Name: Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; ½ cup Italian bread crumbs; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup milk; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 4 cloves garlic, minced (divided); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup chopped onion; 1 cup chopped celery; 1 cup sliced carrots; 2 – 15 ounce cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 8 cups beef broth or chicken broth; 1 ¼ cup small dried pasta (any shape); 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

If you are craving a warm, comforting bowl that bursts with flavorful Italian charm, this Italian Meatball Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender homemade meatballs nestled in a rich tomato broth, accompanied by small pasta and vibrant veggies that create a hearty, soul-satisfying meal. Ready in under an hour, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights yet special enough to share with family and friends, delivering big taste with simple ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a wooden cutting board on a white marbled surface with four piles of chopped vegetables neatly arranged. At the back, there is a large mound of finely diced white onions. To the left, there are light green celery slices, cut into small crescent shapes. On the right side, bright orange carrot slices form a medium-sized pile, with round, smooth edges. In the front, there is a small heap of finely chopped fresh green parsley leaves. The background contains some blurred kitchen items. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these ingredients is straightforward, but each plays a crucial role in bringing this Italian Meatball Soup Recipe to life. From the juicy ground beef in the meatballs to the fresh vegetables that add both color and nutrition, every item contributes to the perfect harmony of flavor and texture.

Ground beef (1 pound): Provides the rich, meaty base for the homemade meatballs, ensuring they stay juicy and tender.
Italian bread crumbs (½ cup): Helps bind the meatballs together without making them dense, also absorbing moisture from milk.
Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a salty, nutty depth to the meatballs for authentic Italian flavor.
Milk (½ cup): Keeps the meatballs soft and moist for an irresistible texture.
Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, holding all meatball ingredients together perfectly.
Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): Infuses the meatballs with classic herbs like oregano and basil for fragrant taste.
Garlic cloves (4, minced): Divided between meatballs and soup base, providing that unmistakable garlic aroma and flavor.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used to brown the meatballs and sauté vegetables, adding richness.
Chopped onion (1 cup): Offers sweetness and depth to the broth as it cooks.
Chopped celery (1 cup): Adds crunch and an earthy base note to the vegetable mix.
Sliced carrots (1 cup): Bring a hint of natural sweetness and bright color to the soup.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (2 cans, 15 ounces each): Create a smoky, savory tomato broth that’s both rich and vibrant.
Beef or chicken broth (8 cups): Forms the hearty liquid foundation that carries all flavors.
Small dried pasta (1¼ cup): Like pastina or ditalini, ideal for spoonfuls of comfort in every bite.
Fresh parsley (3 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a fresh herbal brightness just before serving.

How to Make Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by mincing the garlic and dividing it, with two cloves reserved for the meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, Italian seasoning, and the two minced garlic cloves. Mix everything by hand until the mixture is perfectly smooth and combined, ensuring tender and flavorful meatballs.

Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into small 1-inch meatballs—the size that will fit perfectly on your spoon. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Carefully place the meatballs in the pot and gently turn them for about 5 minutes to brown evenly on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this point since they’ll simmer in the soup later. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and the other two minced garlic cloves. Sauté the vegetables for about 3 to 5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and the beef or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil with the pot covered to lock in heat and flavor. Once boiling, remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes to meld the ingredients beautifully.

Step 5: Add Meatballs and Pasta

Gently place the browned meatballs and the small dried pasta into the simmering soup. Stir to combine and allow everything to cook together for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the pasta is just al dente. It’s important not to overcook the pasta since it will absorb more broth as the soup sits and may get mushy.

Step 6: Finish and Season

Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Turn off the heat and taste the soup. Adjust with salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference. This final step ensures a balanced and satisfying flavor in every spoonful of your Italian Meatball Soup Recipe.

How to Serve Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

The image shows a white pot filled with a bright orange-red broth. Inside the broth, there are meatballs, round orange carrot slices, pale yellow celery pieces, small white pasta wheels, and chunks of red tomato. A metal ladle is lifted above the pot, holding one meatball, several carrot slices, celery, pasta, and tomato pieces, all topped with a small green herb leaf. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your serving with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkling of fresh parsley or basil on top. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds a glossy finish and a hint of fruity richness. For a mild kick, a few red pepper flakes can be tossed on for warmth without overwhelming the comforting flavors.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or garlic knots to soak up the savory broth. A simple green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette brings a refreshing contrast, while a light Caprese salad adds a cool, creamy element that complements the warm, hearty soup beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls accompanied by small bowls of freshly grated Parmesan and chili flakes to customize each bowl. For a fun twist, ladle the soup over polenta in a shallow dish for a modern presentation. Alternatively, serve it in mini mason jars for a charming appetizer at casual gatherings or Italian-themed parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the soup has cooled completely, transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers just as enjoyable, if not better. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

This Italian Meatball Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags once cooled. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup over medium-low heat on the stove to avoid breaking apart the meatballs or overcooking the pasta. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if the soup is too thick. Avoid microwaving for prolonged times to maintain the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a leaner alternative and will work well in this Italian Meatball Soup Recipe. Just be mindful that turkey tends to be leaner, so adding a splash of olive oil or extra milk might help keep the meatballs moist.

What types of pasta work best in this soup?

Small shapes like pastina, ditalini, or small shells are ideal because they cook quickly and fit nicely on a spoon with the meatballs. Larger pasta shapes may overpower the soup or take longer to cook.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

You can replace the meatballs with plant-based meatballs or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth for a fully vegetarian Italian Meatball Soup Recipe.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting too mushy?

Cook the pasta just until al dente during the final simmer. Since the pasta sits in hot broth after cooking, it will continue to soften. You can also cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl when serving to maintain perfect texture.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and shape the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to brown them right before adding to the soup for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about a bowl of homemade Italian Meatball Soup Recipe—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality comfort food that is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and savor each satisfying spoonful knowing you made it all from scratch with love.