Italian Meatball Soup – A Classic Comfort Recipe
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.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Dish, Soup
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 310 kcal
- 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
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.
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