Italian Meatball Soup
Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together tender meatballs, savory broth, and wholesome vegetables for a comforting meal. This classic recipe combines the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with the warmth of a homemade soup, making it perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings. With its delicious combination of ingredients and simple preparation, Italian Meatball Soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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Reason to Try Italian Meatball Soup
Italian Meatball Soup offers a satisfying and nourishing meal that’s both delicious and easy to make. The tender meatballs, aromatic broth, and hearty vegetables come together to create a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a comforting soup on a cold day or looking for a hearty meal to feed a crowd, Italian Meatball Soup is sure to satisfy your cravings.
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List of Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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- Ground beef
- Mild Italian sausage
- Garlic, minced
- Large egg, beaten
- Freshly grated Parmesan
- Italian breadcrumbs
- Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the Soup:
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- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Carrots, diced
- Celery, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Beef broth
- Tomato sauce
- Crushed tomatoes
- Italian seasoning
- Dry short-cut pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)
How to Make Italian Meatball Soup
- Lightly grease a baking sheet with butter or spray oil. Preheat broiler on high.
- In a large bowl, mix together all meatball ingredients until thoroughly combined. Use a teaspoon or cookie scoop to portion 2 tablespoons of meatball mixture and roll between hands to form meatballs. Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and repeat until all mixture has been used.
- Place baking sheet under broiler and broil meatballs for 6 to 7 minutes or until browned, but not completely cooked through.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened.
- Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add dry pasta and broiled meatballs to soup. Cook until pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through. Stir in fresh parsley.
- Portion soup into serving bowls, garnish with grated Parmesan if desired, and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Italian Meatball Soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Serve it as a starter or main course alongside your favorite Italian dishes for a delightful dining experience.
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Storage Info
Leftover Italian Meatball Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through before serving.
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Techniques or Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a Parmesan rind to the soup while simmering.
- To save time, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
Variation
- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and Italian sausage.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes or add additional vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
FAQs about Italian Meatball Soup
Q: Can I freeze Italian Meatball Soup?
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A: Yes, Italian Meatball Soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of homemade?
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A: Yes, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time. Simply add them to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
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Q: Can I make Italian Meatball Soup in advance?
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A: Yes, you can make Italian Meatball Soup in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors often develop even more when allowed to sit overnight in the refrigerator.
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For ingredients and comprehensive cooking instructions, please proceed to the next page or click the open button (>)—and be sure to share with your Facebook friends!
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