Description
Italian Meatball Soup is a warm, comforting dish packed with juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and a rich tomato broth infused with garlic and Italian herbs. It’s an easy, one-pot meal perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights. Whether made with homemade or store-bought meatballs, this soup delivers bold flavors that feel like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
For the Broth:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended)
4 cups beef broth
1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Main Components:
1 pound meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
1 1/2 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
Build the Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir in the bell pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook the Meatballs and Pasta: Carefully add the meatballs into the pot, then stir in the uncooked pasta.
Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through and the flavors meld together.
Final Touches: Stir in the fresh basil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and ladle the soup into bowls.
Serve & Enjoy: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
Use High-Quality Meatballs: If using store-bought meatballs, choose high-quality ones for the best flavor.
Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta like fusilli, rotini, or ditalini works best as it holds onto the broth without getting too soft.
Adjust the Thickness: Add more beef broth or water if you prefer a soupier consistency.
Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer for an extra 10-15 minutes enhances the flavor.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with extra broth as pasta may absorb liquid.
Freezing: If freezing, omit the pasta and add fresh-cooked pasta when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian