Irresistible Italian Meatball Soup Recipe to Warm You Up

There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of Italian Meatball Soup. The rich aroma of simmering tomatoes, savory herbs, and tender meatballs wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone’s stomach rumble with anticipation. Salsa Verde Chicken Soup As you lift your spoon to your lips, the combination of flavors dances on your palate, making each bite a delightful experience. Slow Cooker Chicken Soup.

I remember the first time I made this Italian Meatball Soup; it was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and my family gathered around the table, eager for a warm meal. Chocolate Oatmeal Bars The laughter and chatter blended with the comforting scent of homemade soup created an unforgettable moment that felt like an embrace from Italy itself.

One evening, after a long day at work, I served this soup to friends who were blown away by its depth of flavor and warmth.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for juicy meatballs that won’t be overly greasy. Crockpot Beef Stew.

• Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs work best for texture; you can even make them from leftover bread.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan for a nutty flavor that enhances the meatballs beautifully.

• Fresh Basil: Opt for fresh basil instead of dried; its fragrance will elevate the entire soup.

• Canned Tomatoes: Choose whole peeled tomatoes; they provide better flavor when crushed into the sauce.

• Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the saltiness while adding richness.

• Carrots and Celery: These vegetables add sweetness and crunch; chop them finely for even cooking.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for depth of flavor; don’t skimp on this aromatic!

• Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness as it caramelizes in the pot.

• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it enhances flavors significantly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Create Flavorful Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined without overworking.

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened and fragrant—about 5 minutes—stirring occasionally.

Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in canned tomatoes (crushed by hand) along with vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients until smooth.

Simmer Your Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing heat. Allow it to simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes so flavors can meld beautifully.

Add Meatballs: Carefully drop meatballs into the simmering soup one by one. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and tender.

Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove from heat and stir in freshly chopped basil just before serving. This brightens up the soup with freshness that’s simply irresistible.

Serve hot with crusty bread or over pasta if you’re feeling adventurous! Enjoy every spoonful of this cozy Italian Meatball Soup that’s bound to become a family favorite! For more inspiration, check out this ultimate chicken noodle soup recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic for aroma, then add your meatballs to brown them before simmering with broth and veggies. This sequence ensures maximum flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add spinach for extra nutrition. Experimenting with spices can also elevate the soup’s personality!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve the meatballs’ tenderness.

My friends rave about this soup, claiming it’s better than any restaurant version they’ve tried. It’s become a staple at our gatherings, often accompanied by hearty bread!

FAQ

What makes Italian Meatball Soup unique?

The combination of savory meatballs and a rich broth sets it apart from other soups.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, frozen meatballs work well; just adjust cooking time accordingly for thorough heating.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well and tastes even better after flavors meld overnight.

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Italian Meatball Soup

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• Author: Valentina Rossi
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Italian Meatball Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender meatballs, rich tomatoes, and aromatic herbs into a comforting bowl of goodness.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground beef (lean)
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
• 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 2 celery stalks (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Pour in the canned tomatoes (crushed by hand) and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes.
5. Carefully drop meatballs into the simmering soup and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until meatballs are tender.
6. Stir in freshly chopped basil just before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups or 360g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg