Nonnas Comfort Classic Italian Meatball Soup
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave that warm, fuzzy feeling only a big bowl of soup can provide? This Italian Meatball Soup is it, friends.
Honestly, it’s like a hug from Nonna herself, but quicker and easier. It is a real Italian delight!
Brief Overview
This Nonna's meatball soup recipe is a classic Italian comfort food . It's all about simple ingredients and heartfelt cooking. It's ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
This recipe makes around 6-8 servings. That makes it perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits
Packed with protein and veggies, this Tomato Meatball Soup is a nutritional powerhouse. It's the perfect Easy Meatball Soup to serve on a chilly evening.
What makes this recipe special? It uses simple methods to get amazing flavor!
This Easy Homemade Soup With Meatballs is bellissima .
Let's Talk Ingredients
First, you'll need ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan, and parsley for the meatballs. Don't forget the breadcrumbs and egg. The Italian wedding soup inspired version includes chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and ditalini pasta.
Onion, carrots, and celery are important for depth of flavor. This combination makes the soup a symphony of taste!
Ingredients & Equipment for Nonna's Italian Meatball Soup | Italian
Okay, let's gather our arsenal. Seriously, this Easy Meatball Soup recipe is all about quality ingredients and a few trusty tools.
Think of it as building blocks to a masterpiece a delicious, comforting masterpiece! And trust me, this Tomato Meatball Soup will make you feel like you're sitting at Nonna's table.
We are doing Easy Homemade Soup With Meatballs.
Main Players
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (454g) . Go for an 80/20 blend, ducks. It's got enough fat for flavor, but not so much that it'll make your soup greasy.
- Ground Pork: 1/2 lb (227g) . Adds a bit of sweetness and richness.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) , grated. Get the real stuff, not the powdered. You want that sharp, salty bite! We will also want extra for serving the finished dish.
- Parsley: 1/4 cup (30g) , fresh and finely chopped. Flat leaf Italian parsley is the way to go.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy!
- Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten. Helps bind everything together.
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (60g) . Italian seasoned are great, but plain work too.
- Milk: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Makes the meatballs nice and tender.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon .
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a kick).
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon . Extra virgin, naturally.
- Onion: 1 large , chopped.
- Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped.
- Celery: 2 stalks , chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Again, don't skimp!
- Chicken Broth: 8 cups (1.9 liters) . Or veggie broth if you prefer.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 28 oz (794g) . San Marzano are the gold standard, if you can find them.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). I like a little heat, you know?
- Bay Leaf: 1 .
- Pasta: 1 cup (100g) , small shapes like ditalini or orzo.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
Spice It Up!
Oregano and basil are the classic Italian combo, but don't be afraid to experiment. A pinch of fennel seed or a dash of Italian seasoning can add depth.
For some Flavor enhancers and aromatics , consider adding a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers. I Flavor enhancers and aromatics like to use these to enrich soups!.
No oregano? Marjoram is a decent substitute.
Gear Up!
You don't need fancy equipment for this Homemade Meatball Soup . Just the basics:
- Large mixing bowl for the meatballs.
- Large pot or Dutch oven.
- Cutting board.
- Chef's knife.
A good wooden spoon is handy too. Honestly, that's it! Nothing too scary. Let's get cooking this Nonna's meatball soup recipe , a classic of Italian soup recipes
If you are after something that evokes those same flavours but has a slightly different preparation try this Meatball soup with vegetables and some Minestra di Polpette
Mastering the Simmer: The Key to Nonna's Italian Meatball Soup
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good Italian Meatball Soup | Italian recipe? This Easy Meatball Soup is like a warm hug on a cold day.
Making Nonna's meatball soup recipe is easier than you think. And trust me, that simmer is where the magic happens for this Easy Homemade Soup With Meatballs .
Prep Steps: The Foundation for Flavor
Essential mise en place : Dice your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince your garlic. Measure out your spices. Get all that done before you start cooking anything.
Time saving organization tips : Prepare your meatballs ahead of time. Keep them in the fridge until you're ready to add them to the soup. This Italian comfort food is worth it.
Safety reminders : Be careful when handling raw meat. Wash your hands thoroughly after prepping the meatballs.
Simmering to Perfection: The step-by-step Process
Sauté the veggies. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5- 7 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic. Toss in minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant. Don't burn it !
Build the broth. Pour in 8 cups (1.9 liters) of chicken or vegetable broth and 28 oz (794g) of crushed tomatoes.
Season with dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and a bay leaf.
Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Be gentle!
