Name: Italian Meatball Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cups spinach or kale; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 onion, diced

Bowl of delicious Italian meatball soup with fresh herbs and meatballs

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Why Make This Recipe

Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for chilly evenings or when you want something satisfying. This soup combines savory meatballs with fresh vegetables in a rich broth, making it a wholesome meal in one bowl. It’s not just delicious; it’s also easy to prepare, giving you the chance to enjoy homemade goodness without spending all day in the kitchen.

How to Make Italian Meatball Soup

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
6 cups chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups spinach or kale
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 onion, diced

Directions

In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides.
Once browned, remove the meatballs and set them aside.
In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they are tender.
Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (including the juice), and the browned meatballs back to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 20 minutes.
Stir in the spinach or kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot.

How to Serve Italian Meatball Soup

This soup is best enjoyed hot. You can serve it with crusty bread or a light salad on the side. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs can enhance the flavor even more.

How to Store Italian Meatball Soup

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

Tips to Make Italian Meatball Soup

For more flavor, consider adding different spices or herbs like basil or oregano.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more vegetables or reduce the amount of broth.
To save time, you can use pre-made meatballs instead of making your own.

Variation

You can customize this soup by adding different vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes. If you want a creamier soup, consider adding a splash of heavy cream just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and will make the soup lighter.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or water with bouillon cubes.

Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Just reheat it on the stove before serving.