Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with flavorful meatballs, vegetables, and Italian seasoning, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The meatballs are juicy and packed with savory flavors.
- This recipe can be prepared in under an hour, making it a quick and easy meal option.
- The soup is perfect for meal prep – make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
Meatballs:
- Ground beef (extra lean) provides a rich and meaty flavor.
- Onion and garlic add depth and aromatic notes to the meatballs.
- Italian seasoning gives the meatballs an authentic Italian taste.
- Parmesan cheese adds a salty and cheesy kick to the meatballs.
For Soup:
- Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the soup.
- Carrots and celery provide sweetness and crunch to the soup.
- Beef broth forms the flavorful base of the soup.
- Diced tomatoes and cannellini beans add texture and substance to the soup.
- Parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the top for a finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and set aside.
- In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Add beef broth, water, diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Gently add the meatballs to the soup and simmer until cooked through.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
Helpful Tips:
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so make extra for leftovers.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a mix of beef and pork for even more flavor in the meatballs.
- Let the soup simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Italian Meatball Soup with crusty bread and a green salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of red wine for a cozy dinner.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to revive the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth? Yes, you can substitute chicken broth if you prefer.
- Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can make the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until ready to use.
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes, dried herbs can be used in place of fresh, but reduce the amount by half as they are more potent.
Conclusion:
Italian Meatball Soup is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any day of the week. With its flavorful meatballs and hearty broth, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Try making it today and enjoy a taste of Italy in your own kitchen!
PrintItalian Meatball Soup
This hearty Italian Meatball Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender meatballs with a savory broth, vegetables, and beans. Topped with Parmesan cheese, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for chilly days.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef (extra lean)
- 1 small onion (chopped or shredded)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
For Soup
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 medium carrots (diced)
- 3 stalks celery (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cup beef broth (low sodium)
- 2 cups water
- 29 ounce diced tomatoes (1 large can)
- 29 ounce cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling over the top)
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a bowl, mix together ground beef, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Form into small meatballs.
- Cook the soup: In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Add beef broth, water, tomatoes, beans, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
- Add meatballs: Drop meatballs into the simmering soup and cook until they are cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the soup by adding other vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
- For a shortcut, use store-bought frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg