Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs – A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Dish

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When the chill of winter settles in, nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of homemade soup to lift your spirits. Imagine the rich aroma of savory meatballs blending with fresh vegetables and a flavorful broth, creating a heartwarming meal perfect for the whole family. Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs combines the deliciousness of perfectly seasoned meatballs with a flavorful, nourishing soup that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests at your next gathering, this soup checks all the boxes. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. In this article, you’ll discover step-by-step instructions for making this dish, the health benefits of its ingredients, and expert tips for perfecting your Italian meatball soup.

Why You’ll Love Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs

There’s something magical about the combination of tender homemade meatballs and a rich, hearty broth. The taste is savory, the texture is satisfying, and the warmth it brings on a chilly day is unmatched. But beyond the flavors and textures, there are a few reasons why Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs will quickly become a staple in your home.

1. Rich and Flavorful

This soup has layers of flavor that come from the perfectly seasoned homemade meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a blend of hearty broth and tangy tomatoes. As the meatballs cook, they infuse the soup with a savory depth that’s comforting and delicious.

2. Nutritious and Balanced

Packed with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, and rich in protein from the meatballs, this soup provides a well-rounded meal. The addition of pasta helps make it filling and satisfying, without feeling overly heavy. Plus, it’s easy to customize for your dietary preferences!

3. Simple to Make, Yet Impressive

Don’t let the delicious results fool you—this soup is simple to make! The ingredients are easy to find, and the preparation involves just a few straightforward steps. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a crowd, the result is a dish that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Italian Meatball Soup

Before you get started, it’s essential to gather all the ingredients you’ll need for your Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs. Let’s break down the recipe into two parts: the meatballs and the soup.

Meatball Ingredients:

• Ground Beef (½ pound): This is the base of your meatballs, providing that classic beefy flavor.
• Mild Italian Sausage (½ pound): The sausage adds juiciness and a mild, aromatic flavor.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic gives the meatballs a fragrant, savory taste.
• Egg (1 large, beaten): The egg acts as a binder, keeping the meatballs together.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan (¼ cup): Parmesan adds a slightly nutty, salty kick to your meatballs.
• Italian Breadcrumbs (¼ cup): Breadcrumbs add texture and lightness to the meatballs.
• Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Salt is essential for seasoning the meatballs.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): Pepper adds a slight kick and enhances the overall flavor of the meatballs.

Soup Ingredients:

• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Used to sauté the vegetables and create a flavorful base.
• Onion (1 medium, diced): Onion adds sweetness and complexity to the soup.
• Carrots (2 large, diced): Carrots add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
• Celery (2 stalks, diced): Celery provides a slightly earthy flavor and complements the other vegetables.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic also plays a role in the soup, enhancing the savory profile.
• Beef Broth (6 cups): The broth forms the backbone of the soup, giving it richness and depth.
• Tomato Sauce (1 can, 15 oz): Tomato sauce contributes a rich, tangy flavor to the broth.
• Crushed Tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz, undrained): The crushed tomatoes add thickness and heartiness to the soup.
• Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme gives the soup its classic Italian flavor.
• Dry Pasta (1 cup): A small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni works best here.
• Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens up the soup.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan (for serving, optional): A little sprinkle of parmesan on top enhances the soup’s flavor and adds a touch of luxury.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Italian Meatball Soup

Preparing the Meatballs

1. Preheat the Broiler
   Begin by preheating your broiler to high. While it heats up, lightly grease a baking sheet with butter or spray oil to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, minced garlic, beaten egg, parmesan, breadcrumbs, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until it’s thoroughly combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat mixture as that can make the meatballs tough.
3. Shape the Meatballs
   Using a teaspoon or a cookie scoop, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meatball mixture. Roll each portion between your hands to form a smooth ball. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Broil the Meatballs
   Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil the meatballs for 6-7 minutes, or until they are nicely browned on the outside. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn. The meatballs will continue to cook once added to the soup.

Cooking the Soup

1. Sauté the Vegetables
   In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Stir frequently and cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
2. Simmer the Broth
   Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything well to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the broth simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream
3. Add the Meatballs and Pasta
   Carefully add the broiled meatballs to the soup along with the dry pasta. Stir gently to combine. Continue cooking the soup until the pasta is tender, and the meatballs are cooked through, which should take about 10 minutes.
4. Finish the Soup
   Once the pasta is cooked and the meatballs are fully done, stir in the freshly chopped parsley. This will add a burst of fresh flavor to your soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   Ladle the soup into serving bowls. If desired, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious, hearty Italian meatball soup!

Nutrition Breakdown for Italian Meatball Soup

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional content of your delicious bowl of Italian Meatball Soup.

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fat	20g
Fiber	5g
Sodium	900mg

This soup provides a balanced amount of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal

Tips for Perfect Italian Meatball Soup

1. Perfecting the Meatballs

• Don’t Overwork the Meat: When mixing the ingredients for the meatballs, do so gently. Overworking the meat will result in dense, tough meatballs. Aim for a light touch when mixing and shaping.
• Broil for Best Results: Broiling the meatballs helps them develop a deliciously browned exterior without drying them out. The broiled meatballs will finish cooking in the soup, keeping them juicy and tender.

2. Making a Richer Soup

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to boost the nutrition and flavor of your soup.
• Use Homemade Broth: If you have the time, consider using homemade beef broth for a richer, more complex flavor.

3. Choosing the Right Pasta

• Small Pasta Works Best: Use small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo. These will absorb the broth and hold their texture, making each bite a perfect mix of pasta, meatball, and soup.

FAQs About Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can make this soup ahead of time, and the flavors will only get better as it sits. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef and sausage mixture. This will result in a lighter version of the soup while still being delicious.

Can I skip broiling the meatballs?

While broiling helps develop a golden, crispy exterior, you can skip this step. Simply add the raw meatballs directly to the soup, ensuring they cook all the way through in the broth.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Hearty Italian Meatball Soup

Your journey to a comforting, delicious meal ends here with Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs. With its savory meatballs, rich broth, and fresh vegetables, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re making it for your family or serving it at a gathering, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for cozy nights. Try it today and let its warm flavors make every meal a memorable experience.

Don’t wait—get your ingredients together and make this heartwarming Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs today! You’ll be glad you did.

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