Warm Your Soul with This Creamy Italian Meatball Soup Recipe!

As the chill of autumn settles in and winter approaches, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of soup to warm your spirit and fill your belly. One of the ultimate cozy meals that embodies those warm, Italian flavors is a creamy Italian meatball soup. This hearty dish combines succulent meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a smooth, velvety broth that will make you feel right at home.

Ingredients

To make this delightful soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef or a mix of ground beef and pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups spinach or kale
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Shaved Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

2. Form Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

1. Sauté: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup

1. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, followed by the Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil.

2. Add Meatballs: Carefully drop the meatballs into the boiling soup. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

1. Add Cream: Once the meatballs are ready, stir in the heavy cream and add spinach or kale, allowing it to wilt. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, along with shaved Parmesan cheese on top.

2. Enjoy: Serve hot and savor each comforting spoonful of this rich and creamy Italian meatball soup!

Final Thoughts

This creamy Italian meatball soup is more than just a dish; it’s a warm hug on a cold day. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a comforting meal that warms both your soul and your kitchen. So gather your loved ones, prepare this delicious soup, and enjoy the joys of shared laughter and good food. Buon Appetito!