Description
Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender beef meatballs with a rich, creamy tomato broth and delightful pasta. This cozy soup is perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings, providing delicious satisfaction with every spoonful. With its bold Italian flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite and is easily customizable based on your preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and turkey)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach or basil, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and parsley (if using). Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep meatballs tender. Shape mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches; cook until browned on all sides. Remove from pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add diced onion and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and chopped celery; cook until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices and add chicken or beef broth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt (to taste), and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer; add small pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally.
- Once pasta is cooked through, return meatballs to the pot. Stir in heavy cream and fresh spinach or basil; let simmer briefly until heated through.
- Ladle soup into bowls; top with extra Parmesan cheese and your choice of fresh herbs. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg