Name: Creamy Italian Meatball Soup
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Ingredients: For the Meatballs:1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended); 1 lb ground pork; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; For the Soup:2 tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups chicken broth; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells) OR 2 cups chopped fresh spinach; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish; Salt and black pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich, velvety Creamy Italian Meatball Soup. Packed with tender homemade meatballs and aromatic Italian herbs, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
1 lb ground pork
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Soup:2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells) OR 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
Salt and black pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs. In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix just until combined. Roll into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches until caramelized on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer. Pour in a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot. Add crushed tomatoes and remaining chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer. Return meatballs to the pot, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Step 5: Add Pasta/Veggies and Finish. Add pasta or fresh spinach to the simmering soup. Cook until pasta is al dente or spinach is wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Stir in Cream and Herbs. Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated. Stir in fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins