Meatball Soup

This Meatball Soup is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Packed with flavorful meatballs, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato broth, this recipe will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. With its one-pot preparation, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of extensive cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This meatball soup comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Comforting Flavor: The creamy tomato broth combined with savory meatballs creates a rich flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes to suit your taste.
• Family-Friendly: This hearty dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family meals.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers taste even better the next day, so make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this savory Meatball Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make cooking easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to blend their flavors effectively.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that each ingredient contributes perfectly to the overall flavor.

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Ingredients

To create this delicious Meatball Soup, gather the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs

• 1 recipe of my homemade meatballs (or an 18-20 oz. bag of frozen meatballs, thawed)

For the Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

For the Liquid Components

• 32 oz. chicken broth
• 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes

For the Pasta and Greens

• 8 oz. (about 2 1/2 cups) uncooked rotini pasta
• 2 cups baby spinach

For Finishing Touches

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper
• Shaved Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley for garnish

How to Make Meatball Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Make my easy homemade Italian meatballs recipe or use thawed frozen meatballs according to package directions.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced yellow onion along with a couple large pinches of salt and pepper.
3. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 6–8 minutes until they start to brown slightly.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

1. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, and additional salt and pepper.
2. Cook while stirring frequently for 1 minute.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

1. Add a few splashes of chicken broth to clean the bottom of the pot.
2. Scrape up any flavorful bits stuck on the bottom.

Step 5: Combine Main Ingredients

1. Stir in remaining chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, uncooked pasta, and cooked meatballs along with more salt and pepper.

Step 6: Simmer

1. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 12–15 minutes until pasta is cooked al dente.

Step 7: Add Spinach and Cream

1. Stir in baby spinach and heavy cream until spinach wilts.
2. Ensure soup is warmed through before serving.

Step 8: Season & Serve

1. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
2. Garnish with shaved Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley before enjoying!

How to Serve Meatball Soup

Serving meatball soup can elevate the dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful ways to serve this comforting dish.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve slices of warm, crusty bread alongside the soup for dipping. A rustic baguette or sourdough works perfectly.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a burst of fresh flavor and color.

Accompanied by a Salad

• Pair meatball soup with a light salad, such as a mixed greens salad, for a refreshing contrast.

In a Bread Bowl

• For an impressive presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This adds a fun twist and keeps the soup warm longer.

With Cheese Toasts

• Create cheese toasts by broiling slices of bread topped with cheese until bubbly. These make great dippers!

How to Perfect Meatball Soup

To ensure your meatball soup is delicious every time, follow these essential tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh vegetables, high-quality broth, and flavorful meat for the best taste.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add the pasta in the last 12-15 minutes of cooking to keep it al dente.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you cook and adjust salt and pepper gradually for balanced flavor.
• Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can enhance the flavor profile of your soup.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Meatball Soup

Pairing side dishes with your meatball soup can create a satisfying meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crisp garlic bread complements the creamy broth perfectly, adding flavor and texture.
2. Caprese Salad: A fresh caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offers a bright contrast.
3. Caesar Salad: The crunch of romaine lettuce and croutons in Caesar salad pairs well with the rich soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add healthy elements and enhance your meal’s overall appeal.
5. Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad provides a fun twist that balances out the warm soup.
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Crispy grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect for dipping and add comfort to the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Meatball Soup can be easy, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Boldly skip the meatball prep: Forgetting to prepare the meatballs properly can lead to a less flavorful soup. Ensure you either make homemade meatballs or choose quality frozen ones.
• Boldly overlook seasoning: Not seasoning your broth and vegetables enough will result in bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
• Boldly rush the cooking time: Cooking the pasta for too long can turn it mushy. Always cook until al dente, especially since it will continue to cook in the soup.
• Boldly ignore fresh ingredients: Using stale or low-quality vegetables can affect the overall taste. Opt for fresh onions, garlic, and spinach for the best flavor.
• Boldly skimp on garnishes: Skipping garnishes like shaved Parmesan and chopped parsley misses an opportunity to elevate the dish. These add freshness and visual appeal.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Meatball Soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Meatball Soup

• Portion out servings in freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s completely cooled before freezing.

Reheating Meatball Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Meatball Soup.

What is Meatball Soup?

Meatball Soup is a comforting dish that features flavorful meatballs served in a creamy tomato broth with pasta and vegetables.

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute chicken, beef, lamb, or turkey for your meatballs according to your preference.

How do I make Meatball Soup healthier?

You can make it healthier by using lean meats, adding more vegetables like carrots or zucchini, and opting for whole grain pasta.

Can I make Meatball Soup without cream?

Absolutely! You can omit the heavy cream or use a plant-based alternative for a lighter version of this delicious soup.

What should I serve with Meatball Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal!

Final Thoughts

This creamy Italian Meatball Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or switching up the type of meat used. Whether enjoyed on a cozy evening or served at a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress!