Description
This Hearty Meatball Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish, featuring tender homemade meatballs in a rich, savory broth filled with vegetables and small pasta. Perfect for chilly nights, it’s a satisfying and wholesome meal that combines the flavors of garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh spinach. A sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley completes this hearty, soul-warming soup.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 6 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Grated Parmesan (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
For the Meatballs:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set aside.
For the Soup:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken or beef broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Once the soup is boiling, gently drop the meatballs into the broth. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Add the pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.
To Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or as is for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatballs.
- For a heartier soup, add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Feel free to substitute the spinach with kale or another leafy green of your choice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Meatball Soup, Hearty Soup, Italian Soup, Homemade Meatballs, Comfort Food, Soup with Pasta, Spinach Soup