Easy Italian Meatball Soup Recipe: A Cozy Dinner Win

Hearty and comforting, this delectable italian meatball soup brings warmth to any chilly evening.

Tender, juicy meatballs float in a rich, aromatic broth that tantalizes the senses.

Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, each spoonful delivers a burst of robust flavor.

Homemade meatballs give this classic soup an authentic touch that sets it apart from ordinary recipes.

The combination of ground beef, parmesan, and seasonings creates a mouthwatering base that promises pure satisfaction.

Perfectly balanced and surprisingly simple to prepare, this soup transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Grab a ladle and savor every delicious bite of this soul-warming culinary creation.

What Makes This Italian Soup a Must-Try

• Comfort in a Bowl: Dive into a hearty Italian meatball soup that wraps you in warmth and flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Satisfy both kids and adults with a protein-packed meal that brings the classic taste of Italian cuisine right to your dinner table.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adapt the recipe with store-bought or homemade meatballs, making it a flexible option for spontaneous meal planning.

Ingredients for Hearty Meatball Soup

• Meatballs: Hearty and flavorful protein packed with classic Italian seasonings.
• Beef Broth: Rich base that adds deep meaty flavor.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper: Colorful and sweet vegetables that boost soup's flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient with a punch of flavor.

• Italian Seasoning, Basil: Fresh herbs that bring classic Mediterranean taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that enhance overall soup complexity.

• Fusilli Pasta: Twisty pasta that catches sauce perfectly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping with salty and nutty notes.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat with rich Mediterranean character.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Tangy base that adds brightness to the soup.

How to Cook Italian Soup With Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare Meatball Foundation

Gather your ground meat mixture.

If crafting homemade meatballs, combine ingredients thoroughly.

For busy cooks, pre-made meatballs work perfectly fine.

Roll meat into uniform bite-sized spheres ensuring consistent cooking.

Step 2: Build Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a generously sized soup pot over medium heat.

• Onions
• Garlic

Sauté until onions become translucent and release their sweet aroma, approximately 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Create Liquid Foundation

• Crushed tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Red bell pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Stir ingredients to create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 4: Introduce Meatballs

Gently lower meatballs into the simmering liquid.

Allow them to begin absorbing surrounding flavors.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Increase heat to high and bring liquid to a rolling boil.

Add fusilli pasta, stirring continuously to prevent sticking.

Watch pasta transform from rigid to tender.

Step 6: Simmer and Develop Depth

Reduce heat to low.

Cover pot partially, allowing steam to escape.

Let soup simmer for 15 minutes, occasionally stirring.

If liquid reduces too quickly, add extra beef broth to maintain ideal consistency.

Step 7: Final Touches

Sprinkle fresh basil throughout soup.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

For extra richness, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle steaming soup into bowls.

Serve immediately while hot and flavors are at peak intensity.

Tips for Flavorful Broth and Juicy Meatballs

• Select high-quality, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil for maximum flavor in your soup.
• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based alternatives to suit different dietary preferences and create personalized versions.
• Add extra broth gradually if the soup becomes too thick, ensuring a perfect broth-to-ingredient ratio throughout cooking.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, creating a mild or zesty soup experience based on personal preference.
• Make meatballs and chop vegetables in advance to streamline cooking and reduce overall preparation time.

Storing and Reheating Italian Meatball Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Meatballs and pasta may slightly change texture when thawed.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth to restore original consistency if needed. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving to avoid hot spots.

Great Pairings for Italian Meatball Soup

• Pair Rustic Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the hearty meatball and tomato flavors, enhancing the soup's rich profile.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting Italian bread with garlic and olive oil, providing a crispy texture that absorbs the soup's delicious broth and adds complementary flavors.
• Match Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or chopped parsley on top to brighten the dish, adding a vibrant green color and zesty aromatics that elevate the overall taste experience.
• Recommend Grated Parmesan: Offer freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese as a finishing touch, adding a salty, nutty dimension that rounds out the soup's robust Mediterranean character.

Italian Meatball Soup Twists for a Fresh Spin

• Gluten-Free Hero: Replace fusilli with gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative that maintains the soup's hearty texture.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Swap meatballs with plant-based protein balls made from lentils, quinoa, or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to create a meat-free version.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add diced chorizo or spicy Italian sausage for extra heat. Incorporate smoked paprika and additional red pepper flakes to elevate the soup's flavor profile.
• Lighter Wellness Option: Use ground turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner protein. Include extra vegetables like spinach or kale to boost nutritional value and create a more nutrient-dense meal.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta in this soup?

Yes, you can substitute fusilli with other short pasta like penne, rotini, or small shells. Choose pasta that will hold up well in the broth and cook evenly.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• How can I make the soup more hearty?

Add extra protein like white beans or diced zucchini. You can also increase the amount of meatballs or use a mix of beef and pork meatballs for more depth of flavor.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace beef broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based meatballs. Consider adding more vegetables like spinach or kale to boost nutrition and flavor.

Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian meatball soup brings rustic comfort from Tuscany’s countryside, blending savory beef, aromatic herbs, and rich tomato broth. Warm, satisfying spoonfuls promise a delightful journey through classic Italian flavors you’ll savor with each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb meatballs
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1.5 cups uncooked fusilli pasta

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped small
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn or chopped
• Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

1. Craft meatballs using your preferred technique, ensuring they are uniformly shaped and ready for cooking. Alternatively, utilize pre-prepared or store-purchased meatballs.
2. Warm olive oil in a substantial soup pot over medium-high temperature, creating a foundation for flavor development.
3. Introduce chopped onions to the heated oil, gently sautéing until they transform into a translucent, soft texture, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for roughly 30 seconds, being cautious not to burn.
5. Pour crushed tomatoes, beef broth, diced red bell pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes into the pot, creating a robust and flavorful liquid base.
6. Carefully integrate the prepared meatballs into the liquid, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
7. Elevate the heat to high, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil that will help meld the flavors together.
8. Once boiling, add uncooked fusilli pasta, gently stirring to prevent the pasta from clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
9. Reduce heat to low, partially covering the pot to allow steam escape while maintaining moisture.
10. Simmer the soup for approximately 15 minutes, periodically stirring to ensure even cooking and checking pasta tenderness.
11. Monitor the soup’s consistency, adding additional beef broth if the liquid reduces too quickly or becomes overly thick.
12. Introduce fresh basil, stirring gently to distribute the herb’s vibrant flavor throughout the soup.
13. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring a balanced and delicious profile.
14. Ladle the piping hot soup into serving bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness.
15. Serve immediately, inviting diners to enjoy the hearty and comforting Italian meatball soup.

Notes

• Make your meatballs ahead of time for quicker soup preparation, allowing flavors to develop and intensify before cooking.
• Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option without sacrificing rich taste and texture.
• Consider gluten-free pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the soup’s authentic Italian essence.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or kale for boosted nutrition and a vibrant color palette in the final dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg