Italian meatball soup is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any time of year. Whether you are looking for a comforting meal on a cold winter night or a light and refreshing lunch during the summer months, Italian meatball soup is a great option.

This soup is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a popular choice for families and individuals alike.
One of the best things about Italian meatball soup is its versatility. There are many different variations of this soup, allowing you to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
You can use different types of meat, vegetables, and seasonings to create a unique and delicious soup that is perfect for you. Whether you prefer a spicy, savory soup or a mild and sweet one, there is a recipe out there that will suit your needs.
Ingredients
Italian Homemade Meatballs:
- ground beef
- garlic gloves, minced
- Italian seasoning
- large egg, lightly beaten
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- flour

Soup:
- olive oil
- onion, diced
- carrots, diced
- crushed or diced tomatoes, undrained
- Italian tomato sauce/ tomato paste
- beef stock
- Italian seasoning,
- small dry pasta shape (like small shells)
- fresh parsley, chopped
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
How to Prepare Juicy Meatballs Soup
Preparing the Meatballs
When it comes to making Italian meatball soup, the tender meatballs are the star of the show.
To prepare them, I start by combining ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a medium bowl. I mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined, then shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Next, I preheat my oven to 375°F and place the meatballs on a baking sheet. I bake the meatballs in the oven for about 15 minutes, until they are browned and cooked through. Alternatively, if I’m short on time, I will use store-bought meatballs instead.

Preparing the Rich Tomato Broth
While the meatballs are cooking, I start preparing the soup base. In a large soup pot or large saucepan, I heat olive oil over medium high heat. Once the oil is hot, I add chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté them until they are fragrant and tender.
Next, I add canned diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and a little bit of black pepper to the pot. I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Combining the Hearty Meatball Soup
Once the soup base is ready, I add the meatballs to the pot and let them simmer in the flavorful broth for about 10 minutes. I also add a little pasta to the pot and cook them until they are al dente.
Italian meatball soup is a great recipe to make on a busy weeknight or when you want a comforting and delicious soup. If you have a slow cooker, you can also prepare the meatballs and soup base in the slow cooker and let them cook on a gentler place for several hours.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated the next day for an easy and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use frozen meatballs in Italian meatball soup?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs in Italian meatball soup. Simply thaw them before adding them to the soup. Alternatively, you can cook the frozen meatballs separately and add them to the soup once they are fully cooked.

What is the difference between Italian wedding soup and Italian meatball soup?
Italian wedding soup typically contains meatballs made from a combination of ground beef and ground pork, as well as vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach, and small pasta shapes like orzo or acini di pepe.
The broth is typically made from chicken stock. Italian meatball soup, on the other hand, usually contains larger meatballs made only from ground beef, as well as pasta and a tomato-based broth.
What are some variations of Italian meatball soup?
There are many variations of Italian meatball soup. Some recipes call for adding additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, while others use different types of pasta like tortellini or ditalini. Some recipes also include additional seasonings like garlic or red pepper flakes for added flavor.
