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Lunch Dinner One Pot Beef Meatballs Italian
4.6 from 47 votes

Italian Meatball Soup

Jump to RecipePrintRate
By: Joanna Cismaru •12/19/22 13 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

You’re going to love this Italian Meatball Soup. Easy and delicious, tender homemade beef meatballs and loaded with vegetables – it’s a quick, hearty meal to satisfy all appetites! 

overhead shot of italian meatball soup in a white bowl with a spoon holding a meatball
Table of Contents Open
  • Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
  • Italian Meatball Soup Highlights
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
    • Meatball Ingredients
    • Soup Ingredients
  • How To Make Italian Meatball Soup
  • Other Ingredients You Can Add
  • How To Serve
  • Slow Cooker Option
  • Leftovers
  • Other Must Try Soup Recipes
  • Italian Meatball Soup
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Equipment
    • Notes
    • Nutrition Information
  • Did You Make This?

Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

For me, soup season is year round, though living in Alberta where it’s winter 9 months out of the year, you can see why this is true. But soups for me are comfort food and this recipe is the best kind of simple, delicious, comfort food that the whole family will enjoy. It’s great for those busy weeknights when you need something on the table within a reasonable amount of time and it also works for a casual dinner option with friends.

I love all the little parts that go into this soup, homemade meatballs, vegetables and beans, loaded with some Italian seasoning. If you serve it along side a crusty loaf of bread and plenty extra parmesan cheese, I swear it’s like the world immediately feels like a kinder, warmer, gentler place! I love that quality in a soup, it’s what I strive for every single time!

Italian Meatball Soup Highlights

  • Hearty And Filling. This soup is a whole meal in a bowl. It’s got meatballs and it’s loaded with vegetables. Everything you need all in one bowl.
  • Perfect For Make-Ahead. Make this delicious soup over the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week. All you have to do is warm it up and slurp it up.
  • Family Favorite. This is one of those soups that your entire family will enjoy because it’s got a little bit of something for everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

overhead shot over all ingredients needed to make meatball soup

Meatball Ingredients

  • Beef – I’m using 1 pound of extra lean ground beef today. You can sub it with ground pork or for a healthier meatball ground chicken or turkey.
  • Onion – 1 small white onion, chopped or shredded.
  • Garlic – Always fresh garlic over here, but if you’re only able to find jarred, 1½ teaspoons is equal to 1 fresh clove.
  • Italian seasoning – For our Italian recipe! Here’s my recipe for an easy Italian seasoning recipe.
  • Egg – I large egg will do the trick.
  • Salt and pepper – To taste.
  • Cheese – Parmesan cheese (because, Italy!), grated.

Soup Ingredients

  • Olive oil – For sautéing vegetables in.
  • Onion – 1 medium sized white onion, chopped.
  • Carrots – 2 medium sized carrots – you can use more if you like.
  • Celery – 3 stalks, chopped – again, feel free to use more!
  • Garlic – Fresh is best!
  • Broth – I used low sodium beef broth today but you’re welcome to use vegetable broth if you prefer.
  • Tomatoes – 1 full can of diced tomatoes. For extra flavor sub with fire roasted tomatoes.
  • Beans –  1 can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed is what I used today, but you can use any bean you like for this recipe!
  • Seasoning – Salt, pepper and Italian seasoning, for taste!
  • Cheese – Bring on all of the parmesan!

How To Make Italian Meatball Soup

process shots showing how to make italian meatball soup
  1. Prepare meatballs: In a large bowl, add together all of the meatball ingredients; mix well until well incorporated. Shape the meatballs so they are about 1 inch in diameter. This should produce about 25 – 30 meatballs – depending on how big you make them. Place the meatballs onto a plate and place them in the fridge until ready to use.
  2. Saute the sauteables: In a large dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add in the onion, carrots, and celery and saute for about 5 minutes, until the onion and veggies are soft. Next, stir in the garlic and let cook for another 30 seconds.
  3. Build the soup: Add the broth and water to the dutch oven, followed by the tomatoes, cannellini beans, salt and pepper and Italian seasoning; bring everything to a boil.
  4. Cook meatballs: Remove meatballs from the fridge and add them to the soup 1 at a time. Once all the meatballs are in the dutch oven, reduce to medium heat, cover the pot, and let cook for about 20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
  5. Garnish and serve: When meatballs are fully cooked through, remove from heat and serve in individual bowls. Garnished with parmesan cheese and voila!
overhead shot of a dutch oven filled with italian meatball soup

Other Ingredients You Can Add

There is an assortment of vegetables and more, that you can add to this recipe if you choose. A few suggestions that I think would be great are:

  • Mushrooms
  • Spinach
  • Pasta
  • Kale
  • Potatoes
  • Green beans
  • Rice

You do not have to use beef to make your meatballs! You can use options such as ground turkey or ground chicken, if you’d rather stay away from red meat. And to make it extra simple, meatballs come prepackaged, if you’re not interested in making your own!

a ladle filled with meatball soup over a Dutch oven

How To Serve

I find most soups to be pretty versatile. You can really serve them with whatever you like! Of course you can eat this dish as a meal in itself with a side of delicious homemade bread or perhaps some dinner rolls for dipping. You can also serve it along side some of these options as well:

  • Easy Garlic Bread
  • Easy Tossed Salad
  • Roast Chicken
  • Spatchcock Chicken
  • Potato Bread

Slow Cooker Option

Yes, this recipe is easily made in a slow cooker! Here’s how:

Combine all of your ingredients and prepared meatballs into the slow cooker, turn it on low. Let simmer “low and slow” for about 3- 4 hours. Once removed from slow cooker, garnish with parmesan cheese and you’re good to go! This option asks for a little longer cook time but it’s perfect to prepare in the morning to then be waiting for you when you get home from that busy work day!

