Italian Meatball Soup 🍲🍝

This hearty and comforting Italian Meatball Soup combines juicy meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth, making it the perfect meal for any chilly day or cozy night. The rich flavors will transport you to a rustic Italian kitchen, and the delightful aroma will surely entice everyone around!

Ingredients

For the meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the soup base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• 1 cup ditalini or any small pasta (optional)

Instructions

Make the Meatballs

• In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this will create dense meatballs.
• Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.

🍽️ Keep your hands damp when forming meatballs to prevent sticking and create a more seamless shape.

Prepare the Soup

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the broth and add the diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, bay leaf, and salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Cook the Meatballs

• Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering soup. Allow them to cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through (internal temperature reaches 160°F).
• If using pasta, stir it in now and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Add Greens

• Stir in the fresh spinach or kale and cook until wilted (about 2-3 minutes).

🍵 For an extra burst of flavor, feel free to add a splash of red wine to the broth while simmering!

Variations

• Gluten-free: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free oats or almond flour to make the meatballs gluten-free.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the soup or mix diced jalapeños into the meatball mixture for a spicy kick! 🌶️
• Herbaceous: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried for a fresher flavor.
• Vegetarian: Make lentil or chickpea meatballs instead of traditional meat, and use vegetable broth for the soup base.

Serve your Italian Meatball Soup hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal! 🥖❤️