Name: Meatball Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice; 6 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth; 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo); 3 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and black pepper to taste

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Imagine walking in from the cold and being greeted by the comforting aroma of simmering broth, tender meatballs, and a swirl of fresh greens—the very essence of home in a bowl! This Meatball Soup Recipe brilliantly balances savory homemade meatballs with the bracing freshness of herbs, soft pasta, and hearty greens, all mingling in a rich tomato broth. Whether you need a cozy weeknight dinner or crave a soulful meal that reminds you of grandma’s kitchen, this Meatball Soup Recipe is pure, heartwarming joy in every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches can transform into something incredibly special. Every ingredient in this Meatball Soup Recipe has a purpose, ensuring each bite is full of robust flavor, pleasing texture, and beautiful color.

Olive oil: Lends silkiness and depth to the sautéed vegetables right from the start.
Small yellow onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and a fundamental aromatic base to the soup.
Garlic: Adds fragrant sharpness that defines the classic Italian soup profile.
Canned diced tomatoes with juice: Provides bright acidity and body that rounds out the broth.
Low-sodium beef or chicken broth: Serves as a flavorful yet light canvas for the meatballs to shine.
Small pasta (ditalini or orzo): Offers a tender, bite-sized element that keeps every spoonful interesting.
Fresh spinach or kale: Packs in color, texture, and a hint of earthy nutrition.
Dried basil: Enhances the broth with gentle herbal sweetness.
Dried oregano: Adds a robust, earthy Italian flavor that feels right at home in the mix.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and lifting all the big flavors.
Ground beef or mix of beef and pork: Yields juicy, flavorful meatballs every time.
Breadcrumbs: Lightens up the meatballs and gives them a tender texture.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the meatballs with salty, savory depth.
Egg: Holds everything together with a rich, binding touch.
Milk: Keeps the meatballs moist and tender as they cook in the broth.
Dried Italian seasoning: Brings complexity and warmth to the meat mixture.
Extra salt and black pepper (for meatballs): Ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.

How to Make Meatball Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Be gentle and mix just until it all comes together—overmixing can make the meatballs tough. If you’re making this with kids, this part is both fun and simple!

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Take small scoops of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Little, bite-sized meatballs are ideal for scooping up in your soup spoon and make every serving extra inviting. Set them aside on a plate so they’re ready for their cozy broth bath.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil over medium in a large soup pot. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until it’s soft and aromatic. Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant—this step sets a delicious foundation for your Meatball Soup Recipe.

Step 4: Build the Broth

Pour in your diced tomatoes (with their juice), the broth, basil, oregano, and a little more salt and pepper. Give it a stir and let everything come up to a simmer. This is where the flavors start to mingle and your kitchen fills with that familiar, inviting aroma.

Step 5: Add the Meatballs

Gently drop each meatball into the simmering broth, taking care not to splash. Let them cook, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll notice the meatballs float when they’re ready, and their juices enrich the soup beautifully.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

Pour in your small pasta of choice and simmer for another 8 to 10 minutes, or just until tender. This step thickens the soup a bit and soaks up all those delicious flavors.

Step 7: Stir in the Greens

Add the fresh spinach or kale and cook until just wilted—about 2 more minutes. This last addition infuses the Meatball Soup Recipe with color and a final layer of freshness. Taste, adjust the seasonings, and you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Meatball Soup Recipe

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top is classic, but consider adding a few torn fresh basil leaves or a crack of black pepper to really make each bowl pop. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil right before serving can also add richness and that tempting gleam.

Side Dishes

This soup begs for something to soak up the flavorful broth. A rustic loaf of crusty Italian bread is perfect, or you could serve it alongside a simple mixed green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette for a snappy contrast to the hearty soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Meatball Soup Recipe in big mugs for a casual, cozy feel or in shallow pasta bowls for a rustic Italian dinner vibe. For gatherings, arrange a “soup bar” with bowls of garnishes so everyone can dress their bowl just how they like it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any extra soup to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate. The soup keeps wonderfully for up to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making those leftovers something special.

Freezing

The Meatball Soup Recipe freezes brilliantly! For best texture, freeze the soup without the pasta (just add a fresh batch when reheating). Portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months—your future self will thank you.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup in a pot on the stove over medium-low until it’s piping hot, adding a splash of broth if it’s thickened up. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen, adding pasta toward the end if needed.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully for a lighter twist on this Meatball Soup Recipe. Just be mindful to not overcook the poultry so the meatballs stay juicy and tender.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Simple swaps make it possible: use gluten-free breadcrumbs and your favorite gluten-free small pasta. The flavor is just as fantastic, and nobody will miss the gluten!

Can this be made in the slow cooker?

Yes, with a few tweaks. Brown the meatballs separately, then add all the ingredients (except pasta and greens) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours, add pasta for the last 30 minutes, and stir in greens right before serving.

What pasta works best in Meatball Soup Recipe?

Tiny shapes like ditalini or orzo fit perfectly on a spoon and cook up nicely in the broth without becoming mushy. You can use other small pasta shapes too—feel free to mix it up based on what you have.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! Roll and freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Pop them straight into the simmering soup from frozen, no thawing needed—just add a minute or two to the cook time.

Final Thoughts

Give this Meatball Soup Recipe a spot in your regular rotation and watch it become one of those beloved meals everyone looks forward to. It’s simple, soul-warming, and guaranteed to earn you compliments with every delicious bowl!

Meatball Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty Meatball Soup Recipe combines savory meatballs with a flavorful broth, pasta, and nutrient-packed greens for a comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly days. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this Italian-American inspired soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the meatballs:

1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
6 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
3 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients and mix until just combined. Roll into small, bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and set aside.
Cook the soup: In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes, broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Gently add the meatballs and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes. Stir in spinach or kale and cook until wilted. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.