Italian Meatball Soup

Name: Italian Meatball Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cups beef broth; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Homestyle Comfort Plates

This Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for chilly nights. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, it’s a family favorite that warms the soul.

Created by

Olivia

Last updated on 2025-12-06T19:18:53.840Z

This Italian Meatball Soup brings together the flavors of Italy in a warm and delightful bowl. With tender meatballs simmered in a savory tomato broth and fresh vegetables, it's a dish that everyone will love.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty meatballs that are juicy and flavorful
Rich tomato broth that’s comforting and satisfying
Packed with fresh vegetables for a nutritious touch

      

The Perfect Comfort Food

Italian Meatball Soup is a dish that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or cozy nights in. The combination of juicy meatballs and a rich, flavorful broth creates a satisfying meal that can easily become a staple in your household. Not only is it delicious, but it's also easy to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones.

This soup is not just about flavor; it's also a well-balanced meal that includes protein, vegetables, and wholesome ingredients. The hearty meatballs are made from quality ground beef, combined with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for added texture and taste. Each spoonful delivers a delightful mix of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Versatile and Customizable

One of the best aspects of Italian Meatball Soup is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your family's preferences or dietary needs. If you're looking to lighten it up, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season, making it a great way to use up leftovers.

Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices as well. While the classic oregano and basil are delicious, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give your soup an extra kick. Alternatively, sprinkle in some Italian seasoning for a more complex flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a unique version of this beloved dish.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Italian Meatball Soup is an excellent choice for meal prep, as it stores well and can be easily reheated. Make a big batch over the weekend, and you'll have delicious lunches or dinners ready to go throughout the week. Simply portion the soup into airtight containers and refrigerate or freeze, ensuring you have a comforting meal at your fingertips whenever you need it.

When reheating, you may want to add a splash of broth or water to maintain the soup's consistency. This recipe also freezes beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make an extra batch. It’s a wonderful way to ensure you always have a hearty meal on hand, making busy weeknights a little easier.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cups beef broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Combine ingredients as needed to prepare delicious meatballs and soup.

Instructions

Make the Meatballs

In a bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

Add the Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in beef broth and add diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Cook the Meatballs

Carefully add meatballs to the soup. Simmer for 20 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through.

Serve

Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious bowl of Italian Meatball Soup!

Storage Tips

To store leftover Italian Meatball Soup, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This will help prevent condensation and maintain the soup's flavor and texture. You can refrigerate the soup for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

If you find that the soup has thickened during storage, simply add a little beef broth or water to loosen it up. This will restore its deliciously comforting consistency, making it just as enjoyable the next time you serve it.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Italian Meatball Soup, consider serving it with some crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. This not only adds texture but also gives a satisfying element to the meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is another excellent accompaniment, providing a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.

For a bit of indulgence, top each bowl with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a dollop of pesto. This will enhance the flavors and provide a delightful finishing touch that your family and friends will love.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef for the meatballs?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives for lighter meatballs.

→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Substitute the meatballs with vegetarian meatballs and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

→ Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

→ What sides pair well with this soup?

A side of crusty bread or a simple salad complements this soup beautifully.