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Italian Meatball Soup

Italian Meatball Soup
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Italian Meatball Soup is a quick and comforting meal that brings the rich, herby flavors of Italy into your kitchen. Featuring tender, savory meatballs simmered in a flavorful broth with fresh vegetables and greens, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. With balanced protein and veggies, it offers a satisfying and hearty Mediterranean-inspired dish that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or blend of beef and pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs as needed)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Soup Base Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth or beef broth (ensure gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach or kale
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped onion, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender. Shape the mixture into small bite-sized meatballs and set aside.
  2. Make the Soup Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and onions until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in the chicken or beef broth and canned diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
  3. Cook Meatballs in Broth: Carefully add the prepared meatballs to the simmering broth. Let them cook gently for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The meatballs should be firm and fully cooked through.
  4. Add Greens and Season: Stir in fresh spinach or kale and allow the greens to wilt for a couple of minutes. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed for balance.
  5. Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with extra grated Parmesan, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and a drizzle of good quality olive oil for enhanced flavor and aroma.

Notes

  • Keep meatballs small for quicker cooking and a better soup texture.
  • Mix meatball ingredients just until combined to maintain tenderness.
  • Simmer soup gently without boiling vigorously to avoid toughening meatballs.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano when possible to brighten flavors.
  • Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of anchovy paste to the meatball mix for extra umami.
  • Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and verify broth gluten content for a gluten-free version.
  • Meatballs can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated or frozen.
  • Add small pasta, orzo, or rice to thicken the soup if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Meatball Soup, quick soup recipe, hearty soup, Mediterranean soup, family-friendly soup, meatballs, healthy soup, weeknight dinner

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