Name: Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (Optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo); 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped fresh basil for garnish (Optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting bowl of warmth that feels like a big, loving hug from an Italian Nonna, this Italian Meatball Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender, flavorful meatballs swimming in a savory broth dotted with veggies and pasta, delivering a perfect balance of hearty and wholesome in every spoonful. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or just want a satisfying yet light meal, this soup checks all the boxes while being incredibly simple to prepare.

Italian Meatball Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to pulling together this delicious Italian Meatball Soup Recipe. Each item plays a vital role, from the juicy ground beef that forms the heart of the meatballs to the fresh veggies that lend brightness and texture, and the pasta that adds satisfying chewiness.

Ground beef (1 pound): Provides rich flavor and the perfect base for tender meatballs.
Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Help bind the meatballs and keep them light and fluffy.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds salty, umami depth to the meatballs.
Large egg (1): Acts as a binder to keep the meatballs together during cooking.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the meatballs with aromatic warmth.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings classic Italian herb flavor.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and depth.
Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons, optional): Contributes freshness and color.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for sautéing veggies and boosting richness.
Onion, chopped (1 medium): Provides a sweet and savory base for the soup.
Carrots, diced (2): Add natural sweetness and a lovely pop of orange.
Celery stalks, diced (2): Bring a subtle crunch and herbal note.
Chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups): Creates the delicious, comforting soup base.
Diced tomatoes, canned (14.5 oz): Offer brightness and a gentle acidity that balances the meat.
Small pasta like ditalini or orzo (1 cup): Adds a pleasant texture that turns the soup into a meal.
Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Complements the herbs and tomatoes with sweet flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: For final seasoning adjustments.
Fresh basil, chopped (optional): For a vibrant and fragrant garnish.

How to Make Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking tray with parchment paper—this keeps cleanup easy and the meatballs from sticking. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley if using. Mix everything until just combined; overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Roll the mixture into small, 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared tray. Bake for about 15 minutes or until they’re browned and cooked through. Baking the meatballs ensures they hold their shape and develop a lovely crust without the extra grease of frying.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

While your meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes until they soften and the onion becomes translucent. This step builds the foundation of flavor, infusing the broth with subtle sweetness and a gentle earthiness that makes this soup truly comforting.

Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes to the Pot

Pour in your broth and the diced tomatoes, juices included. Bring the mixture to a simmer, letting the flavors mingle and the soup base develop a rich, savory character. This combination creates the heartwarming broth that your Italian Meatball Soup Recipe is famous for, balancing the meaty and fresh flavors perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Meatballs, Pasta, and Herbs

Once the meatballs have finished baking, gently add them to the simmering soup. Stir in the small pasta and dried basil, then continue cooking for 10 to 12 minutes or until the pasta reaches a tender, perfectly cooked texture. At this stage, the soup starts coming together as a hearty, satisfying dish with each bite offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serving it hot straight from the pot is ideal, but adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil on top brings a lovely fresh aroma and a splash of color that makes every bowl feel special.

How to Serve Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs, especially chopped basil or parsley, elevate the soup’s presentation and flavor, granting a refreshing contrast to the rich meatballs and broth. A light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top also adds a creamy, salty finish that’s hard to resist.

Side Dishes

This Italian Meatball Soup Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or garlic knots—perfect for dipping into the savory broth. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also provide a lovely balance, making your meal complete and satisfying without feeling too heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or individual ramekins. You can even prepare it as a family-style meal in a large rustic pot placed center table, encouraging everyone to help themselves. Either way, it’s bound to bring warmth and joy around your dining space.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Italian Meatball Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it down before covering it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to preserve the flavors and freshness.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but for best texture, consider freezing the soup and meatballs separately from the pasta. Pasta can become mushy if frozen with the soup, so store cooked pasta in a separate container and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat until steaming hot, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add fresh pasta or cook pasta separately and stir it in just before serving for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a leaner substitute and will still create delicious meatballs, though they might be slightly more delicate. Just be gentle when mixing and shaping them.

What pasta works best for this soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or even tiny shells work perfectly because they cook quickly and fit nicely on a spoon alongside the meatballs.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can swap the meatballs for vegetarian meatballs or use hearty beans like cannellini or chickpeas. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth will keep it fully vegetarian and just as comforting.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and bake the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to make the soup, simply add them to the simmering broth as directed.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

It is! Just keep in mind that the pasta texture changes after freezing, so either freeze pasta and soup separately or add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly special about a warm bowl of Italian Meatball Soup Recipe that makes any day feel brighter and cozier. It’s the kind of meal that invites you to slow down, savor, and share with loved ones. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your treasured go-to comfort dishes.

Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 11 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and comforting Italian Meatball Soup featuring tender baked meatballs, aromatic vegetables, and small pasta cooked in a flavorful tomato and broth base. Perfect for warming up on chilly days with a classic Mediterranean taste.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking tray.
Bake Meatballs: Place the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
Sauté Vegetables: While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery stalks. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes into the pot with the vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add Meatballs and Pasta: Once meatballs are done, carefully add them to the simmering soup. Stir in the small pasta and sprinkle in dried basil. Continue cooking for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Season Soup: Taste the soup and season with additional salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and warmth.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Fresh herbs like parsley and basil add freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta if you need the recipe to be gluten-free.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
The soup can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting meatballs, or replacing meatballs with vegetarian options.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Baking, Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian