Italian Meatball Soup + Video

My Italian Meatball Soup is loaded with pasta, veggies, and scrumptious meatballs cooked in a tomato broth. Make some tonight in just 30 minutes!

A warm, hearty, feel-good dish with an easy clean up? Say no more!

This soup with meatballs is rich and flavorful without being too heavy. It’s also perfect to satisfy those pasta cravings without overindulging!

If the sound of this dish is making you drool, take a look at my collection of soup and stew recipes. With all the options, there is surely something for everyone.

For more traditional comfort foods, check out my chili as well as my gooey mac and cheese. Both of them are slow cooker recipes, so they’re perfect for cold nights where you don’t want to spend too much time out from under your blanket.

Italian Meatball Soup - Tips and Tricks

• Switch up the meat. Ground turkey or chicken are a wonderful lean alternative, or you can try spicy pork sausage to add a little heat.
• Prep ahead of time. You can always freeze your meatballs in advance, then drop them in the pot straight from the freezer.
• Make it spicy. Include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the meat mixture - a little goes a long way!
• Don’t have Italian Seasoning? Combine the following in a small bowl for an easy substitute: ¾ teaspoon dried oregano, ¾ teaspoon dried basil, ¾ teaspoon dried rosemary, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon dried sage.
• Stir gently! Otherwise, the delicate meatballs may begin to break apart.

Video: Italian Soup With Meatballs

To see us make this from start to finish, watch the video in this post.

Serving Suggestions

A simple salad with breadsticks or garlic knots for dipping is all you really need alongside this dish.

Or, stretch your servings by enjoying a smaller bowl and a grilled cheese sandwich!

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• Dutch Oven - I love this set and use it all the time. I especially love it for my one-pot meals.
• 1 Tablespoon Scoop - This not only makes scooping easier, but it guarantees that all of your meatballs are the same size.
• Quality Knives and a big solid Cutting Board make prepping a breeze and are well worth the investment.
• Ladle - A must for dishing up Italian meatball soup!

FAQ - Common Recipe Questions

Do frozen meatballs work with this recipe?

I don’t see why not! While I’m personally a fan of making my own, frozen can work too.

You may have to adjust the cooking time and keep an eye on them to make sure they’re fully cooked, though.

Can I cook my Italian meatball soup in a slow cooker instead?

Because the pasta cooks in the liquid, I wouldn’t recommend it.

I do have a slow cooker Italian soup that has a similar flavor and plenty of veggies. Just substitute the sausage with meatballs!

For the pasta, prepare some on the stove then stir it in right before serving.

How long do leftovers last in the refrigerator?

Once cooled to room temperature, transfer into an airtight container and enjoy within three days for best results.

Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until the meat is warmed through.

Enjoy!

With love from our simple kitchen to yours. 

Do you  ❤ love ❤ TSRI?  Don't miss another recipe.  Click here to Subscribe to The Slow Roasted Italian by Email and receive new recipes in your inbox every day!

Don't miss a thing! Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram ❤ ❤ ❤  

MORE SOUP RECIPES

Best Ever Vegetable Beef Soup

Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Soup

Slow Cooker Potato Soup

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

---

Yield: 6-8

Author: Donna Elick

Italian Meatball Soup

My Italian Meatball Soup is loaded with pasta, veggies, and scrumptious meatballs cooked in a tomato broth. Make some tonight in just 30 minutes!

Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 30 Min

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 4 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery ribs, washed and diced
• 8 cups low sodium beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with garlic
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 pound dry Ditalini pasta (or your favorite pasta)
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped Italian parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil

Meatballs

• 1 pound lean ground beef (80-90% lean)
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning*
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 large egg
• pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large 8 quart pot over medium-high heat, warm olive oil.
2. Meanwhile, chop the carrots and celery. Add them to the warm pot. Cook vegetables for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the beef broth, water, tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir to combine. Cover and bring to a boil.
4. Meanwhile, combine all meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Mix with hands to combine. Be careful not to over mix or your meatballs will not be tender.
5. Use a 1 tablespoon scoop to portion, then lightly shape the scoops into meatballs using your hands to roll them. Drop them into the broth, distributing them evenly around the pot. Cover. Allow soup to boil for 5 minutes. Stir meatballs gently, so they do not break apart.
6. Add pasta. Stir. Cook 10 minutes or until pasta is done. Sprinkle basil and parsley over top, stir and serve.

DONNA'S NOTES

1. You can substitute this Italian Seasoning recipe: 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 3/4 teaspoon dried basil, 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
2. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer into an airtight container and enjoy within three days for best results.
3. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until the meat is warmed through. 

https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/2013/01/light-italian-meatball-soup-in-just-30.html

Recipe developed by Donna Elick The Slow Roasted Italian
Copyright ©2013 The Slow Roasted Italian – All rights reserved.

Originally published January 2013, updated and republished December 2021

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.