Description
Warm up with a bowl of Hearty Delightful Italian Meatball Soup! Tender, flavorful meatballs simmer in a rich, savory broth with hearty vegetables and aromatic herbs, creating the perfect comforting meal. Every spoonful is packed with Italian-inspired goodness! 🍲🍅🥖✨
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup uncooked small pasta (such as ditalini or orzo)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnishing
Instructions
The journey begins with crafting the meatballs. Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Ensure these ingredients meld together smoothly. Shape them into even balls for consistent cooking.
Heat olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Carefully add the shaped meatballs, allowing them to brown evenly on all sides. This step infuses a rich depth of flavor that enhances your final dish. Once golden, set aside.
In the same pot with the remaining oil and flavorful bits, sauté your diced onions, carrots, and celery. Once they soften, introduce minced garlic and give it a minute to shine. Pour in chicken broth, creating a lovely backdrop for your Italian Meatball Soup.
Add the seared meatballs back to the pot with diced tomatoes and seasonings. Let the mixture simmer, which will allow all the delightful flavors to unite and bloom into a delicious broth, enriching the meatballs.
Incorporate heavy cream into your soup, enhancing its luxurious quality. Adjust seasoning, ensuring a perfect balance. Each taste will reveal an intermingling of textures and flavors, making your Italian Meatball Soup unforgettable.
Finally, serve the soup in warm bowls and add garnishes like fresh herbs to brighten the dish. This is the moment to delight in your work—savor every bite!
Notes
Cooking the Meatballs
When shaping meatballs, don’t overwork the mixture; gently combining ingredients ensures tenderness.
Cream Alternatives
If you prefer a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a unique twist.
Storing Leftovers
This Italian Meatball Soup keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop!
Pairings for the Perfect Meal
The right accompaniments can enhance any dish. Consider serving your Italian Meatball Soup with a fresh side salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. This balance will elevate your meal and bring freshness to the rich flavors of your soup.
Experimenting with Ingredients
Don’t hesitate to personalize your Italian Meatball Soup. Add vegetables like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering for added nutrition. Each flavor you introduce creates a signature dish you’ll crave again.
Why Homemade is Best
Creating this Italian Meatball Soup at home fills your kitchen with love and warmth. Not only do you control the quality of ingredients, but you also craft a meal that brings friends and family together. Homemade soups convey comfort—an experience that takeout simply can’t match.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Be mindful during the meatball preparation. Overcrowding the pot during searing can lead to steaming rather than browning, leading to less flavor. Additionally, avoid skipping the simmering time; this crucial stage allows flavors to develop and marry beautifully in your Italian Meatball Soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes