broth or prepare your own to control the salt content.
- Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables in the soup, such as adding spinach, zucchini, or green beans for added fiber and nutrients.
- Use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta to increase the fiber content and provide a slower release of carbohydrates.
- Serve the soup with a side salad or additional steamed vegetables to balance out the meal and add more vitamins and minerals.
Editor's Opinion on This Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
The Italian meatball soup recipe is a delightful combination of savory meatballs, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth. The meatballs are perfectly seasoned and broiled to a golden brown, adding a rich depth of flavor to the soup. The addition of tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and beef broth creates a robust and comforting base, while the tender pasta and fresh parsley add a delightful texture and freshness. This recipe is a wonderful balance of Italian flavors and is sure to warm the soul with each spoonful. Buon appetito!
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Why trust this Italian Meatball Soup Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and tomato sauce, ensuring an authentic Italian flavor. The use of fresh parsley and garlic enhances the aroma and taste, while the broiling method adds a unique touch to the meatballs. The inclusion of beef broth and short pasta creates a hearty and satisfying soup. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this recipe promises to deliver a comforting and delicious Italian meatball soup experience.
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