Go Back
A bowl of savory Italian meatball soup garnished with fresh herbs.

Proven way to grow authentic Meatball Soup (Italian)

This hearty Italian meatball soup is incredibly flavorful and comforting. It's a perfect meal for a chilly evening and a great way to enjoy a taste of Italy at home.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Soup
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini)

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Large pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Make the Meatballs
  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, but do not overmix, then roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
Prepare the Soup Base
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery, then sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Simmer the Soup
  1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, then carefully add the prepared meatballs to the simmering soup. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Add Pasta and Serve
  1. Stir in the small pasta and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, then ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can brown the meatballs lightly in a separate pan before adding them to the soup. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a little bit of tomato paste along with the crushed tomatoes. Fresh basil can be added with the parsley for an extra aromatic touch. Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for more or less heat.