Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs

Incredible Italian meatball soup takes homemade Italian meatballs and combines them with tender pasta, fresh veggies, and a flavorful tomato broth for a hearty, satisfying soup that’s super easy to make. This Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs is perfect for busy evenings or chilly days, providing comfort in every bowl. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying: This soup is packed with protein and nutrients, making it a filling meal.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and quick to whip up.
• Flavorful Broth: The savory broth enhances the taste of the meatballs and vegetables, creating a delicious combination.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily modify the veggies or pasta type to suit your preferences or what’s on hand.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to make the process smoother. Having everything ready will help you stay organized.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Cookie scoop or teaspoon
• Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Cooking spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Ideal for broiling meatballs evenly without burning them.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining ingredients thoroughly before shaping the meatballs.
• Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven: Ensures even heat distribution while cooking the soup, preventing sticking or burning.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs

• ½ pound ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan
• ¼ cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

For the Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 large carrots (diced)
• 2 stalks celery (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For Serving

• 1 cup dry short-cut pasta (see Notes)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• Freshly grated parmesan (for serving, optional)

How to Make Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Lightly grease a baking sheet with butter or spray oil. Turn your broiler on high to prepare for cooking the meatballs.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, mix together all meatball ingredients until thoroughly combined.
2. Using a teaspoon or cookie scoop, take 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll between your hands to form meatballs. Place each on the prepared baking sheet until all are formed.

Step 3: Broil the Meatballs

Place the baking sheet under the broiler. Broil meatballs for 6 to 7 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through; they will finish cooking in the soup.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot and shimmery:
1. Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.
2. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until all vegetables have softened.

Step 5: Add Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in beef broth along with tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. Stir well:
1. Add Italian seasoning.
2. Simmer for about 5 to 6 minutes while flavors meld together.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Meatballs

Add dry pasta and broiled meatballs into the soup:
1. Cook until pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through.
2. Stir in fresh parsley right before serving.

Portion soup into serving bowls, garnish with grated parmesan if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs!

How to Serve Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs

Serving Italian meatball soup is all about enhancing the comforting flavors and making the meal a delightful experience. Here are some creative ways to serve this hearty dish along with delicious accompaniments.

With Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the rich tomato broth, soaking up all the flavors of the soup.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top just before serving to add a burst of color and freshness that elevates the dish.

Accompanied by Cheese

• Offer freshly grated parmesan cheese on the side for guests to sprinkle over their soup, adding a creamy texture and nutty flavor.

Served in Individual Bowls

• Presenting the soup in individual bowls makes it more visually appealing and allows everyone to enjoy their own portion.

Paired with a Salad

• A light, refreshing salad can balance out the hearty flavors of the soup. Consider a simple mixed greens salad dressed with vinaigrette.

How to Perfect Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs

Making Italian meatball soup is straightforward, but there are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor significantly, giving your soup that homemade taste.
• Don’t skip broiling the meatballs: This step adds depth by browning them before they go into the soup, creating a richer flavor.
• Adjust seasoning carefully: Taste your broth before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor balance.
• Choose quality broth: A good-quality beef broth will make a noticeable difference in the overall taste of your soup.
• Cook pasta al dente: This ensures your pasta maintains its texture even after being added to hot broth.
• Let it rest: Allowing your soup to sit for a few minutes before serving helps meld all the flavors together.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs

Pairing side dishes with Italian meatball soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread
   Deliciously buttery garlic bread complements the soup perfectly, offering an extra layer of flavor and texture.

2. Caesar Salad
   The crisp romaine lettuce and tangy dressing in a Caesar salad provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

3. Caprese Salad
   This classic combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil brings brightness and acidity that pairs well with hearty soup.

4. Roasted Vegetables
   A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrients while providing a lovely caramelized flavor.

5. Stuffed Peppers
   Stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa offer a filling addition that works beautifully alongside meatball soup.

6. Antipasto Platter
   An assortment of olives, cheeses, cured meats (turkey or chicken), and marinated vegetables creates an inviting starter before enjoying the main dish.

7. Polenta Cakes
   Creamy polenta cakes are great for soaking up broth while adding a unique twist to your meal presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Italian meatball soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Bold Flavorless Meatballs: Skipping on seasoning will lead to bland meatballs. Make sure to season your mixture well and consider adding fresh herbs for extra flavor.
• Bold Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Sauté them just until tender to retain their texture and flavor.
• Bold Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold broth or other ingredients can lower the cooking temperature. Always use room temperature or warmed ingredients to keep the soup simmering.
• Bold Not Browning Meatballs: Broiling or browning meatballs adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall taste of your soup.
• Bold Forgetting Pasta Cook Time: Cooking pasta directly in the soup can lead to overcooked noodles. Keep an eye on pasta timing to ensure a perfect texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The soup can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers and keep it for up to 3 months.

Reheating Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl covered loosely with a lid, stirring halfway through for even heating, about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, which should take about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Italian meatball soup with homemade meatballs.

Can I make Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator or freeze it for later use.

What kind of pasta should I use in my Italian Meatball Soup with Homemade Meatballs?

Short-cut pasta like elbow macaroni or ditalini works best, as they hold up well during cooking without becoming mushy.

How do I make the meatballs more flavorful?

To enhance flavor, consider adding finely chopped onions, garlic, or fresh herbs into your meatball mixture.

Can I use a different type of broth for Italian Meatball Soup?

Absolutely! You can substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Italian meatball soup with homemade meatballs is not only hearty and comforting but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or experimenting with different seasonings. Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm bowl of deliciousness!