This Italian Meatball Soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day! Packed with juicy meatballs, veggies, and flavorful broth, it’s a dish that comforts the soul.
If you’re like me, you can’t resist sneaking bites of those tender meatballs as they simmer. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s both cozy and satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef & Ground Pork: This combo gives a nice flavor and texture. If you want a lighter option, use ground turkey. For a vegetarian twist, try lentils or chickpeas mixed with breadcrumbs and spices.
Breadcrumbs: Regular or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs work well. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds depth to the meatballs. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor. You can also use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Pasta: Ditalini is perfect, but you can substitute with any small pasta. Try quinoa or rice for a gluten-free choice.
How Do I Make Perfect Meatballs for My Soup?
Making meatballs might seem tricky, but it’s all about mixing just enough and shaping them properly. Avoid overmixing to keep them tender. Here are some tips:
- Use a mix of beef and pork for great flavor, but you can stick to one if you prefer.
- Gently mix the ingredients with your hands until just combined. This helps keep them soft.
- Keep the size consistent (about 1 inch) so they cook evenly.
- For extra flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the meatball mix.
Delicious Italian Meatball Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or small elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 50 minutes to have this delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Mix gently with your hands until everything is just combined—don’t overmix! Shape this mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set them aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re soft and fragrant. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Build the Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (including their juices). Bring the broth to a boil, which will create a lovely base for your soup.
4. Add the Meatballs:
Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering soup. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through.
5. Pasta and Spinach Time:
Next, add the small pasta into the soup and continue cooking until the pasta is al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for about 2 minutes. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Your soup is ready to be served! Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. It’s perfect alongside some crusty bread. Enjoy your comforting Italian Meatball Soup!
Can I Use Leaner Meat for the Meatballs?
Absolutely! You can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may result in slightly drier meatballs, so be sure not to overcook them!
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave out the pasta, as it can get mushy when reheated. You can add fresh cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, swap the meatballs for cooked lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also incorporate more vegetables for added flavor and nutrition!
What Pasta Works Best in This Soup?
For best results, use small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni. However, you can also use orzo or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option! Just remember to adjust cooking times for the pasta type you choose.
