Description
A hearty and comforting Italian Meatball Soup made with tender homemade meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato broth. Perfect for cozy nights and family dinners, this recipe delivers authentic Italian warmth in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1/2 pound lean
- Ground Pork: 1/2 pound
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup grated
- Egg: 1 large
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium sliced
- Celery: 2 stalks diced
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces)
- Chicken Broth: 6 cups
- Small Pasta (like ditalini): 1 cup cooked separately
- Spinach: 2 cups fresh
- Fresh Basil: 2 tablespoons chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Warm a large pot over medium heat and drizzle in olive oil.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meats, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, and seasonings. Roll into small meatballs.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Brown meatballs in the pot until golden, then remove and set aside.
- Assemble the Dish: In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add diced tomatoes and broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Cook to Perfection: Return meatballs to the pot, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 25–30 minutes. Add pasta during the last 10 minutes.
- Finishing Touches: Stir in spinach and basil just before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, top with Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread.
Notes
- Cook pasta separately to prevent it from absorbing too much broth.
- Use a mix of beef and pork for the best texture and flavor.
- For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs and pasta with suitable alternatives.
- Soup tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Italian meatball soup, homemade soup, comfort food, Italian recipes, hearty soup, family dinner