Savory Italian Meatball Soup Delight
This heartwarming Savory Italian Meatball Soup Delight is a family recipe adapted to fit our cherished tastes, combining perfectly seasoned meatballs with a rich and savory broth. Packed with fresh veggies and enhanced by the vibrant flavors of basil and spinach, this soup is sure to become a standout dish in your home. Best enjoyed on a chilly evening, it’s not only delicious fresh but also freezes exceptionally well for those busy days ahead. Don’t forget to taste as you go to achieve that perfect balance of seasonings, ensuring every spoonful is just right. Whether you're serving it to family or friends, prepare for compliments and requests for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
celery
1/4 cup (chopped)
garlic
3 cloves (chopped)
carrot
1 small (peeled and chopped)
whole tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (crushed with hands)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (none)
reduced-sodium beef broth
2 (14 ounce) cans (none)
dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon, plus 3/4 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon, divided (none)
ground beef
3/4 lb (none)
ground pork
1/4 lb (none)
eggs
2 large (lightly beaten)
finely grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup, plus 1/4 cup for garnish (none)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (none)
ditalini pasta
1/2 cup (or other small pasta shape)
baby spinach leaves
3 cups (torn into small pieces)
fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons (torn into small pieces)
Instructions
1
1. In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot, cooking while stirring with a wooden spoon until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
2
2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with their juices, add the beef broth, and mix in the tomato paste. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for about 15 minutes.
3
3. In a separate bowl, prepare the meatballs: combine the ground beef and pork with the beaten eggs, 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, 3/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and another 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix with clean hands until evenly blended.
4
4. Using a tablespoon, form the mixture into smooth meatballs and set aside on a plate.
5
5. Gently add the meatballs to the simmering broth, taking care to stir lightly to avoid breaking them apart. Cook the soup for 20 minutes, adding the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan towards the end.
6
6. Stir in the ditalini pasta and torn spinach, allowing everything to cook together for an additional 15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
7
7. Lastly, fold in the fresh, torn basil and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot in wide bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Italian Meatball Soup Delight?
It is a heartwarming family recipe that combines seasoned meatballs with a rich, savory broth, fresh vegetables, and vibrant herbs like basil and spinach.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes exceptionally well, making it a great option for busy days.
What meats are used for the meatballs?
The meatballs are made using a blend of 3/4 lb ground beef and 1/4 lb ground pork.
What vegetables are included in the soup base?
The base consists of chopped onion, celery, carrot, and minced garlic.
How long should I sauté the initial vegetables?
You should sauté the onion, celery, and carrot for about 3 to 4 minutes, then add the garlic for one additional minute.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe calls for two 14-ounce cans of reduced-sodium beef broth.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the broth?
One 14.5-ounce can of whole tomatoes, crushed by hand, is added along with their juices.
What seasoning is used for the broth?
The broth is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How do I prepare the meatballs?
Combine ground beef, ground pork, beaten eggs, 1/3 cup Parmesan, breadcrumbs, 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, then mix by hand.
What size should the meatballs be?
Use a tablespoon to form the mixture into smooth, uniform meatballs.
Are the meatballs cooked before adding them to the soup?
No, the meatballs are added raw and simmered directly in the broth.
How long do the meatballs need to simmer?
The meatballs should cook in the simmering broth for approximately 20 minutes.
How do I keep the meatballs from breaking?
Gently add them to the broth and stir lightly to avoid breaking them apart.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
1/3 cup goes into the meatball mixture, and 1/4 cup is added to the soup toward the end of the meatball cooking time.
What type of pasta is used?
The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of ditalini pasta or another small pasta shape.
When do I add the pasta and spinach?
Add the ditalini pasta and torn baby spinach after the meatballs have finished their initial 20-minute simmer.
How long does the pasta take to cook in the soup?
The pasta and spinach should cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
How much spinach is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of baby spinach leaves torn into small pieces.
When is the fresh basil added?
Fold in 3 tablespoons of fresh, torn basil at the very end after the pasta is cooked.
Is tomato paste necessary?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste are added to help create a rich and savory broth.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the vegetables.
How should I serve the soup?
Serve it hot in wide bowls, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
How many eggs are needed for the meatballs?
Two large, lightly beaten eggs are used to bind the meatball ingredients.
How much salt is used in total?
A total of 1 teaspoon of salt is used, divided between the broth and the meatball mixture.
Can I use dried basil?
The recipe specifies fresh basil leaves for a vibrant flavor, though dried could be a substitute in a pinch.
What is the total preparation time for the broth?
The broth simmers for 15 minutes initially, plus additional time for the meatballs and pasta.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe features 18 distinct ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as being best enjoyed on a chilly evening.
How do I ensure the flavor is correct?
The instructions recommend tasting as you go and adjusting the final seasoning to your preference.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.