Italian Meatball Soup – A Classic Comfort Recipe
Cradle of Nutrition
- 5 minutes read
Jump to:
This Italian Meatball Soup is a comforting family favorite made with tender homemade meatballs, vegetables, fresh greens, and small pasta simmered in a flavorful broth. Unlike heavier soups, this classic Italian meatball soup is light yet filling, perfect for both busy weeknights and cozy family dinners.
I often make this soup on Sundays, letting the broth simmer while I prep for the week ahead. It’s one of those dishes that fills the kitchen with warmth — and leftovers make the perfect easy lunch.
Nutritional Benefits
- High Protein: From the meatballs, perfect for muscle repair and satiety.
- Rich in Vitamins & Minerals: Carrots, celery, and spinach add vitamin A, C, K, and potassium.
- Balanced Meal: A wholesome mix of lean protein, healthy carbs, and vegetables in one bowl.
- Light Yet Filling: Clear broth keeps it lighter than cream-based soups while still hearty.
Ingredients:
Ingredients to Make the Meatballs
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or mix of beef & pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
👉 Tip: I like making extra meatballs and freezing them. That way, this homemade meatball soup becomes a super quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients for the Broth and Vegetables
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups (1.5 L) chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 cup small pasta (acini di pepe, orzo, or ditalini)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or baby kale
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
👉 When I don’t have spinach, I’ll swap in kale or escarole — it’s one of the reasons I love this easy Italian meatball soup recipe: it’s so flexible.
How to Make Italian Meatball Soup
1: Prepare the Meatballs
Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Shape into 1-inch meatballs.
2: Cook the Vegetables and Start the Broth
Sauté onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil. Add garlic, then stir in broth, oregano, and basil. Simmer gently.
3: Simmer the Meatballs in the Soup
Drop meatballs into the simmering broth and cook for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked.
4: Add Pasta and Greens to the Soup
Stir in pasta and cook until al dente. Add spinach in the last 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5: Serve Italian Meatball Soup
Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with parsley and Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread.
👉 Pro tip: If I’m meal prepping, I cook pasta separately and add it to bowls before serving. It keeps the broth perfect and makes this meatball soup with pasta last longer in the fridge.
Tips and Variations:
- Use ground chicken or turkey for lighter meatballs.
- Add a Parmesan rind while simmering for extra richness.
- Stir in zucchini, peas, or extra greens for variety.
- Freeze extra meatballs for faster cooking next time.
When to Serve Italian Meatball Soup:
Family weeknight dinners • Meal prep for busy schedules • Cold winter evenings • Dinner party starters
Toddler-Friendly Italian Meatball Soup
- Make mini meatballs (half-size).
- Use alphabet or star-shaped pasta.
- Chop vegetables very fine or cook until extra soft.
- Keep seasoning mild.
- Serve with extra Parmesan for sprinkling fun.
FAQ
Can I freeze Italian meatball soup?
Yes! You can freeze Italian meatball soup for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta. When reheating, cook fresh pasta separately and add it before serving.
What pasta works best in Italian meatball soup?
Small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, orzo, ditalini, or small shells are perfect for meatball soup with pasta. They hold up well in broth and don’t overpower the delicate meatballs.
Can I make Italian meatball soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. This homemade meatball soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How can I make Italian meatball soup healthier?
Use lean ground turkey or chicken for lighter meatballs, add extra leafy greens like kale or escarole, and use whole-grain pasta for more fiber.
What side dishes go well with Italian meatball soup?
This classic Italian soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad. It can also be served as a starter before a pasta or risotto dish.
Can toddlers eat Italian meatball soup?
Yes! Make mini meatballs, use fun-shaped pasta, and season lightly. This makes a toddler-friendly Italian meatball soup that’s both nutritious and fun.
This Italian Meatball Soup recipe is a light, flavorful dish made with homemade meatballs, pasta, vegetables, and greens in a savory broth. It’s simple, wholesome, and versatile — perfect for family meals, meal prep, or cozy evenings.
You Might Also Like: Easy Mushroom Soup Recipe for the Whole Family (Toddler-Friendly Version Included)
Please note: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using an online nutrition calculator.
Nutritional Facts/ servings:
Calories: 310 kcal | Protein: 20 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 3 g | Sodium: 780 mg
Italian Meatball Soup – A Classic Comfort Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or mix of beef & pork)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups (1.5 L) chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 1 cup small pasta (acini di pepe, orzo, or ditalini)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or baby kale
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs – Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Shape into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook the Vegetables and Start the Broth – Sauté onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil. Add garlic, then stir in broth, oregano, and basil. Simmer gently.
- Simmer the Meatballs in the Soup – Drop meatballs into the simmering broth and cook for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Add Pasta and Greens to the Soup – Stir in pasta and cook until al dente. Add spinach in the last 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve Italian Meatball Soup – Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with parsley and Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread.
