Hearty Italian Meatball Soup: A Soul-Warming Recipe
Italian meatball soup, also known as *minestra di polpette*, is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. This recipe delivers a hearty and delicious soup packed with tender meatballs, wholesome vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. Forget canned soup – this homemade version is far superior and surprisingly easy to make. We’ll guide you through each step, from crafting the perfect meatballs to building a deeply satisfying soup base.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Comfort Food Classic:** This soup is the definition of comfort food. The warm broth, tender meatballs, and flavorful vegetables create a symphony of flavors that will soothe your soul.
* **Easy to Make:** While it may seem intimidating, this recipe is surprisingly easy to put together. We’ve broken it down into simple steps so you can enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is highly customizable. You can adjust the vegetables, add different types of pasta, or spice it up with some red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** Meatball soup is perfect for meal prepping. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
* **Freezes Well:** This soup freezes beautifully, making it a great option for stocking your freezer with homemade meals.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
### For the Meatballs:
* **1 pound Ground Beef:** We recommend using a lean ground beef (80/20) for the best flavor and texture. You can also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork or ground turkey.
* **1/2 cup Breadcrumbs:** Use plain breadcrumbs or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs. If you only have bread slices, you can make your own by pulsing them in a food processor until they reach a breadcrumb consistency. Panko breadcrumbs also work well for a crispier texture.
* **1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese:** Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory flavor to the meatballs. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste.
* **1 Large Egg:** The egg helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture to the meatballs.
* **2 cloves Garlic, minced:** Garlic is essential for adding flavor to the meatballs. Use fresh garlic for the most intense flavor.
* **1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped:** Fresh parsley adds a bright and herbaceous flavor to the meatballs. If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.
* **1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning:** Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor to the meatballs.
* **1/2 teaspoon Salt:** Salt enhances the flavor of the meatballs.
* **1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper:** Black pepper adds a touch of spice to the meatballs.
### For the Soup:
* **2 tablespoons Olive Oil:** Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables and add richness to the soup.
* **1 Onion, chopped:** Onion forms the base of the soup and adds a savory flavor.
* **2 Carrots, chopped:** Carrots add sweetness and color to the soup.
* **2 Celery Stalks, chopped:** Celery adds a subtle earthy flavor to the soup.
* **4 cloves Garlic, minced:** Garlic adds flavor to the soup base.
* **8 cups Chicken Broth:** Chicken broth forms the liquid base of the soup. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
* **1 (14.5 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained:** Diced tomatoes add acidity and flavor to the soup.
* **1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning:** Italian seasoning adds a classic Italian flavor to the soup.
* **1/2 teaspoon Salt:** Salt enhances the flavor of the soup.
* **1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper:** Black pepper adds a touch of spice to the soup.
* **1 cup Small Pasta (such as ditalini, acini di pepe, or orzo):** Pasta adds substance and texture to the soup. Choose a small pasta shape that will cook quickly.
* **1 cup Fresh Spinach, chopped:** Spinach adds nutrients and color to the soup. You can also use kale or other leafy greens.
* **Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish):** Fresh parsley adds a bright and herbaceous flavor to the soup.
* **Grated Parmesan Cheese (for garnish):** Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory flavor to the soup.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large Bowl: For mixing the meatball ingredients.
* Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For cooking the soup.
* Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables.
* Knife: For chopping vegetables and parsley.
* Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring ingredients.
* Spoon or Ladle: For stirring and serving the soup.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients and equipment ready, let’s start making the soup! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect pot of Hearty Italian Meatball Soup.
### Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Roll the meat mixture into small, 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 24-30 meatballs.
4. Set the meatballs aside.
### Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute, or until fragrant.
### Step 3: Simmer the Soup
1. Pour the chicken broth and diced tomatoes into the pot.
2. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot.
3. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat.
### Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
1. Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering soup.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
### Step 5: Add the Pasta and Spinach
1. Add the pasta to the pot and cook according to the package directions, or until the pasta is tender.
2. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another minute, or until the spinach is wilted.
### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
1. Remove the pot from the heat.
2. Ladle the soup into bowls.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Serve hot and enjoy!
## Tips and Tricks for the Best Meatball Soup
* **Don’t Overmix the Meatballs:** Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs add a bright and vibrant flavor to the soup. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but use half the amount.
* **Simmer, Don’t Boil:** Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together and creates a richer, more flavorful broth. Boiling the soup can make the meatballs tough.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning.
* **Add a Parmesan Rind:** For an even deeper flavor, add a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers. Remove the rind before serving.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a touch of heat.
* **Use Different Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as zucchini, green beans, or peas.
* **Add a Splash of Wine:** Add a splash of dry red or white wine to the soup while it simmers for a more complex flavor.
* **Toast the Pasta:** Toasting the pasta in a dry skillet before adding it to the soup can add a nutty flavor and prevent it from becoming mushy.
* **Let the Soup Rest:** Letting the soup rest for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together even further.
## Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this Hearty Italian Meatball Soup recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations and customizations to try:
* **Spicy Meatball Soup:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or to the soup itself for a spicy kick.
* **Turkey Meatball Soup:** Substitute ground turkey for ground beef in the meatball recipe for a lighter option.
* **Chicken Meatball Soup:** Use ground chicken in the meatball recipe for another lighter alternative. You can also use chicken broth instead of beef broth.
* **Vegetarian Meatball Soup:** Use vegetarian meatballs made from lentils, beans, or vegetables. You can find vegetarian meatball recipes online or in vegetarian cookbooks.
* **Gluten-Free Meatball Soup:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Creamy Meatball Soup:** Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a creamy texture.
* **Pesto Meatball Soup:** Stir in a spoonful of pesto at the end of cooking for a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
* **Lemon Meatball Soup:** Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end of cooking for a bright and zesty flavor.
* **White Bean Meatball Soup:** Add a can of drained and rinsed white beans to the soup for added protein and fiber.
* **Kale Meatball Soup:** Substitute kale for spinach for a heartier and more nutritious soup.
## Serving Suggestions
Hearty Italian Meatball Soup is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the broth.
* **Garlic Bread:** Garlic bread is another great accompaniment to this soup.
* **Side Salad:** A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the soup.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic pairing with tomato-based soups.
* **Parmesan Crisps:** Serve the soup with homemade Parmesan crisps for a crunchy and flavorful topping.
* **Fresh Basil:** Garnish the soup with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
* **Ricotta Cheese:** Add a dollop of ricotta cheese to each bowl of soup for a creamy and tangy contrast.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
This soup is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the meatballs and the soup separately and then combine them when you’re ready to serve. Here are a few tips for making this soup ahead of time:
* **Meatballs:** You can prepare the meatballs up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before using.
* **Soup Base:** You can prepare the soup base (without the pasta and spinach) up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Combine:** When you’re ready to serve, bring the soup base to a simmer. Add the meatballs and cook until heated through. Then, add the pasta and spinach and cook until the pasta is tender and the spinach is wilted.
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** Freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. If the soup is too thick, add a little water or chicken broth to thin it out.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
* Fiber: 3-5 grams
*Note: This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
## Hearty Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
### Ingredients:
#### For the Meatballs:
* 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20)
* 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
* 1 Large Egg
* 2 cloves Garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
* 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon Salt
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
#### For the Soup:
* 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
* 1 Onion, chopped
* 2 Carrots, chopped
* 2 Celery Stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves Garlic, minced
* 8 cups Chicken Broth
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
* 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon Salt
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1 cup Small Pasta (ditalini, acini di pepe, or orzo)
* 1 cup Fresh Spinach, chopped
* Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
* Grated Parmesan Cheese (for garnish)
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Meatballs:** In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined. Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened (5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic; sauté until fragrant (1 minute).
3. **Simmer the Soup:** Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. **Cook the Meatballs:** Gently drop meatballs into simmering soup. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
5. **Add Pasta and Spinach:** Add pasta; cook according to package directions until tender. Stir in spinach; cook until wilted (1 minute).
6. **Serve:** Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
## Enjoy!
This Hearty Italian Meatball Soup is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch, this soup is sure to satisfy. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a warm and flavorful bowl of homemade goodness!