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Italian Meatball Soup

Italian Meatball Soup
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Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender, flavorful meatballs with a savory tomato-based broth, fresh vegetables, and aromatic Italian herbs. Perfect for chilly evenings, this easy-to-make soup offers a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and traditional Italian flavors, making it a beloved family favorite and ideal for meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef and/or pork (or mix)
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free alternative like almond flour)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Soup Base Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Vegetables and Greens

  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
  • Optional extras: zucchini, green beans, mushrooms (quantity as desired)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs or alternative, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, the egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  3. Build the Soup Base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir well to combine. Add minced garlic, oregano, and fresh herbs. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Carefully add the prepared meatballs to the simmering soup in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Let them cook through for about 15-20 minutes, gently turning occasionally to ensure even cooking without breaking apart.
  5. Add Greens and Finish: Approximately 5 minutes before serving, stir in fresh spinach or kale. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow the soup to rest briefly to let all flavors develop fully before serving.

Notes

  • Keep meatballs small to ensure they cook quickly and are easy to eat.
  • Mix meatball ingredients just enough to combine to keep them tender.
  • Simmer the soup gently to maintain meatball integrity and balanced flavors.
  • Use fresh herbs whenever possible for a brighter taste.
  • Letting the soup rest after cooking allows flavors to deepen.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian meatball soup, hearty soup, comfort food, Italian recipe, meatballs, gluten free soup, make ahead soup, family-friendly soup

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/italian-meatball-soup/