Leftovers

In an airtight container this soup will last 3 – 4 days. You can definitely freeze your Italian meatball soup too. Stored in one large airtight container or store in individual containers and it will last 2 – 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the microwave or over the stove top over medium heat.

a spoon holding a meatball over a bowl loaded with soup

Other Must Try Soup Recipes

  • Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Creamy Loaded Potato Soup
  • Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Egg Drop Soup
  • Buffalo Chicken Wing Soup
  • French Onion Soup
  • Easy Hamburger Soup
  • Lasagna Soup
  • Hot And Sour Soup
  • Minestrone Soup

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

overhead shot of a spoon taking a bite of italian meatball soup
Print
4.64 from 47 votes

Italian Meatball Soup

Prep 20 minutes
Cook 30 minutes
Total 50 minutes
Rate Recipe
You're going to love this Italian Meatball Soup. Easy and delicious, tender homemade beef meatballs and loaded with vegetables – it's a quick, hearty meal to satisfy all appetites! 
10

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef (extra lean)
  • 1 small onion (chopped or shredded)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

For Soup

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 2 medium carrots (diced)
  • 3 stalks celery (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 cup beef broth (low sodium)
  • 2 cups water
  • 29 ounce diced tomatoes ((1 large can))
  • 29 ounce cannellini beans (drained and rinsed (1 large can or 2 small ones))
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling over the top)

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Prepare meatballs: In a large bowl, add together all of the meatball ingredients; mix well until well incorporated. Shape the meatballs so they are about 1 inch in diameter. This should produce about 25 – 30 meatballs – depending on how big you make them. Place the meatballs onto a plate and place them in the fridge until ready to use.
  • Saute the sauteables: In a large dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add in the onion, carrots, and celery and saute for about 5 minutes, until the onion and veggies are soft. Next, stir in the garlic and let cook for another 30 seconds.
  • Build the soup: Add the broth and water to the dutch oven, followed by the tomatoes, cannellini beans, salt and pepper and Italian seasoning; bring everything to a boil.
  • Cook meatballs: Remove meatballs from the fridge and add them to the soup 1 at a time. Once all the meatballs are in the dutch oven, reduce to medium heat, cover the pot, and let cook for about 20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
  • Garnish and serve: When meatballs are fully cooked through, remove from heat and serve in individual bowls. Garnished with parmesan cheese and voila!

Equipment

  • 6 Quart Dutch Oven
  • Glass Mixing Bowl Set (3 piece)
  • Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop

Notes

  1. In an airtight container this soup will last 3 – 4 days.
  2. You can definitely freeze your Italian meatball soup too. Stored in one large airtight container or store in individual containers and it will last 2 – 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the microwave or over the stove top over medium heat.
 

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1servingCalories: 237kcal (12%)Carbohydrates: 21g (7%)Protein: 20g (40%)Fat: 10g (15%)Saturated Fat: 4g (25%)Cholesterol: 55mg (18%)Sodium: 983mg (43%)Potassium: 613mg (18%)Fiber: 6g (25%)Sugar: 4g (4%)Vitamin A: 2288IU (46%)Vitamin C: 11mg (13%)Calcium: 194mg (19%)Iron: 4mg (22%)

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

overhead shot of a spoon taking a bite of italian meatball soup

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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13 Comments
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Janice March
Janice March
Posted: 1 month ago

5 stars
Really liked the Italian Meatball Soup Recipe. Very flavorful and the addition of the parmesan cheese was perfect. One of my go to “happy meals” during these cold winter months

0
Reply
Marsha Fink
Marsha Fink
Posted: 8 months ago

Would this soup work with frozen cocktail meatballs?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Marsha Fink
Posted: 8 months ago

Sure, if you’d like to save some time, use frozen meatballs.

0
Reply
Bonnie
Bonnie
Posted: 8 months ago

Can you partially cook the meatballs first, so there isn’t so much fat transferred to the soup?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Bonnie
Posted: 8 months ago

Absolutely, you can bake them in the oven for a bit or even in your air fryer.

0
Reply
Karen
Karen
Posted: 8 months ago

This recipe looks really delicious. Do you think I can make the meatballs with an egg substitute? I have a Gluten free, egg free, grandson and trying to find things he can eat is really tough. I am baking a gluten free bread that he loves right nowI This soup looks delicious and nutritious and I would like to make it for him.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Karen
Posted: 8 months ago

Yes, you can. Use a combination of GF breadcrumbs and milk together, that will act as a good binder for the meatballs.

0
Reply
Debra Kay Colaluca
Debra Kay Colaluca
Posted: 11 months ago

5 stars
This meatball soup was awesome! We omitted the beans to keep it #keto, and added Italian sausage to the meatballs. Thanks for ANOTHER great recipe!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Debra Kay Colaluca
Posted: 11 months ago

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it!

0
Reply
J w
J w
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
Hi jo, I love your recipes. I use many of them often for our dinner rotation. We love this soup but my husband doesn’t like diced tomatoes. Would it work to substitute the diced tomatoes with tomato sauce or tomato paste?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  J w
Posted: 1 year ago

I would probably go with tomato sauce. 🙂

0
Reply
Corie
Corie
Posted: 1 year ago

This is a great soup recipe! It was easy to prepare and really delivered on flavor. I added gluten free pasta to it for more carbs- very good! Thank you so much for this delightful recipe.

0
Reply
Jessica Wright
Jessica Wright
Posted: 2 years ago

Just saw that you did include crockpot directions in the recipe. Thank you!

0
Reply

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I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
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