Italian Meatball Soup

This Italian meatball soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for any occasion. With tender beef meatballs, fresh vegetables, and pasta all simmered in a rich tomato broth, this recipe provides a deliciously warm meal that the whole family will enjoy. It’s an easy dinner option that fits seamlessly into busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, making it a standout choice for your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – With a total prep and cook time of just 55 minutes, this soup is simple to prepare even on the busiest nights.
• Flavor Packed – The combination of beef, garlic, and Italian seasonings creates a rich flavor profile that will satisfy your cravings.
• Versatile Ingredients – You can easily adjust the vegetables or pasta type based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences.
• Comforting Meal – This soup is the perfect way to warm up on cold days, making it a go-to comfort food for all ages.
• Feeding a Crowd – Serving 6 people, it’s ideal for family dinners or small gatherings without much hassle.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare this Italian meatball soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sheet pan
• Mixing bowl
• Cooking spray
• Pot for simmering

Importance of Each Tool

• Sheet pan – Perfect for broiling the meatballs evenly, ensuring they get that nice caramelization.
• Mixing bowl – A must-have for combining your meatball ingredients thoroughly before shaping them.
• Cooking spray – Helps prevent sticking when broiling meatballs, allowing for easy cleanup.
• Pot for simmering – Ideal for cooking your soup ingredients together, enhancing their flavors as they meld.

Ingredients

This Italian meatball soup is tender beef meatballs, vegetables and pasta, all simmered in a rich tomato broth. An easy dinner option that’s perfect for a busy weeknight!

For the Meatballs

• cooking spray
• 1 pound ground beef (I use 90% lean)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (finely grated)
• 1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

For the Soup Base

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion (finely diced)
• 2 stalks celery (sliced)
• 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
• 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes (do not drain)
• 16 ounce can tomato sauce
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

• 3/4 cup dry short pasta (such as ditalini)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

How to Make Italian Meatball Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Broiler

Preheat the broiler to medium or high heat. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, dried parsley, egg, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until well combined but do not overwork the meat.
3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on the prepared sheet pan.

Step 3: Broil the Meatballs

Broil the meatballs in the oven for about 10-12 minutes or until browned. Turn halfway through cooking for even browning.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add diced onion, sliced celery, and diced carrots. Sauté until soft and fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Soup Ingredients

Add crushed tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Stir in additional dried Italian seasoning as well as salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Add in cooked meatballs and dry short pasta. Reduce heat to low and let simmer until pasta is tender—about 10-12 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle hot soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your hearty Italian meatball soup!

How to Serve Italian Meatball Soup

Italian meatball soup is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving it right can elevate your dining experience, making this comforting meal even more delightful.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm baguette for dipping into the rich broth.
• Garlic Bread: A buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly with the flavors of the soup.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Basil Leaves: Add torn basil leaves for an aromatic finish.

With Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Offer grated parmesan cheese on the side for guests to sprinkle over their bowls.
• Mozzarella: Melted mozzarella can be added for a gooey, cheesy experience.

Accompanied by Salad

• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad complements the richness of the soup.
• Mixed Green Salad: Lightly dressed mixed greens provide a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect Italian Meatball Soup

To make your Italian meatball soup truly special, consider these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Bold Seasoning: Use fresh herbs or high-quality dried spices to intensify the flavors.
• Proper Meatball Size: Form meatballs that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking throughout.
• Simmer Gently: Allow the soup to simmer gently, enhancing the flavors without boiling away the liquid.
• Add Fresh Vegetables: Incorporate seasonal vegetables for added nutrition and freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Meatball Soup

Pairing your Italian meatball soup with the right side dishes can create a complete meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery, and garlicky knots are perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction offer a refreshing side.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a colorful and nutritious element to your meal.
4. Antipasto Platter: A selection of marinated olives, artichokes, and cheeses provides variety and flavor.
5. Polenta Cakes: Creamy polenta cakes are hearty and complement the tomato broth beautifully.
6. Focaccia Bread: This flavorful bread is ideal for sopping up every last bit of delicious soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your Italian meatball soup truly delicious, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Overcooking the meatballs: Cooking them too long can make them tough. Bake them until just browned and finish cooking in the soup.
• Ignoring seasoning: Not seasoning the broth can lead to a bland soup. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap or expired ingredients can ruin your dish. Opt for fresh vegetables and quality beef for the best flavor.
• Skipping the broiling step: Broiling adds depth to the meatballs. Don’t skip it; it enhances texture and flavor.
• Not letting it simmer: A short cooking time won’t develop flavors fully. Allow the soup to simmer so all ingredients meld together beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure the soup is cooled completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Italian Meatball Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Italian Meatball Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Italian meatball soup.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative. It will change the flavor slightly but still work well with the herbs and spices.

How do I store leftover Italian meatball soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this Italian meatball soup suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

What can I add to customize my Italian Meatball Soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini. You can also change the type of pasta or add beans for extra protein!

Final Thoughts

This Italian meatball soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different vegetables or meats based on your preference. Enjoying this flavorful dish on busy weeknights will surely become a family favorite!