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Meatball Soup

Featured in Comforting Bowls of Warmth.

Homemade Italian soup combining tender beef meatballs with vegetables, herbs, and ditalini pasta in a savory tomato broth. A complete and satisfying meal ready in about an hour.
Rehan Magic House Recipes
Recipe by Reham
Updated on Tue, 25 Feb 2025 14:18:30 GMT
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Meatball Soup | magichouserecipes.com

When the weather turns chilly, this meatball soup brings comfort to your table with tender homemade meatballs, vibrant vegetables, and a rich tomato broth that warms from the inside out. Each spoonful delivers savory beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and garden-fresh herbs in a harmonious blend that makes this soup so much more than the sum of its parts.

My journey with this soup began during a particularly cold winter when I craved something that combined the comforting elements of Italian cooking with the nourishing qualities of homemade soup. The result was this hearty, flavorful dish that has since become a family favorite.

Essential Ingredients

  • Quality ground beef: Creates flavorful, tender meatballs
  • Fresh vegetables: Provide color and nutrition
  • Tomatoes: Add rich depth to the broth
  • Small pasta shapes: Absorb flavors while maintaining texture
  • Fresh herbs: Brighten every spoonful
Hearty Homemade Meatball Soup Save this recipe
Hearty Homemade Meatball Soup | magichouserecipes.com

Creating Your Soup

Meatball Perfection:
Combine your ingredients with a gentle touch, avoiding overmixing which can toughen the meat. Roll into uniform sizes for even cooking.
Vegetable Foundation:
Take time with your mirepoix (onions, carrots, celery), allowing them to soften and develop sweetness that will flavor the entire soup.
Meatball Browning:
Develop a golden crust on your meatballs, creating caramelized flavors that will enrich the broth.
Broth Building:
Layer your liquid ingredients thoughtfully, creating a base that balances acidity and richness.
Pasta Integration:
Add your pasta at just the right moment, ensuring it cooks to al dente while absorbing the soup's flavors.

Through countless pots of this soup, I've learned that patience creates perfection. The way the vegetables slowly soften, how the meatballs develop a flavorful crust before simmering, and the gradual melding of all ingredients creates a soup that tastes like it's been simmering all day.

Soup Science

The magic happens as the pasta releases its starch into the broth, creating natural thickness while the meatballs gently simmer, infusing the liquid with richness. Meanwhile, the acidic tomatoes break down and mellow, creating perfect balance.

Perfect Pairings

Serve with crusty bread for soaking up every drop of broth. Create a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan at the table.

Creative Adaptations

  • Use Italian sausage: For extra flavor depth
  • Add a Parmesan rind: While simmering for umami richness
  • Stir in fresh spinach: Just before serving for extra nutrition
Savory Italian Meatball Soup Save this recipe
Savory Italian Meatball Soup | magichouserecipes.com

Storage Success

  • Store soup and pasta separately: If making ahead
  • Cool completely before refrigerating: Add a splash of broth when reheating to refresh the consistency

This soup has become my go-to for both family dinners and meal deliveries to friends in need. The way it combines nourishment with comfort makes it perfect for any occasion that calls for a heartwarming meal.

Remember, great soup is about building layers of flavor while maintaining the integrity of each ingredient. Take your time with preparation, and enjoy creating something that brings comfort to your table.

Recipe Tips & Questions

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but cook the pasta separately if making ahead. The pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits and can become mushy. Add cooked pasta when reheating.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken as it sits, so add additional broth when reheating if needed.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before adding pasta, then add freshly cooked pasta when serving.
→ Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely. Small pasta shapes work best - try orzo, small shells, or stelline (tiny stars). Adjust cooking time based on package instructions.
→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well for a lighter option. You may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the meatball mixture since turkey is leaner than beef.

Hearty Italian Meatball Soup

Comforting soup featuring tender homemade meatballs, fresh vegetables, and pasta in a savory tomato broth. Perfect one-pot meal!

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
Recipe by: Reham

Recipe Type: Soups & Stews

Skill Level: Some Experience Needed

Cuisine Style: Italian-American

Makes: 6 Servings

Dietary Notes: ~

What You'll Need

→ Meatballs

01 1 lb 90 to 93% lean ground beef
02 ½ cup (1.2 oz) panko bread crumbs
03 ½ cup (1 oz) finely shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
04 1 large egg
05 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
06 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 ½ teaspoon salt
08 ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Soup Base

09 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
10 1½ cups yellow onion, chopped
11 1 cup carrots, diced (2 medium)
12 ¾ cup celery, thinly sliced (2 medium ribs)
13 1½ tablespoons garlic, minced (4 cloves)
14 3 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth (5¼ cups)
15 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
16 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
17 1 cup (4.5 oz) dry ditalini pasta
18 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
19 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
20 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
21 Salt and pepper to taste

Let's Cook!

Step 01

In a mixing bowl toss together, beef, panko, parmesan, egg, 2 Tbsp parsley, the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Break up the beef as you toss to evenly combine ingredients, just don't over-work the mixture so meatballs stay tender.

Step 02

Scoop mixture out just over 1 Tbsp at a time (I use a #60 cookie scoop, lightly heaped), and shape into rounds. Set them on a baking tray or cutting board as you work.

Step 03

Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and saute 8 to 9 minutes until almost tender. Add garlic and saute 1 minute longer.

Step 04

Meanwhile drizzle remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add meatballs once heated and cook until golden brown on top and bottom, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate (if you have some browned bits in the pan deglaze it with 1/2 cup of the chicken broth and add it to the soup mixture once veggies are sauteed with remaining chicken broth for added flavor).

Step 05

To the sauteed vegetable mixture add chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, remaining 1 tsp Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Step 06

Add meatballs and pasta, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally, about 13 to 15 minutes.

Step 07

Off heat stir in remaining 4 Tbsp parsley and the basil. Thin soup with more broth as needed (it will thicken as it rests). Top individual servings with shredded parmesan cheese to taste.

Recipe Notes

  1. This hearty soup yields about 13 cups and combines tender meatballs with vegetables and pasta in a flavorful tomato broth.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Large pot
  • 12-inch non-stick skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cookie scoop (optional)

Allergy Information

Always check ingredients carefully for allergens. When in doubt, please consult your healthcare provider.
  • Dairy (parmesan cheese)
  • Eggs
  • Wheat (bread crumbs, pasta)