Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

If comfort had a flavor, it would taste like Italian Meatball Soup. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned beef meatballs simmering in a rich, garlicky tomato broth with tender vegetables, tiny pasta, and fresh herbs. Each spoonful is packed with bold Italian flavors savory beef, aromatic garlic, a hint of basil, and a touch of Parmesan melting into the broth.

This Italian Meatball Soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm, cozy hug in a bowl. It’s hearty but not too heavy, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner, a meal-prep favorite, or a dish to impress guests. And the best part? This version keeps it beef, so everyone can enjoy it.

Make a big batch, because trust me you’ll be craving this all week long!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and comforting – A deeply flavorful broth, tender meatballs, and pasta create the perfect balance of hearty and cozy.
• This version is made with only beef meatballs.
• Family-friendly – Even picky eaters will fall in love with these tender, flavorful meatballs.
• Easy to make ahead – The flavors get even better over time, making leftovers something to look forward to.
• One-pot meal – Minimal cleanup but maximum flavor who doesn’t love that?

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• Ground beef – The base for tender, flavorful meatballs. Using an 80/20 blend gives the best texture and juiciness.
• Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs together while keeping them soft and light.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, umami-rich depth of flavor. Freshly grated is best!
• Egg – Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
• Garlic & onion – Adds savory depth to the meatballs. Finely grating the onion makes the meatballs extra juicy.
• Italian seasoning & fresh parsley – Essential for that classic Italian taste. Fresh parsley adds a pop of brightness.
• Salt & black pepper – Balances all the flavors perfectly.

For the Soup

• Olive oil – Used to sauté the vegetables and build the base of the broth.
• Carrots, celery, and onion – The holy trinity of soup bases, adding natural sweetness and depth.
• Garlic – Because let’s be honest, you can never have too much garlic in Italian cooking!
• Crushed tomatoes – Forms the heart of the broth, giving it a rich, tangy depth.
• Beef broth – Brings deep, meaty richness to the soup. Use homemade or low-sodium for best results.
• Dried oregano & basil – Adds warmth and an authentic Italian touch. A pinch of red pepper flakes can give a gentle heat.
• Pasta (like ditalini or small shells) – The perfect bite-sized pasta to make this soup extra satisfying.
• Spinach or kale – A fresh, slightly earthy touch added at the end for color and nutrition.
• Salt & pepper – Adjust to taste.

📌 Full ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below!

How to Make Italian Meatball Soup

1. Prepare the Meatballs

• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Use your hands to gently mix everything together overworking the meat can make the meatballs tough!
• Roll the mixture into small bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Tip: A cookie scoop helps keep them uniform!

2. Brown the Meatballs

• Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Add the meatballs in batches, searing them until they’re golden brown on the outside (they don’t have to be fully cooked yet!).
• Transfer to a plate and set aside while you make the broth.

3. Build the Flavorful Broth

• In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed.
• Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened and fragrant about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic.

4. Simmer the Soup

• Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
• Bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors develop for about 10 minutes.

5. Cook the Meatballs & Pasta

• Carefully add the seared meatballs back into the pot.
• Let them simmer in the broth for 15-20 minutes, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
• Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente (about 7-10 minutes).

6. Finish with Greens & Serve!

• Stir in the spinach or kale, letting it wilt into the soup.
• Give it a final taste adjust the seasoning if needed.
• Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making This easy Italian Meatball Soup

• Grate the onion for extra juicy meatballs – Instead of dicing, grate the onion so it blends seamlessly into the meatballs and keeps them tender.
• Don’t overcook the pasta – Since it sits in the broth, slightly undercook it to prevent it from getting mushy.
• Use homemade broth if you can – It makes a HUGE difference in depth of flavor.
• Make a double batch of meatballs – Freeze half for an easy meal later!

How to Serve Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

• With crusty bread – Because dipping into that flavorful broth is non-negotiable.
• Topped with extra Parmesan & fresh herbs – A finishing touch that takes the soup to the next level.
• Alongside a simple green salad – For a refreshing contrast.
• A drizzle of olive oil – Enhances the richness of the broth.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Italian Meatball Soup tastes even better the next day, making it a great meal-prep option!

Storing Leftovers

• Let the soup cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Freeze the soup without the pasta (it tends to absorb too much liquid and get mushy).
• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• When ready to eat, cook fresh pasta separately and add it in after reheating.

Reheating

• Warm on the stovetop over low heat until hot.
• If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs about Italian Meatball Soup

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you love this Italian Meatball Soup, here are a few more comforting and flavorful recipes you’ll want to add to your menu:

• Tomato Zucchini Pasta – A fresh, vibrant pasta dish loaded with summer flavors. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal!
• Chickpea Shakshuka – A cozy, protein-packed meal with chickpeas simmered in a spiced tomato sauce. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food.
• Olive Garden Minestrone Soup – A homemade version of the beloved restaurant classic, filled with veggies, beans, and pasta in a flavorful broth.
• Canned Deer Meat Recipes – Got canned venison? These Italian Meatball Soup will show you creative and delicious ways to turn it into a hearty meal.

No matter what you’re craving, these dishes are sure to bring warmth and flavor to your table. Try one out and let me know which becomes your new favorite!

Conclusion

This Italian Meatball Soup is the perfect balance of rich, hearty, and comforting. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a no-fail recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So grab a spoon, some crusty bread, and enjoy every delicious bite!