When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing better than a steaming bowl of Italian Meatball Soup to warm you up from the inside out. This easy-to-make, flavorful soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner. The rich, tomato-based broth is packed with aromatic herbs and spices, while the tender, juicy Italian meatballs add a comforting texture that takes this dish to the next level. With simple ingredients and a short prep time, you can have a hearty and satisfying meal ready in no time!
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup carrots (sliced)
- 1 cup celery (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish, optional)
- Optional: A handful of spinach or kale (for added greens)
Instructions:
- Make the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Mix everything together until just combined (be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender).
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Brown the Meatballs (optional step):
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Brown the meatballs in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning them to ensure all sides are golden. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the soup. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set aside.
- Prepare the Soup Base:
- In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup:
- To the pot, add the diced tomatoes (with juice), beef or vegetable broth, sliced carrots, sliced celery, dried basil, and oregano. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add the browned meatballs back into the soup. Stir gently to ensure they’re submerged in the broth.
- Cover the pot and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Finishing Touches:
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
- If you’d like to add some greens, stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips:
- Meatball Variation: Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless alternative to keep this soup lighter. You can also add Italian sausage to the meatball mix for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans, depending on what you have on hand.
- Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. After making the soup, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: ~28g
- Fat: ~20g
- Carbs: ~15g
- Fiber: ~3g
- WW Points: 7 points (depending on meat choice and added ingredients)
Why You’ll Love This Soup:
This Italian Meatball Soup is the epitome of comfort food. The tender meatballs soak up the flavorful broth, creating a rich, savory taste in every bite. It’s filling, healthy (with plenty of veggies), and can be made in one pot for easy cleanup. The perfect balance of flavors and textures will make this soup a favorite in your household, especially on those chilly days when you want something hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping meals for the week, this soup is sure to become a go-to recipe!
