Italian Meatball Soup

Cozy Up with a Bowl of Italian Meatball Soup 🍲

When the weather turns chilly or you’re simply in the mood for something comforting, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of Italian Meatball Soup. This delicious and easy-to-make soup is packed with rich flavors, tender meatballs, and a medley of Italian-inspired ingredients that will warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it as a satisfying lunch or a cozy dinner, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe!

🍲 Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound meatballs (see note) 🍖
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped 🧅
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 (28 fluid ounce) can crushed tomatoes (fire roasted recommended) 🍅
• 4 cups beef broth 🥣
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped small 🌶️
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning 🌿
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) 🌶️
• 1.5 cups fusilli pasta 🍝
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn/chopped 🌿
• Salt & pepper to taste 🧂
• Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional) 🧀

Instructions:

1️⃣ Preparation: If you’re making meatballs from scratch, prepare them using your favorite recipe, or opt for store-bought ones to save time. Note that making meatballs from scratch is not included in the prep time. 🍖

2️⃣ Sauté Onions: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. 🧅

3️⃣ Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant. 🧄

4️⃣ Add Tomatoes & Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then stir everything together to combine the flavors. 🍅🥣

5️⃣ Add Vegetables & Seasoning: Add the chopped red bell pepper, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and meatballs to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. 🌶️🌿

6️⃣ Cook Pasta: Once the soup is boiling, add the fusilli pasta and stir to ensure it’s evenly distributed. 🍝

7️⃣ Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with the lid slightly open, and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the soup becomes too thick, feel free to add more beef broth until you achieve the desired consistency. 🕒

8️⃣ Finish & Serve: Stir in the fresh basil and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot, and if desired, top it with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. 🌿🧂🧀

Recipe Notes:

• Meatball Options: You can use either homemade meatballs or store-bought ones. If you’re making your own, feel free to add Italian herbs and spices for an extra burst of flavor.
• Pasta Tip: Fusilli works beautifully in this soup, but feel free to substitute it with your favorite pasta shape.

Quick Facts:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings

This Italian Meatball Soup is a perfect blend of simplicity and rich, robust flavors. The combination of tender meatballs, aromatic herbs, and hearty pasta makes it a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad, and you have a comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy! 🍲