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Hearty Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 502 reviews

This hearty Italian Meatball Soup combines tender homemade meatballs with a flavorful vegetable broth, enriched with classic Italian vegetables and pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying one-pot meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Broth

  • 6 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped

Pasta

  • 3/4 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add diced carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until slightly softened.
  3. Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef or chicken broth along with the diced tomatoes including the juice. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Simmer Soup: Let the broth and vegetables simmer for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to tenderize.
  5. Cook Meatballs: Gently add the prepared meatballs to the simmering soup. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
  6. Add Pasta and Greens: Stir in the small pasta and chopped zucchini, allowing it to cook until tender (typically 8-10 minutes). In the last few minutes, add the chopped spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
  7. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat well.
  • If you prefer a thicker broth, simmer uncovered to reduce liquid.
  • Adding a splash of red wine during sautéing adds depth of flavor.

Keywords: Italian Meatball Soup, Meatball Soup, Italian Soup, Comfort Food, Hearty Soup, Homemade Meatballs

Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/hearty-italian-meatball-soup-recipe/