Tasty Italian Meatball Soup
Ingredients
This Italian meatball soup brings together a delicious blend of simple, wholesome ingredients that create a comforting and flavorful meal.
You’ll need 1 pound (450 g) of ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for richness, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs to bind the mixture, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for that classic Italian flavor, and one egg to hold everything together.
Add two minced garlic cloves, a teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper to season the meatballs perfectly.
For the soup base, you’ll need two tablespoons of olive oil, one chopped onion, two sliced carrots, and two chopped celery stalks, which form a flavorful foundation.
A can of diced tomatoes (14 oz/400 g) and six cups of beef or chicken broth give depth and heartiness to the broth, while one cup of small pasta such as ditalini or orzo adds texture.
Finally, two cups of fresh spinach or kale bring color and nutrition, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley with extra Parmesan completes this delicious dish.
Instructions
To prepare this comforting soup, start by combining the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, mixing until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a golden crust; then remove them and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until soft and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness into the oil.
Add the diced tomatoes and broth, stirring well, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Carefully return the meatballs to the pot, reduce the heat, and let the soup simmer for about twenty minutes so the flavors can meld together. Next, add the pasta and cook until tender, then stir in the spinach or kale until wilted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve the soup hot, topped with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips
To achieve the best flavor and texture, use a blend of beef and pork when making your meatballs — the combination gives a juicy, tender bite with a rich, savory taste.
Browning the meatballs before adding them to the soup deepens the flavor, while the caramelized bits left in the pot help build a delicious base for the broth.
If you’re short on time, you can make the meatballs in advance and freeze them; they’ll be ready to go straight into the simmering soup whenever you want a quick meal.
For a lighter version, swap beef for ground turkey or chicken, and replace pasta with extra vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, or green beans. A squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of chili flakes at the end of cooking brightens the soup, adding a fresh and slightly spicy note that elevates the entire dish.
Variations
This soup is endlessly versatile, and you can adapt it to suit your taste or whatever you have in your pantry.
Add beans such as cannellini or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber, or swap out the small pasta for cheese-filled tortellini to make it heartier and more indulgent.
You can also vary the greens by using escarole or kale instead of spinach, giving the soup a slightly bitter note that complements the savory broth.
For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream, milk, or a spoonful of ricotta cheese just before serving for a smooth, luxurious texture. If you want something even more filling, add diced potatoes, barley, or farro — they’ll soak up the broth and give the soup a rustic, old-world charm.
Each version offers a different twist on the same comforting classic, making this recipe one you’ll never get tired of reinventing.
Conclusion
Italian meatball soup is the very definition of comfort food — hearty, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
The tender meatballs, rich broth, and perfectly balanced vegetables come together to create a dish that warms both the body and the soul.
It’s perfect for cozy family dinners, cold winter nights, or meal prep for the week, as it tastes even better the next day.
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and adaptability; with just a few basic ingredients, you can create countless variations that suit any taste or occasion.
Whether you keep it traditional or experiment with different flavors and textures, every spoonful captures the essence of Italian home cooking — nourishing, flavorful, and made with love.