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Italian Meatball Soup

Italian Meatball Soup
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Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender, juicy meatballs with a rich broth, fresh vegetables, and a blend of classic Italian herbs. This warm and flavorful soup is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a wholesome, satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Soup Base

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 6 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables & Greens

  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently only until combined to keep meatballs tender, then form into small, uniform bite-sized meatballs.
  2. Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Carefully brown the meatballs on all sides, creating a crust while keeping them juicy inside. Remove browned meatballs and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, forming a flavorful base for the soup.
  4. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the broth and crushed tomatoes (if using). Return the meatballs to the pot, add Italian seasoning, and salt to taste. Let the soup simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and meatballs to cook through.
  5. Add the Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking to maintain their vibrant color and tenderness.
  6. Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For extra richness, add a splash of good-quality olive oil or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh parsley and basil if available for brighter flavor.
  • Handle meatball mixture gently to ensure tender texture.
  • Browning meatballs before simmering seals in juices and adds depth.
  • Simmer soup slowly to avoid toughening the meat.
  • Allow soup to rest off heat for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian meatball soup, comfort food, hearty soup, meatballs, Italian seasoning, gluten-free soup

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