Description
Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender homemade meatballs simmered in a flavorful broth filled with fresh vegetables, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for any season, this soup combines rich flavors and wholesome textures into a warm, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and enjoyed by the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Broth and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken or beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- 1/2 cup pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells) or rice
- Fresh basil and parsley, chopped (about 1/4 cup each)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Combine ground beef or Italian sausage with bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and beaten egg in a bowl. Mix gently until just combined. Shape the mixture into small, uniform meatballs for even cooking.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and brown evenly on all sides. Remove browned meatballs and set aside to lock in flavor and texture.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Build the Broth: Stir in minced garlic, canned diced tomatoes, and broth with the vegetables. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing flavors to meld.
- Simmer the Soup: Gently return the browned meatballs to the pot. Cover and let simmer for 20-30 minutes, cooking the meatballs through and infusing the broth.
- Add Pasta and Herbs: About 10 minutes before serving, add pasta or rice to the soup so they cook directly in it. Stir in fresh basil and parsley at the end to brighten the flavors.
Notes
- Use 80-85% lean ground beef or Italian sausage for balanced flavor and less greasiness.
- Mix meatball ingredients gently to keep meatballs tender and prevent toughness.
- Brown meatballs thoroughly for deeper flavor and better shape retention during simmering.
- Add pasta or rice last to avoid mushy texture.
- Season with salt and pepper gradually, tasting throughout cooking.
- Add fresh herbs near the end to preserve their vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Italian Meatball Soup, meatball soup, comfort food, Italian soup, homemade meatballs, hearty soup, easy dinner, family-friendly soup
