Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

There’s nothing cozier than a pot of Italian Meatball Soup simmering gently on the stove—the savory aroma is an invitation in itself! This comforting classic combines tender, homemade beef meatballs with a flavor-packed broth, a medley of fresh vegetables, and just enough parmesan to make every spoonful irresistibly rich. Italian Meatball Soup is a surefire crowd-pleaser that’ll warm both your kitchen and your heart, whether you’re whipping up a weeknight family meal or hosting friends for a casual dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of what makes this Italian Meatball Soup shine is its harmony of everyday pantry staples and pops of fresh flavor. Each ingredient brings something important to the table, whether it’s building depth in the broth, enhancing texture, or delivering those classic Italian notes that make this soup unforgettable.

• Ground beef (3/4 lb): The hearty base for our meatballs—choose a blend with some fat for extra tenderness.
• Freshly shredded parmesan cheese (1/2 c. + more): Brings a salty, nutty richness, and is delicious as both a binder and garnish.
• Chopped fresh parsley (3 tbsp. + 1/4 c. leaves): Adds brightness throughout, with leaves reserved for an aromatic herb bundle.
• Egg (1): Helps bind the meatballs so they stay intact and juicy.
• Garlic (2 cloves): Adds that unmistakable punch of flavor integral to Italian soup bases.
• Kosher salt (1/2 tsp. for meatballs + 1/2 tsp. for broth): Essential for seasoning, both in the meatballs and the soup itself.
• Black pepper (1/2 tsp. ground + 1 tsp. whole peppercorns): Lends subtle warmth; use ground in the meatballs and whole in the broth.
• Ground oregano (1/4 tsp.): Just enough for an earthy, classic Italian undertone.
• Lemon juice (2 tsp.): Brightens and lifts the flavor of the meat mixture.
• Olive oil (3 tbsp.): For browning the meatballs and adding unmistakable Mediterranean richness.
• Low-sodium beef stock (7 c.): Forms the deeply layered foundation of the soup.
• Tomato paste (2 tbsp.): Concentrates tomato flavor for umami and color.
• Bay leaves (2): Infuse earthy aroma and subtle background flavor.
• Chopped onion (3/4 c.): Lends gentle sweetness and savory depth.
• Chopped carrot (3/4 c.): Adds color, sweetness, and tenderness.
• Chopped celery (3/4 c.): Provides essential aroma and a touch of crunch.
• Chopped russet potato (1 c.): Makes the soup hearty without being heavy, adding to the comfort factor.
• Green cabbage, thinly sliced (1/2 lb.): Brings a tender bite and soaks up all those flavorful juices.

How to Make Italian Meatball Soup

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Start by gathering everything for your meatballs: ground beef, parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, garlic, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, a pinch of oregano, and that bright lemon juice. Combine them in a large bowl until just mixed—you don’t want to overwork the meat. Next, roll the mixture into about 24 small, bite-sized balls, roughly an inch wide each. Chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes to help the flavors meld and to keep them firm when browning.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Once the meatballs are chilled, heat your olive oil in a heavy soup pot over medium-low heat. Working in batches if necessary, gently brown the meatballs on all sides. You’re not cooking them through here—just giving them a flavorful, golden crust. When done, set them aside on a plate (try not to sneak too many nibbles).

Step 3: Start the Soup Base

With the meatballs out, don’t wipe out the pot—you want all those flavorful little brown bits for the soup. Pour in the beef stock, two cups of water, a bit more salt, and the tomato paste. Stir everything together and bring it to a rolling boil, then lower the heat so it simmers gently for about 30 minutes. This step develops the robust backbone of your Italian Meatball Soup.

Step 4: Create and Add an Herb Bundle

In the meantime, gather your parsley leaves, bay leaves, and those aromatic peppercorns in a piece of cheesecloth. Tie it up securely to create a bouquet garni—this lets you infuse the soup with fresh, herbaceous notes without chasing leaves around your bowl later. Drop the bundle into your simmering pot and let it work its magic.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Now, stir in the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Let them cook in the bubbling broth for another 15 minutes, until they’re just tender but not falling apart. Before moving on, remember to remove and discard the herb bundle—you’ve extracted all the bright, savory essence by now.

Step 6: Add Cabbage and Meatballs

Toss in your sliced cabbage and gently return the meatballs to the pot. Crank up the heat until it just starts to boil again, then turn it back down to a simmer. Let everything mingle for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the cabbage is sweet and tender.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your steaming Italian Meatball Soup into bowls and shower it with extra parmesan. Every bowl is brimming with savory broth, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs, and veggies in every bite. Dig in while it’s piping hot!

How to Serve Italian Meatball Soup

Garnishes

Finish your bowls of Italian Meatball Soup with a blizzard of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. A drizzle of good olive oil or a twist of cracked black pepper on top adds an elegant flourish and brings out all those aromatic notes in the broth.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread is practically mandatory for dunking—think rustic sourdough or a warm baguette. This soup also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon and olive oil, or a platter of roasted vegetables to keep the meal wholesome and filling.

Creative Ways to Present

To turn Italian Meatball Soup into a memorable dinner party starter, serve it in small crocks or mugs alongside tiny grilled cheese toasts for dipping. For a fun family meal, let everyone help themselves from a big pot in the center of the table, with bowls of toppings—parmesan, parsley, and chili flakes—ready for customizing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your Italian Meatball Soup to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Stored this way, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days in the refrigerator. The flavors only get deeper overnight!

Freezing

Italian Meatball Soup freezes beautifully. Cool the soup completely, divide it into freezer-safe containers (leave a little space for expansion), and freeze for up to three months. For best texture, consider freezing the soup and meatballs separately, then recombine when reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the soup, and always check the seasoning before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a mix can be swapped in for the beef. Just make sure whatever you choose has enough fat to keep the meatballs tender in your Italian Meatball Soup.

What if I don’t have cheesecloth for the herb bundle?

No cheesecloth? No problem! You can wrap your loose herbs in a coffee filter and tie it closed with kitchen twine, or simply toss the herbs in loose and fish them out later with a slotted spoon.

Can I make Italian Meatball Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Use your favorite plant-based meatball recipe and swap beef stock for vegetable broth. Add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach for even more flavor and heartiness.

How can I make the soup spicier?

If you prefer a soup with a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth or mix a little cayenne into your meatballs. You can also serve with chili oil or chopped pickled peppers at the table.

Is Italian Meatball Soup gluten-free?

As written, this recipe doesn’t include breadcrumbs, making it naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your beef stock and any parmesan cheese are also free from gluten-containing additives.

Final Thoughts

There’s so much to love about a steaming bowl of Italian Meatball Soup—whether you’re craving comfort, flavor, or a meal that brings people together. Give this recipe a try and let your kitchen fill with a little Italian magic. I can’t wait for you to taste just how special homemade soup can be!

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