Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

This Italian Meatball Soup Recipe is cozy, hearty, and just what you need on a cool evening. The rich tomato broth, tender meatballs, and soft vegetables make every spoonful comforting and satisfying. It’s one of those Italian recipes that tastes like it came straight from a family kitchen in Italy. You do not need fancy ingredients or long hours at the stove. With a few pantry staples and simple steps, you can have this meatball soup ready for your family tonight.

Ingredients You Will Need

• Ground beef: The base for your meatballs, tender and full of flavor.
• Bread crumbs and egg: Help hold the meatballs together and keep them soft.
• Garlic and onion: Add warmth and depth to both the meatballs and the broth.
• Crushed tomatoes: Give the soup its rich, comforting Italian taste.
• Beef broth: Balances the tomato base and enhances the savory flavor.
• Carrots and celery: Add color, nutrition, and a hint of sweetness.
• Pasta or rice: Optional, but makes the soup heartier and perfect for those who love comfort food dinners.
• Italian seasoning: Brings all the flavors together with classic herbs.

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roll into small meatballs, about 1 inch each.
2. Heat a little olive oil in a large pot. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
5. Gently return the meatballs to the pot. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
6. If using pasta or rice, cook it separately and add just before serving.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Helpful Tips and Variations

• For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Add a handful of spinach or kale at the end for extra color and nutrition.
• This soup can also be made in a slow cooker. Just brown the meatballs first and then let everything simmer on low for 6 hours. It’s one of those cozy crockpot recipes that makes your home smell amazing.
• If you love soup and salad nights, serve it with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad.
• Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Serving and Storage

Serve this Italian Meatball Soup with crusty bread for dipping or alongside a simple salad. It also pairs beautifully with melt-in-your-mouth Santa Fe chicken for a hearty meal spread.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you plan to freeze it, leave out the pasta and add it fresh when reheating.

Italian Meatball Soup

This Italian Meatball Soup is cozy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Tender meatballs, rich tomato broth, and soft vegetables make this an easy and comforting dish that tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 bowls

Calories 390 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot

Ingredients

  

Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Soup Base

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 carrots sliced
• 2 celery stalks sliced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup small pasta or cooked rice optional

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roll into small 1-inch meatballs.
• Heat olive oil in a large pot. Brown meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
• Sauté onion, carrot, and celery in the same pot until softened.
• Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir and bring to a simmer.
• Return meatballs to the pot. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked.
• If using pasta or rice, cook separately and add just before serving.
• Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with crusty bread.

Notes

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Add spinach or kale at the end for extra greens. Can be made in a slow cooker after browning meatballs. Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Keyword Comfort Food, Hearty, Meatball

FAQs

Can I make this Italian Meatball Soup Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, it’s perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the meatballs and soup base a day early and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simmer everything together. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

What kind of pasta works best for meatball soup recipes?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni work best because they fit nicely on the spoon. You can also use rice or skip it entirely for a low-carb option.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, this is one of the easiest crockpot recipes you can make. Brown the meatballs first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The result is tender meatballs and a flavorful broth.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Absolutely. Frozen meatballs work great for busy days. Just simmer them a little longer in the soup until they are heated through and tender.

What can I serve with this soup?

It’s lovely with a fresh salad or a simple Longhorn steakhouse chicken dinner. You can also enjoy it with garlic bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra Italian touch.

Final Thoughts from Ama

Some recipes, like this Italian Meatball Soup Recipe, feel like a hug in a bowl. It reminds me of chilly evenings when I’d call the kids in from the backyard, the smell of simmering soup filling the kitchen. Even if it’s not perfect, it will still taste wonderful. So roll those meatballs, ladle up some comfort, and remember that every meal you make with love is a good one.