Italian Meatball Soup

Hearty Italian Meatball Soup Recipe for Cozy Dinners 🍲🇮🇹✨

1. Introduction

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful, and nourishing meal, this hearty Italian meatball soup is the perfect choice. Combining tender meatballs, rich broth, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this savory meatball soup offers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a weekend comfort food, this Italian meatball soup recipe will become a favorite in your dinner rotation. For more cozy soup ideas, check out our French Onion Soup Delight or our Lentil and Potato Soup.

2. Ingredients for This Hearty Meatball Soup

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
• Optional: cooked pasta or rice

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Delicious Italian Meatball Soup

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Shape into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set aside.

Cook the Meatballs

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove them from the pot and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. This will enhance the broth’s flavor and the soup’s overall depth.

Add Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and stir. Then add the beef or chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer the Soup with Meatballs

Reduce heat to low and carefully add the cooked meatballs back into the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Incorporate Greens and Serve

Stir in the chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. If desired, add cooked pasta or rice to make the dish more filling. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if preferred.

4. Storage Tips for Leftover Hearty Meatball Soup

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing in airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

5. Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Italian Meatball Soup

Pair this soup with crusty Italian bread or garlic knots for a truly satisfying meal. Consider adding a drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra flavor kick. For a complete Italian dinner, serve alongside a fresh green salad or our Creamy White Chicken Chili.

6. FAQs About Hearty Italian Meatball Soup

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making my own?

Yes, frozen meatballs are a convenient alternative. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, and add them directly to the simmering soup for thorough heating.

Is this soup gluten-free?

This recipe contains breadcrumbs, which are typically not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them altogether, and ensure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.

How long does it take to prepare this hearty meatball soup?

The total prep and cook time is approximately 45-50 minutes, making it a quick and hearty dinner option.

Can I make this soup vegan or vegetarian?

You can replace the meatballs with plant-based alternatives or seasoned lentil balls. Use vegetable broth and add more vegetables to make it fully vegetarian or vegan.

7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

• Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: Perfect for quickly cooking or crisping your meatballs with less oil, saving time and calories. It’s a versatile tool to upgrade your cooking game.
• T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: This cookware set ensures even heating and easy cleanup when preparing your soup and meatballs.
• Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: Use this slow cooker for making large batches of vegetarian or vegan meatballs or for keeping the soup warm during dinner parties.

8. Conclusion

Enjoy a bowl of this hearty Italian meatball soup any night of the week for a satisfying and wholesome dinner. It’s packed with flavor, wholesome ingredients, and makes for excellent leftovers. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly meal or something to warm you up on a cold evening, this savory meatball soup recipe is sure to become a go-to. Don’t forget to explore our other cozy soup recipes and kitchen gadgets to enhance your cooking experience!

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