A Bowl of Comfort with a Taste of Italy

When the weather turns chilly or you’re craving something hearty, Classic Italian Meatball Soup is the perfect go-to meal. This savory soup combines tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and short pasta in a flavorful tomato-based broth, making it a satisfying dish for the whole family. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday lunch, this soup is guaranteed to please.

Let’s dive into how you can make this timeless dish, step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Nutritious: Packed with protein, veggies, and pasta for a complete meal.
• Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or fridge.
• Customizable: Swap out the pasta, adjust the spices, or add your favorite vegetables.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the savory flavors.

Ingredients for Classic Italian Meatball Soup

For the Meatballs

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef (15% fat)	450 g (1 lb)
Garlic (crushed)	2 medium cloves
Dried oregano	½ tsp
Dried basil	½ tsp
Dried sage	½ tsp
Dried parsley	½ tsp
Egg	1 medium
Parmesan (grated)	25 g (⅓ cup)
Breadcrumbs	30 g (1 oz)
Salt	½ tsp
Black pepper (ground)	¼ tsp
Oil spray	For coating

For the Soup

Ingredient	Quantity
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Onion (diced)	1 medium
Carrot (diced)	1 medium
Celery (diced)	2 stalks
Garlic (finely chopped)	2 large cloves
Crushed tomatoes	1 x 400 g (14 oz) can
Beef stock	1 litre (4 cups)
Dried oregano	1 tbsp
Elbow pasta	150 g (1 ½ cups)
Fresh parsley (chopped)	2 tbsp
Parmesan (grated)	25 g (⅓ cup)
Salt and black pepper	To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, garlic, dried herbs, egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined. Add a splash of water if the mixture feels too dry.
3. Shape the Meatballs: Using a scoop or spoon, form the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs. You should have about 25–30 meatballs.
4. Bake: Arrange the meatballs on the baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

2. Start the Soup

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 7–8 minutes until softened.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Combine and Simmer

1. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the pot and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
2. Add the Meatballs: Transfer the baked meatballs to the soup and stir gently.
3. Enhance the Flavor: Stir in fresh parsley and Parmesan, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish: Serve the soup in bowls, topped with extra Parmesan and parsley.
2. Optional Sides: Pair with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Italian Meatball Soup

1. Use Quality Ingredients

• Opt for fresh Parmesan and aromatic herbs for the best flavor.

2. Avoid Overmixing

• Overworking the meatball mixture can make them tough. Mix just until combined.

3. Keep It Al Dente

• Cook the pasta until it’s just tender to avoid mushy soup.

4. Make It Ahead

• Prepare the meatballs and soup base in advance for an easy weeknight meal. Add pasta just before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	25g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	500mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works as a leaner alternative, but the flavor will differ slightly.

2. Can I Freeze the Soup?

Absolutely. Freeze the soup (without pasta) in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Add cooked pasta when reheating.

3. How Do I Prevent the Meatballs from Falling Apart?

Ensure the mixture is well-combined and don’t skip the egg and breadcrumbs, which act as binders.

4. What’s the Best Pasta for This Recipe?

Short pasta like elbow, ditalini, or small shells are ideal as they’re easy to scoop with a spoon.

5. Can I Add More Vegetables?

Of course! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers make great additions to this versatile soup.

6. Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dish	Why It Works
Crusty Bread	Perfect for dipping in the broth.
Caesar Salad	Adds a refreshing crunch.
Garlic Knots	A garlicky companion to the soup.
Roasted Vegetables	Balances the meal with extra nutrition.

Customizing Your Meatball Soup

Spice It Up

• Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a little heat.

Go Dairy-Free

• Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free option.

Bulk It Up

• Add chickpeas or cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber.

Why This Recipe Works

Classic Italian Meatball Soup is a perfect marriage of flavors and textures. The savory meatballs, tender vegetables, and flavorful broth come together to create a dish that’s comforting, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit your family’s preferences.

Make It Tonight!

Ready to impress your family with a bowl of hearty goodness? Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and savor the satisfaction of making your own Classic Italian Meatball Soup. It’s a meal everyone will love—guaranteed!

Try it out and share your delicious results!

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