This Tasty Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with tender meatballs, vegetables, and savory broth—perfect for a cozy meal! Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
-
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
-
1/3 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned if possible)
-
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:
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 small onion, diced
-
2 carrots, sliced
-
2 celery stalks, diced
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
6 cups beef or chicken broth (or a mix)
-
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
-
1 tsp dried oregano
-
1 tsp dried basil
-
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
-
1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells)
-
2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
-
Salt & pepper to taste
-
Fresh parsley & extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions:
-
Make the Meatballs:
-
In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently (don’t overwork). Roll into 1-inch balls.
-
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.
-
-
Sauté Vegetables:
-
In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 mins until softened.
-
Add garlic, oregano, and basil; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
-
-
Simmer the Soup:
-
Pour in broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
-
Add the meatballs back to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes.
-
Stir in pasta and cook until al dente (about 8-10 mins).
-
-
Finish & Serve:
-
Stir in spinach until wilted (1-2 mins). Season with salt & pepper.
-
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
-
Tips:
-
For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or a Parmesan rind while simmering.
-
Swap ground turkey for a lighter version.
-
Freeze leftovers (without pasta) for easy meals later.
Enjoy your delicious Italian Meatball Soup with crusty bread or a side salad! 🍲😋