Nonnas Secret Hearty Italian Meatball Soup

Hearty Italian Meatball Soup Nonnas Secret Recipe

By Emily TorresSeptember 14, 2025Updated: September 13, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave a bowl of Hearty Italian Meatball Soup Recipe that tastes like it came straight from Nonna's kitchen? Honestly, this recipe nails it! It’s bursting with classic Italian flavors: rich tomato, savory meatballs, and comforting herbs.

Brief Overview

This Soup With Meatballs is an Italian staple, passed down through generations. This recipe is medium difficulty, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes to make.

It yields 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner!

Main Benefits

This Beef Meatball Soup is packed with protein and nutrients. The hearty broth and tender meatballs offer ultimate comfort. It's perfect for a chilly evening or when you need a boost! It’s definitely one of my favorite Comfort Food Soup Recipes .

look into Into Deliciousness

Alright, let's talk about why this recipe is special. My grandma used to make Homemade Meatball Soup every Sunday. The aroma filling the house was pure magic.

I've tried to capture that same magic in this Easy Meatball Soup Recipe . The secret? Quality ingredients and a whole lotta love.

This recipe is not just about following steps. It's about creating a delicious, comforting meal that brings people together. Let's get cooking! This Best Meatball Soup recipe is a real winner.

This also would make a great Italian Wedding Soup recipe base, and a delicious Meatball soup with pasta recipe with minor tweaks.

Alright, let's dive into the nitty gritty of this Hearty Italian Meatball Soup Recipe ! It’s proper lush, this Soup With Meatballs .

Honestly, getting your ingredients right makes all the difference. You know, it's like building a house you need a solid foundation.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Soup

Right, here's what you'll need. Think of it like your shopping list before hitting up Tesco.

Ground beef: 1 pound (450g) . Aim for 80/20 blend. It's got enough fat to keep the Beef Meatball Soup juicy, yeah? Lean beef just dries out.
Ground pork: ½ pound (225g) . Adds flavour, mate.
Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (50g) , plain.
Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup (30g) , grated. Quality stuff makes a difference, trust me .
Egg: 1 , large, lightly beaten.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
Parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped fresh.
Oregano: 1 teaspoon , dried.
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Pepper: ¼ teaspoon .
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for browning those little meatballs.
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, for the soup base.
Onion: 1 medium, chopped.
Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped.
Celery: 2 stalks, chopped.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
Chicken broth: 8 cups (1.9 litres) . Good quality broth makes or breaks Homemade meatball soup !
Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) (794g) can.
Cannellini beans: 1 (15 ounce) (425g) can, rinsed and drained.
Basil: 1 teaspoon , dried.
Oregano: ½ teaspoon , dried.
Salt: ½ teaspoon , or to taste.
Pepper: ¼ teaspoon , or to taste.
Small pasta shapes: 1 cup (80g) (ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni). Orzo is amazing in Soup With Mini Meatballs !
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Central

Honestly, the spices in this are key! Oregano and basil are the MVPs for that Italian Wedding Soup recipe vibe.

Don't skimp. And garlic? Always add more garlic! For a bit of a kick, try a pinch of red pepper flakes.

You can easily sub dried parsley for fresh. Just half the quantity, yeah?

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You really don't need fancy stuff. A large mixing bowl for the meatballs is a must. A large pot or Dutch oven.

Honestly, Easy meatball soup recipe can be done with basic pots and pans. Measuring cups and spoons. Cutting board and Chef's knife.

Don't overthink it; use what you've got. Remember, at its heart, the Hearty Italian Meatball Soup Recipe is about comfort and togetherness.

Making Magic: Hearty Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

Okay, let's talk Hearty Italian Meatball Soup Recipe . Honestly, this isn't just any soup. This is a hug in a bowl.

It's the kind of comfort food soup recipe that makes you want to curl up on the sofa with a blanket.

And trust me, once you master this, you'll be making it all winter long. My own Nonna (that's grandma to you and me), was obsessed with soup, she liked Soup With Meatballs and she used to whip this up every Sunday, rain or shine.

It fills me with nostalgia and comfort.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place , darling! Chop your 1 medium onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks .

Mince the 4 cloves of garlic (yes, 4 - trust me). Get your 1 pound (450g) ground beef , ½ pound (225g) ground pork , breadcrumbs, Parm, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper ready for the meatballs.

Have everything measured out. It will save you a heap of time. It also helps prevent, "Oh my gosh, where's the oregano?" moments.

And safety first - keep those knives sharp and watch your fingers!

Let's Get Cooking: The Meatball Tango

Meatball time! In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, ground pork, ½ cup (50g) breadcrumbs , ¼ cup (30g) Parmesan cheese , 1 large egg , minced garlic, parsley, 1 teaspoon dried oregano , ½ teaspoon salt , and ¼ teaspoon black pepper . Don't overmix, though! Gently does it!
Roll that meat! Roll the mixture into 1 inch meatballs. Size matters.
Brown those babies! Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches. Don't overcrowd. Remove and set aside.
Veggie party! Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pot. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5- 7 minutes . Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute .
Broth and stuff! Pour in 8 cups (1.9 litres) chicken broth and 1 (28 ounce) (794g) can crushed tomatoes . Add 1 (15 ounce) (425g) can cannellini beans , basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes .
Simmer, simmer! Gently add the meatballs back to the pot. Simmer for 20- 25 minutes , or until the meatballs are cooked through and happy.
Pasta power! Add 1 cup (80g) small pasta shapes (ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni) to the soup and cook according to package directions, usually 8- 10 minutes .
Serve it up! Ladle into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips: Secret Weapon Status

Want to level up your Beef Meatball Soup ? Browning those meatballs adds serious flavour. It's a game changer. Oh, and don't skimp on the broth.

Good quality broth is key. Make it ahead? Totally! The soup actually tastes better the next day. Some people prefer Soup With Mini Meatballs - knock yourself out!

Honestly, making Homemade meatball soup is easier than you think, and once you taste the difference, you'll never go back to store-bought.

It's the best Easy meatball soup recipe you'll ever use. Enjoy! And if you have leftovers, even better!

Recipe Notes for the Best Hearty Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

Alright, so you're ready to tackle this Hearty Italian Meatball Soup Recipe ? Ace! Before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about some sneaky tips and tricks.

These will help you nail it, even if you’re not a seasoned chef. Trust me, I've had my fair share of kitchen mishaps.

Like, remember that time I tried to make bread and it turned into a brick? Good times. Not .

Serving Suggestions: Making it a Meal

Right, let's talk presentation. This Soup With Meatballs looks gorgeous in a rustic bowl. Top it with a swirl of olive oil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.

A sprig of fresh parsley adds that fancy touch. Serve it with crusty bread. Because honestly, what's Beef Meatball Soup without something to mop up all that tasty broth? A simple side salad, maybe some garlic bread.

And if you're feeling extra fancy, a glass of red wine. Salute!

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

So, you've made a massive batch of Vegetable Soup With Meatballs and have leftovers. Good for you! Let it cool completely before popping it in the fridge.

It'll keep for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Divide the soup into portions and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating is easy. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Make sure it's piping hot before serving.

Variations: Making it Your Own

Want to mix it up a bit? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick.

This gives you a Spicy Meatball Soup . Trying to cut down on carbs? Skip the pasta and load up on veggies like zucchini or spinach.

To make a vegetarian option, swap the ground meat for plant based mince and use vegetable broth. Easy peasy. Also, if you want a variation that makes the recipe an Italian Wedding Soup recipe add spinach, or escarole.

That's what I'm talking about!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bowl

This Hearty Italian Meatball Soup Recipe isn't just delicious, it's pretty good for you too. Packed with protein from the meatballs and fiber from the beans and veggies, this Comfort food soup recipes is a complete meal.

One serving contains roughly 450 calories. And if you want a Soup With Mini Meatballs , make your meatballs smaller!

So there you have it. Some extra notes to elevate your Easy meatball soup recipe . Honestly, making this soup is easier than you think.

Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this Hearty Italian Meatball Soup Recipe for later? I'm always trying to meal prep like a proper chef!

Absolutely! This Hearty Italian Meatball Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop.

You might want to cook the pasta separately when you reheat so it doesn't get too soggy, but that's just a chef's tip.

My meatballs always seem to fall apart. Any tips for making sure my meatballs stay together in this Hearty Italian Meatball Soup Recipe?

Ah, the dreaded meatball crumble! The key is to not overmix the meatball mixture, as this can make them tough and prone to falling apart. Also, make sure your egg is well incorporated and that you brown the meatballs before adding them to the soup. The browning helps to create a nice crust that holds them together.

Finally, simmer gently rather than boil vigorously.

What can I substitute for the pasta in this Hearty Italian Meatball Soup Recipe to make it gluten-free or lower in carbs?

No worries, you can totally tweak this to fit your dietary needs! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. Alternatively, for a low-carb option, you can omit the pasta altogether and add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or chopped cabbage.

These will add substance and nutrients without the extra carbs - bit like swapping mash for cauliflower, really!

Can I make this Hearty Italian Meatball Soup Recipe in a slow cooker? I'm all about setting and forgetting!

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Brown the meatballs as directed. Then, place all the ingredients (except the pasta) into your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking time, or cook separately and add to bowls when serving.

Just keep an eye on the liquid level and add more broth if needed.

I want to add more vegetables to my Hearty Italian Meatball Soup Recipe. What are some good options?

Go for it! Adding more veggies is a brilliant idea. Spinach or kale are great choices and can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking. Diced zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, or even some mushrooms would also work well. Just add them along with the carrots and celery to sauté at the beginning.

What's the best way to store leftover Hearty Italian Meatball Soup?

To store leftover Hearty Italian Meatball Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water as the pasta tends to absorb some of the liquid.

Give it a good stir to ensure even heating.