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Creamy Meatball Soup Recipe

Creamy Meatball Soup Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 22 reviews

A warm and comforting creamy meatball soup featuring tender, cheesy meatballs, a rich tomato and cream broth, soft pasta, and fresh greens. Perfect for chilly days, this one-pot meal is flavorful, cozy, and ideal for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef and pork mix
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Soup Base

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Cream

  • 3/4 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Greens and Garnish

  • 2 cups fresh spinach or fresh basil, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or basil), for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley. Gently mix until just combined to keep the meatballs tender. Roll the mixture into small, 1-inch wide meatballs and set aside.
  2. Sear the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs, searing them on all sides for 2–3 minutes until nicely browned but not fully cooked through. Remove meatballs and set them aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same pot, add diced onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
  4. Build the Soup Base: Stir in diced tomatoes and broth along with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Return the browned meatballs to the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to finish cooking.
  5. Cook the Pasta: Add your choice of small pasta to the pot. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
  6. Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Heat through gently for 2–3 minutes, creating a rich and creamy broth.
  7. Finish with Greens: Add chopped spinach or basil, stirring until just wilted. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
  • Brown the meatballs only; they will finish cooking in the soup.
  • Use fresh Parmesan cheese for better melting and enhanced flavor.
  • Stir the pasta often during cooking to prevent sticking to the pot bottom.
  • Adjust seasoning after cooking, as salt concentration can change as the soup simmers.
  • Freeze soup without pasta for best texture; add pasta fresh when reheating.
  • Adding a splash of broth or cream when reheating helps refresh the soup’s texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy meatball soup, comforting soup, one-pot meal, tomato cream soup, meatball recipe, cozy dinner, easy soup, pasta soup

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/creamy-meatball-soup-recipe/