Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Meatball Soup is a perfect combination of rich flavors and ease of preparation. The savory meatballs, paired with a tangy tomato broth and fusilli pasta, make for a fulfilling meal that warms you up on colder days. It’s versatile, allowing you to use either homemade or store-bought meatballs, and the dish is customizable based on your preferences. Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese finish it off with a delightful burst of flavor. Plus, it’s ready in just 40 minutes!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound meatballs (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (28 fluid ounce) can crushed tomatoes (fire roasted preferred)

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped small

• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1.5 cups uncooked fusilli pasta

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn or chopped

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. If you’re making homemade meatballs, prepare them in advance. Alternatively, use store-bought or previously cooked meatballs.

2. In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red bell pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Add the meatballs and bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Once the soup is boiling, add the uncooked fusilli pasta. Reduce the heat and simmer with the lid slightly open for 15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot. If the soup thickens too much, you can add more beef broth to maintain a brothy consistency.

6. Stir in the fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve the soup with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6, depending on the amount of meatballs added and what else it’s served with.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (not including meatball preparation if making from scratch).

• Cook Time: 30 minutes.

• Total Time: 40 minutes.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use vegetarian or plant-based meatballs in place of regular meatballs for a meat-free option.

• Different Pasta: Swap fusilli with another short pasta, like penne or rotini, depending on your preference.

• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier version.

• Extra Veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.

• Herb Variations: Try adding other herbs like oregano or thyme to switch up the flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little extra beef broth if the soup has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought meatballs for this soup?

Yes, store-bought meatballs work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the soup.

2. What type of pasta can I use instead of fusilli?

Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini would work well in this soup.

3. How do I prevent the pasta from getting too soggy?

Stir the soup occasionally while simmering, and consider adding the pasta closer to the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.

4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores well in the fridge for a few days, and the flavors develop even more as it sits.

5. How can I make this soup spicier?

You can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to amp up the heat.

6. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. When reheating, you may need to add more broth.

7. How do I make homemade meatballs for this recipe?

Use your favorite meatball recipe, or try mixing ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and seasonings. Form into meatballs and cook them in the oven or on the stovetop.

8. Can I use a different type of broth?

You can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth, but the flavor profile of the soup will change slightly.

9. Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the fusilli pasta with gluten-free pasta, and ensure the meatballs are made with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

10. How can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Consider adding spinach, kale, carrots, or zucchini to the soup. Add them at the same time as the bell peppers so they cook evenly.

Conclusion

This Italian Meatball Soup is the perfect dish for anyone craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. With tender meatballs, a rich tomato broth, and pasta, it’s a one-pot meal that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you make your own meatballs or opt for store-bought, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to suit your taste. Try it today and enjoy a warm, hearty meal!