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Italian Meatball Soup

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Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender meatballs nestled in a savory broth with fresh vegetables and aromatic Italian herbs. Perfect for cozy nights and family meals, this soup combines rich flavors with nutritious ingredients for a satisfying bowl that warms the soul and pleases all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Soup Base and Vegetables

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated without overworking the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Shape and Cook Meatballs: Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs about one inch in diameter. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot, then brown the meatballs evenly on all sides. They don’t need to be cooked through at this point as they will finish cooking in the soup.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Remove the meatballs temporarily and sauté diced onions, chopped carrots, and celery in the same pot until softened and fragrant to build a flavorful base for the broth.
  4. Build the Soup Base: Add minced garlic and cook for another minute before pouring in the broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, scraping the bottom of the pot to release the browned bits.
  5. Simmer with Meatballs and Greens: Carefully drop the browned meatballs back into the pot, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 20-25 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and flavors meld. Add spinach in the last five minutes to keep it vibrant and tender.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed. Serve hot and enjoy the warm, comforting taste of this Italian classic.

Notes

  • Use fresh parsley and basil for the best flavor.
  • Mix meatball ingredients just until combined to keep them tender.
  • Browning the meatballs adds a savory depth to the soup’s flavor.
  • Simmer gently to avoid meatballs falling apart.
  • Add leafy greens like spinach near the end to preserve color and nutrients.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Meatball Soup, meatballs, comforting soup, family meal, easy dinner, hearty soup, Italian herbs, healthy soup

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/italian-meatball-soup/