Italian Meatball Soup is a warm, inviting dish that fills your kitchen with comforting aromas. Imagine tender meatballs swimming in a savory broth, mingling with fresh vegetables and herbs. rich and flavorful Bolognese sauce The moment you dip your spoon into this delightful bowl of joy, the rich flavors and enticing scents envelop you like a cozy hug on a chilly day. flavorful taco stuffed shells delicious stuffed pepper soup savory stuffed flank steak.
This soup isn’t just about flavor; it evokes memories of family gatherings and laughter around the dinner table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a special occasion, Italian Meatball Soup brings everyone together for a delicious experience that warms the heart as much as the belly.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Italian Meatball Soup is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Its rich flavor profile offers a delightful balance of herbs and spices
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, sure to impress your guests
- Enjoy it alone or pair it with crusty bread for a versatile meal option
I still remember the first time I made this dish; my friends declared me a culinary genius after just one bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor and texture in your meatballs. For more inspiration, check out this ground beef casserole recipe.
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Panko Breadcrumbs: These create light, fluffy meatballs that soak up all the delicious broth.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds depth to your meatballs and enhances the overall flavor.
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Fresh Parsley: Bright green parsley provides freshness and color; choose vibrant leaves for the best taste.
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Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add richness to the broth; opt for fire-roasted varieties for extra smokiness.
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Carrots and Celery: These veggies offer crunch and sweetness—don’t skip them!
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Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the soup with aromatic goodness, making every spoonful irresistible.
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Chicken Broth: A flavorful base enhances all the ingredients; homemade is best if you have it! For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prepare the Meatballs: Start by combining ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix until combined but don’t overwork the mixture to keep them tender.
Shape and Brown Those Meatballs: Roll small portions of the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown each meatball until golden brown on all sides—about 5 minutes.
Add Vegetables to Sauté: Toss diced carrots and celery into the pot after removing meatballs. Sauté these colorful veggies until they become tender—about 4 minutes—releasing their sweet aroma.
Pour in Broth and Tomatoes: Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—the little things matter!
Return Meatballs to Simmer : Gently place your beautiful browned meatballs back into the pot with care. Cover and let them simmer for about 20-25 minutes so they soak up all those luscious flavors.
Add Finishing Touches : Stir in additional parsley before serving for an extra pop of color and freshness. Taste it; adjust seasoning if needed—more salt? A dash of pepper? Make it yours!
With these steps complete, you’ve created an Italian Meatball Soup that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy with crusty bread or atop pasta for an extra hearty meal experience!
You Must Know
- This Italian Meatball Soup warms the heart and soul
- The savory aroma fills your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy Italian trattoria
- Perfect for chilly nights or when you need comfort food, this soup is both hearty and deliciously satisfying
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meatballs first, then sauté the vegetables while the broth simmers for optimal flavor.

Add Your Touch
Consider adding spinach or kale for extra greens, or swap in turkey or chicken for lighter meatballs.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect meatballs, ensure your ground meat is cold before mixing
- Use stale bread for better texture and soak it in milk beforehand
- Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor beautifully; don’t skip them!
Making this soup always brings back memories of family dinners where laughter filled the air alongside the aroma of simmering sauce.

FAQ
What type of meat is best for Italian Meatball Soup?
Ground beef or pork works best, but turkey offers a lighter option.
Can I make Italian Meatball Soup ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after a day in the fridge as flavors meld together.
What can I serve with Italian Meatball Soup?
Crusty bread or a fresh salad pairs perfectly with this hearty soup.
Italian Meatball Soup
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- Author: Hellen
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Experience the heartwarming flavors of Italian Meatball Soup, where tender meatballs swim in a savory broth filled with vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, bringing everyone together around the dinner table. Easy to prepare yet bursting with rich flavors, it’s a delightful meal that warms both the heart and soul.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown each meatball on all sides for about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
- Add diced carrots and celery to the pot and sauté for approximately 4 minutes until tender.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes; bring to a gentle simmer while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return browned meatballs to the pot and let them simmer for about 20–25 minutes.
- Stir in additional parsley before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg






