Meatball Soup

This Meatball Soup is the perfect comfort food, combining juicy meatballs and tender pasta in a rich, creamy tomato broth. It’s ideal for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead. This recipe captures all the flavors of a classic Italian meal, making it a delightful addition to your repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This meatball soup comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of herbs and spices gives this soup a robust flavor that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile Meal: You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the type of pasta.
• One-Pot Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze with this one-pot recipe, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle.
• Feeding a Crowd: This recipe yields eight servings, making it great for family gatherings or leftovers for lunches.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, gather some essential tools before you start. Having the right equipment will help streamline the process and ensure your meatball soup turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A must-have for simmering your soup ingredients together, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing other ingredients efficiently.
• Knife: Sharp knives make cutting quicker and safer, ensuring even-sized pieces for better cooking results.

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

For the Pasta and Greens

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

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 or use an 18-20 oz. bag of frozen meatballs that have been thawed overnight in the fridge or cooked according to package directions.

Step 2: Sauté Onions

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 onions start to brown and caramelize.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

1. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, and more salt and pepper.
2. Cook while stirring frequently for about 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 delicious bits stuck on the bottom.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 6: Simmer

1. Bring 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: Finish with Spinach and Cream

1. Stir in baby spinach and heavy cream until spinach wilts and soup is heated through.

Step 8: Season & Serve

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

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How to Serve Meatball Soup

Serving meatball soup can elevate your dining experience and make it feel special. Here are some creative ideas to complement this delicious dish.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or sourdough loaf for dipping into the creamy broth.

Over Rice

• For a hearty meal, ladle the meatball soup over cooked rice, giving it an additional texture and flavor boost.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley or basil to enhance the flavor and add a pop of color.

Accompanied by Salad

• Pair with a crisp green salad, such as a Caesar or mixed greens, to balance the richness of the soup.

In Bread Bowls

• Serve meatball soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and edible serving option.

How to Perfect Meatball Soup

Creating the perfect meatball soup involves attention to detail and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your soup shines.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile of your meatball soup.
• Control the Heat: Simmer on low heat after bringing it to a boil; this allows flavors to meld beautifully without overcooking.
• Adjust Creaminess: Modify the amount of heavy cream based on your preference for richness; you can substitute with coconut milk for a lighter option.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor depth.
• Taste as You Go: Season gradually, tasting frequently to achieve your desired saltiness and spice level.

Best Side Dishes for Meatball Soup

Pairing side dishes with meatball soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that work well alongside it.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
2. Caprese Salad: A refreshing combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds brightness to your meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a healthy contrast to the creamy soup.
4. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese makes for a comforting side that complements meatballs wonderfully.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Filled with grains, beans, or veggies, these peppers offer a nutritious side that pairs nicely with soup.
6. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil creates a delightful appetizer or side dish that enhances Italian flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Meatball Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch for. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Using the wrong type of meatballs: Opt for homemade or quality frozen meatballs. Avoid overly processed options that lack flavor.
• Neglecting to season properly: Season at every step! Add salt and pepper as you go to build a flavorful broth.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente in the soup. It will continue cooking after being removed from heat.
• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing onions and garlic adds depth to your soup. Don’t rush this step!
• Not adjusting for creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, adjust the amount of heavy cream or substitute with plant-based alternatives.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Meatball Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months; label with date for reference.

Reheating Meatball Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Meatball Soup that can help enhance your cooking experience.

How can I make Meatball Soup dairy-free?

You can replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a delicious, creamy texture without dairy.

Can I use vegetable broth for Meatball Soup?

Yes! Vegetable broth works well if you’re looking for a lighter version of this comforting dish.

What other vegetables can I add to Meatball Soup?

Feel free to include carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them small so they cook evenly.

How do I store leftover Meatball Soup?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Meatball Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or even swap out the type of meat used in the meatballs. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a hearty bowl that feels like home!