Italian Meatball Soup

Introduction

Italian Meatball Soup is one of those recipes that immediately evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. As the weather cools down, there’s nothing more satisfying than a hearty soup filled with tender meatballs, a savory tomato broth, and perfectly cooked pasta. This soup has quickly become a favorite in our home—it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and ideal for a cozy family dinner. The best part? It’s quick and simple, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare. The combination of rich broth, flavorful meatballs, and a bit of spice makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone, from kids to adults, will enjoy.

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Why You’ll Love Italian Meatball Soup

This Italian Meatball Soup is the perfect blend of comfort food and convenience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe takes just 40 minutes to make, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with meatballs, pasta, and a delicious tomato broth, this soup is satisfying and keeps you full for hours.
• Customizable: Whether you’re using homemade meatballs or store-bought, you can easily customize this soup to fit your preferences. You can even swap out pasta types or adjust the spice level to suit your family’s taste.
• Full of Flavor: The rich tomato broth, aromatic garlic and onions, and the subtle heat from red pepper flakes make this soup a flavor-packed meal.
• Kid-Friendly: With tender meatballs and a familiar pasta shape like fusilli, this soup is a hit with children and adults alike.

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Ingredients

For this flavorful soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound meatballs (homemade or store-bought; see note below)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
• 4 cups beef broth (add more if needed)
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped small
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1.5 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn or chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

• If using homemade meatballs, make them according to your favorite recipe, or you can follow Natasha’s linked meatball recipe for easy, flavorful results. Alternatively, you can opt for pre-made or store-bought meatballs for added convenience.

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In a soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.

1. Build the Soup Base:

• Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, chopped red bell pepper, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and the meatballs to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
• Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Once the soup is boiling, add the uncooked fusilli pasta.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the soup for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

1. Adjust Consistency:

• If the soup becomes too thick, simply add more beef broth to adjust the consistency to your preference.

1. Finish with Fresh Basil:

• Stir in the torn or chopped fresh basil leaves, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

1. Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)

This Italian Meatball Soup is not only delicious but also quite nutritious. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving:

• Servings: 4
• Calories: 420
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the brand of ingredients used (especially meatballs and broth).

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

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How to Serve

This Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be served on its own or paired with other sides for a complete meal.

• Serve with Crusty Bread: A loaf of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth of this soup.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing would pair wonderfully to add a fresh contrast to the warm soup.
• Top with Parmesan: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a final touch of richness to the soup and enhances the flavors.
• Optional Sides:
• Garlic bread for an extra indulgent side.
• Roasted vegetables to make it even more filling.

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Additional Tips

1. Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: If you can find fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, they’ll add a deeper, smoky flavor to the broth.
2. Make Ahead: You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.
3. Customize the Pasta: While fusilli is a great option, any pasta shape will work. Consider using small shells, rotini, or penne.
4. Adjust the Spice: If you like more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder soup, leave them out altogether.
5. Freeze for Later: This soup freezes well. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat when ready to serve.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought meatballs?

• Yes, store-bought meatballs work great for this soup. You can use your favorite brand or even frozen meatballs for convenience.

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

• Absolutely! Any pasta you prefer will work. You can also try gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.

1. How do I store leftovers?

• Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

• Yes! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen and intensify as it sits.

1. How can I make this soup spicier?

• Add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.

1. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

• Yes, you can swap chicken broth for beef broth if that’s what you have on hand or prefer.

1. What should I serve this soup with?

• This soup is great on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a side salad, or garlic bread.

1. Can I freeze this soup?

• Yes, you can freeze this soup! Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

1. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

• Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to make it even more hearty and nutritious.

1. Can I make this soup without meatballs?

• Yes! You can skip the meatballs and use cooked ground beef or turkey, or even make the soup vegetarian by using beans or lentils.

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Italian Meatball Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Whether you’re using homemade or store-bought meatballs, it’s an easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you crave something hearty and flavorful. Enjoy!

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