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!

Italian Meatball Soup

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.

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.

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!

Italian Meatball Soup FAQ

Do frozen meatballs work with this meatball soup 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 don’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.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

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

Reheat in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave-safe dish until the soup is warmed through to a food-safe temperature of 165°F. 

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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Other Easy Soup Recipes

Italian Meatball Soup +Video

Donna Elick

Italian Meatball Soup includes pasta, veggies, and perfect juicy meatballs in a tomato broth. Make this easy soup recipe in only 30 minutes!

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Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!

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Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 30 mins

Course Main

Cuisine Italian

Method Stovetop

Servings 6 – 8

Equipment

• Dutch oven
• 1 tablespoon scoop
• quality knives
• cutting board
• spoon

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 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
• ▢ 14.5 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes with garlic
• ▢ 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• ▢ 1/2 pound 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 dried 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

 

• In a large 8 quart pot over medium-high heat, warm olive oil.
• Meanwhile, chop the carrots and celery. Add them to the warm pot. Cook vegetables for 1-2 minutes.
• Add the beef broth, water, tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir to combine. Cover and bring to a boil.
• 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.
• 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.
• Add pasta. Stir. Cook 10 minutes or until pasta is done. Sprinkle basil and parsley over top, stir and serve.

Video

Donna’s Notes

You can substitute this Italian Seasoning recipe for premade dry Italian seasoning: 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

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 soup is warmed through to a food-safe temperature of 165°F. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 364cal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 1067mg | Sugar: 5g | Fiber: 4g | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 4mg

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Originally published January 2013. Updated and republished December 2021.

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