Simmer slowly for 20- 25 minutes , or until meatballs are cooked through. The critical temperature for cooked ground meat is 160° F ( 71° C).
Add pasta and cook according to package directions.
Season and serve! Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. That fresh parsley adds so much !
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Soup
Don’t boil. Keep the soup at a simmer to prevent tough meatballs. It is all about the subtle heat.
Taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning throughout cooking to achieve the perfect Tomato Meatball Soup .
Make this Homemade meatball soup ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day. This Italian wedding soup is absolutely fantastic the next day!
Recipe Notes for the Best Italian Meatball Soup
Right then, let's talk about this Italian Meatball Soup | Italian recipe. This isn't just throwing stuff in a pot! Here are some tips to take this Easy Meatball Soup to the next level.
It is Nonna's meatball soup recipe after all.
Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy (Sort Of!)
Presentation is key, darlings. A simple ladle into a rustic bowl? Always a winner. But why not sprinkle a generous amount of fresh parsley on top? Adds freshness and colour.
I reckon a swirl of extra virgin olive oil would make a difference, too! Think about serving with crusty bread.
Proper crusty bread! None of that soft stuff. It's perfect for dunking into the delicious Tomato Meatball Soup . And if you're feeling really fancy, a side salad is lush.
Pair it with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the soup.
A Italian wedding soup is a nice choice as it's comforting and familiar.
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Easy Homemade Soup With Meatballs is even better the next day. Once cooled, bung it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It'll happily sit there for 3-4 days. Freezing is an option, too. I'd recommend freezing the soup without the pasta, though.
Pasta can get a bit mushy when thawed. Add freshly cooked pasta when you reheat it. Reheating is simple. Just gently simmer on the hob until heated through.
Give it a good stir every now and then. Make sure it's piping hot before serving!
Variations: Make It Your Own
Fancy a healthier version of Homemade meatball soup ? Easy! Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
And swap regular pasta for wholewheat or gluten-free. You could also add extra veggies. Spinach or kale work wonders. Or how about a spicy kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes really wakes up the flavours.
And if you're veggie, switch the meatballs for vegetarian ones and use vegetable stock. There is no stopping in enjoying Italian comfort food .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Each serving contains roughly 350-400 calories. You get a good dose of protein (25-30g) from the meatballs. Carbs are at 20-25g, and fats are in the 20-25g range.
This Meatball soup with vegetables provides a good amount of vitamins from the tomatoes, carrots, and celery. It's a great source of lycopene! That's a powerful antioxidant.
The soup also delivers iron and other essential minerals. Remember these are just estimates!
Honestly, this Minestra di Polpette is a simple, nourishing, and utterly satisfying Italian soup recipe . Enjoy this Easy Meatball Soup ! Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
You know, cooking should be fun, not a chore.
Frequently Asked Questions
My meatballs always turn out tough. What am I doing wrong when I make Italian Meatball Soup | Italian?
Tough meatballs are a common woe! The key is to avoid overmixing the meatball mixture. Overmixing develops the gluten in the breadcrumbs and compacts the meat, resulting in a dense, rubbery texture. Gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated, and use day-old bread soaked in milk to keep them tender.
You can also try adding a bit more liquid to the meatball mixture.
Can I make Italian Meatball Soup | Italian ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this soup often tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld and deepen in the fridge. Just be aware that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so you might need to add a little extra broth when you reheat it.
Consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving to avoid mushiness.
I don't have ditalini pasta. What's a good substitute for this Italian Meatball Soup | Italian recipe?
No ditalini, no problem! Any small pasta shape will work well in this soup. Orzo and acini di pepe are both great options, offering a similar size and texture. You could even use small shell pasta. If you are looking for a healthier alternative, brown rice or quinoa can be used in place of pasta.
Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
How can I make Italian Meatball Soup | Italian healthier?
There are a few simple swaps you can make to lighten up this classic soup. Use lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lower fat option. Load up on the veggies add more carrots, celery, or even some spinach or kale. Finally, consider using whole wheat pasta or brown rice for added fiber.
What's the best way to store leftover Italian Meatball Soup | Italian?
Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Keep in mind that the pasta might become a bit softer after freezing and thawing.
When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen it up.
Can I add other vegetables to this Italian Meatball Soup | Italian?
Definitely! This soup is very versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, peas, bell peppers, or green beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Heartier vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes should be added earlier in the cooking process, while more delicate vegetables like spinach or zucchini can be added towards the end.
Nonnas Comfort Classic Italian Meatball Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22.5g |
| Fiber | 22.5g |
