Description
Warm and comforting, this Italian Meatball Soup is a delightful combination of tender beef meatballs, fresh vegetables, and aromatic broth. Perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings, this dish brings a cozy feel with each spoonful. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s an easy-to-make recipe that even novice cooks will love. Whether served as a main course or starter, this soup promises to be a family favorite and is the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or orzo)
- Spices: basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper until combined. Form into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the meatballs for about 5 minutes; remove from pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and stir for an additional minute.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth; stir in basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Return meatballs to the pot; simmer for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
- Add spinach (or kale) and pasta; cook until pasta is al dente—about 8–10 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot; garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg