Authentic Italian Meatball Soup with Pasta and Vegetables

When the weather turns chilly, nothing quite compares to the warmth and satisfaction of a hearty Italian meatball soup. This recipe effortlessly blends tender meatballs, al dente pasta, and an array of fresh vegetables in a savory, herb-infused broth. It’s a dish that transports you straight to the heart of Italy, with each spoonful delivering a symphony of flavors that will delight your senses.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓

What sets this Italian meatball soup apart is the perfect balance of textures and the way the ingredients work together to create a truly memorable dining experience. The juicy meatballs provide a delightful contrast to the tender pasta and the crisp-tender vegetables, while the rich broth ties it all together in a symphony of flavors. Best of all, this recipe is accessible, with many of the ingredients being pantry or freezer staples, making it an easy go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or acini di pepe)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

The beauty of this Italian meatball soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan creates the authentic Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made meatball recipes perennially popular.

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
2. Step 2: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add the pasta and meatballs to the pot and continue simmering until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Step 6: Stir in the frozen peas and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Timing Overview

Compared to traditional Italian meatball soup recipes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this dish saves you 20% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

These Italian meatball soup recipes provide approximately 50% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🥬 Make It Even Healthier

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Italian meatball soup.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

These Italian meatball soup recipes are incredibly versatile, making them a perfect choice for a cozy family dinner, a comforting lunch, or even a sophisticated gathering with friends.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll ensure that your Italian meatball soup turns out perfectly every time.

🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe

These Italian meatball soup recipes retain their quality remarkably well:

❓ FAQs

How far in advance can I prepare the meatballs?

The meatballs can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months, then thaw and add them to the soup when ready to cook.

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a combination of different ground meats to create your meatballs. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as needed to accommodate the different flavors.

Is this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?

To make this Italian meatball soup gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour. For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

What can I do if the meatballs fall apart while cooking?

If the meatballs tend to fall apart, try adding an extra egg or a bit more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind the ingredients together. Additionally, be sure to let the meatballs cool slightly before adding them to the soup to prevent them from breaking down.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! This recipe is highly versatile, so feel free to add in other diced vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just be mindful of the cooking times to ensure everything is tender but not overcooked.

🎉 Final Thoughts

These Italian meatball soup recipes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting family meal or an impressive dish for guests, they’re sure to impress with their hearty texture and authentic Italian flavors. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these meatball soup recipes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a delicious culinary journey to the heart of Italy.

Authentic Italian Meatball Soup with Pasta and Vegetables

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.0/5

⏱️ Timing Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

🥘 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or acini di pepe)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

📝 Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add the pasta and meatballs to the pot and continue simmering until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Stir in the frozen peas and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories: 376

Protein: 25g

Carbohydrates: 37g

Fat: 16g

Fiber: 5g

Sodium: 618mg

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