If you’re craving a warm, hearty bowl that feels like a hug in soup form, this Italian Meatball Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, flavorful meatballs with a rich broth packed full of vibrant vegetables and classic Italian seasonings, this soup delivers comforting flavors and satisfying textures that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together around the table, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you want a taste of Italy in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make this Italian Meatball Soup Recipe both delicious and approachable. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, from the savory meatballs to the fresh vegetables and hearty broth, making every spoonful a delightful experience.
- Extra lean ground beef (1 pound): The base for your meatballs, providing lean protein without excess fat.
- Small onion, finely chopped or shredded (1): Adds sweetness and depth to the meatball mixture.
- Garlic, minced (5 cloves total): Infuses a robust aroma and classic Italian taste throughout.
- Italian seasoning (2 tablespoons): A blend of herbs that brings authentic Italian flair to the dish.
- Large egg (1): Binds the meatball ingredients together for perfect texture.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (⅓ cup plus extra for garnish): Adds a nutty, salty richness to the meatballs and finishing touch on the soup.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing vegetables, contributing a fruity smoothness.
- Medium onion, chopped (1): Forms part of the soup’s flavorful base.
- Medium carrots, diced (2): Introduce a subtle sweetness and bright color.
- Celery stalks, chopped (3): Offer a mild, slightly peppery crunch to the broth.
- Low-sodium beef broth (4 cups): The savory liquid heart of the soup.
- Water (2 cups): Lightens the broth perfectly, balancing richness.
- Canned diced tomatoes (29 ounces): Bring acidity, sweetness, and vibrant red color.
- Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (29 ounces): Add creamy texture and protein to round out the meal.
How to Make Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Start by combining the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Mix these ingredients well so every bite of your meatballs packs incredible flavor. Then, shape the mixture into small, one-inch meatballs—this size is perfect for the soup. Pop them into the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the rest of the soup; this helps them hold together during cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté these until they become tender and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once softened, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute or two until your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly. This vegetable base will give your soup its wonderful flavorful foundation.
Step 3: Build the Soup
Pour in the beef broth and water, then add the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir in the cannellini beans, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil, which wakes up all those vibrant flavors and prepares the broth for your meatballs.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs in the Soup
Gently add your chilled meatballs to the boiling soup, trying not to crowd them so they cook evenly. Once all are safely tucked in, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the soup bubble away gently for about 20 minutes, just long enough for the meatballs to cook through and soak up the delicious broth.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve
Once the meatballs are cooked, remove the soup from heat. Ladle generous servings into bowls and sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for a delightful finishing touch. The cheese melts slightly into the hot broth, adding a luscious creaminess that perfectly complements the dish.
How to Serve Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Italian Meatball Soup Recipe truly stand out, don’t skip the garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh grated Parmesan cheese adds savory depth, while chopped fresh basil or parsley introduces a fresh, herbaceous brightness. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top can also enhance richness and give a lovely sheen to your soup.
Side Dishes
Serving this hearty soup with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread is an absolute must. The bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth. For a lighter side, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the warm soup nicely by adding a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress, consider serving the soup in rustic bread bowls—perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining. Another fun idea is to offer bowls of grated cheese, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs on the side so everyone can customize their bowl to their liking. It turns dinner into an interactive, cozy experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Meatball Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its fresh flavors and prevent the meatballs from drying out. When you reheat, do so gently over low heat to keep everything tender and delicious.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep. Freeze in portion-sized containers but keep in mind that the potatoes or beans may slightly change in texture after thawing. To maintain quality, freeze the soup without the cheese garnish and add it fresh after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Italian Meatball Soup Recipe slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This ensures the meatballs remain tender and the flavors harmonize beautifully again. Avoid microwaving directly if possible, as slow reheating helps preserve the soup’s texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use other meats for the meatballs?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses extra lean ground beef for its classic taste and texture, you can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and pork for a slightly different flavor profile. Just make sure to retain the seasoning balance.
Is there a way to make the soup vegetarian?
You can make a vegetarian version by swapping the meatballs for plant-based meat alternatives or homemade vegetable balls. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add extra beans or lentils for protein and heartiness.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Yes! Preparing the meatballs ahead of time is a great time-saver. You can shape them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze them uncooked. When ready, just add them directly to the soup to cook.
What type of beans works best in this soup?
Cannellini beans are the traditional choice here because of their creamy texture and mild flavor, which complements the other ingredients beautifully. However, you can experiment with great northern beans or kidney beans if you prefer.
How spicy is this Italian Meatball Soup Recipe?
This soup is mild and family-friendly in terms of spice, focusing on herbal and savory flavors. If you like a little heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a homemade bowl of Italian Meatball Soup Recipe—it’s both nourishing and full of vibrant flavors that warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe promises satisfaction in every spoonful. I truly hope you give it a try and make it your own family favorite too!
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Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty Italian Meatball Soup is a comforting blend of tender homemade meatballs simmered in a flavorful broth loaded with vegetables, cannellini beans, and tomatoes. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal, this soup combines classic Italian seasoning with wholesome ingredients to create a warm, delicious dish that serves the whole family.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped or shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 (29 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (29 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the extra lean ground beef, finely chopped small onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined. Shape the mixture into small 1-inch meatballs, yielding about 25-30 meatballs. Place them on a tray and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook and stir occasionally until the vegetables become tender and softened, approximately 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make Soup: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and water to the sautéed vegetables. Add the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices, the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Meatballs: Carefully add the prepared meatballs into the boiling soup. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until meatballs are fully cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Turn off the heat and ladle the soup with meatballs into serving bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Italian Meatball Soup.
Notes
- Use extra lean ground beef to reduce fat content while maintaining flavor.
- Meatballs can be made a day ahead and refrigerated for convenience.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes along with Italian seasoning.
- Low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the soup.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
