Creamy Italian Meatball Soup
Highlighted under: Warm Bowl Creations
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Creamy Italian Meatball Soup, perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
This Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that will warm your soul. It's perfect for family dinners or a comforting lunch!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture that comforts the soul
- Flavorful meatballs infused with Italian herbs
- A complete meal in a bowl, perfect for any occasion
A Comforting Classic
Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is a delightful twist on traditional Italian flavors, bringing warmth and comfort to your table. This soup combines the heartiness of meatballs with a luscious creamy base, making it perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Each spoonful is a hug in a bowl, ensuring you feel nourished and satisfied.
The combination of tender meatballs and fresh vegetables creates a rich tapestry of textures and flavors. Whether served as a main dish or a hearty appetizer, this soup is versatile enough to adapt to any occasion. It's not just a recipe; it's an experience that invites you to savor the moment.
Flavorful Ingredients
The key to this Creamy Italian Meatball Soup lies in its carefully selected ingredients. Ground beef provides a robust foundation for the meatballs, while breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese add depth and a delightful chewiness. Fresh parsley infuses a burst of color and freshness, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
In the soup, aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery create a savory base, complemented by the rich chicken broth and vibrant diced tomatoes. The addition of heavy cream transforms the broth into a creamy delight that perfectly balances the hearty meatballs, making this soup a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it's a busy weeknight or a special family dinner, Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is a go-to recipe that fits seamlessly into your culinary repertoire. It's an excellent choice for meal prepping, as the flavors deepen and improve over time. Simply store leftovers in the fridge or freezer, and enjoy this delicious soup whenever you crave a taste of Italy.
This soup is also highly customizable. Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Add more vegetables for extra nutrition, or use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. The possibilities are endless, ensuring that you'll never tire of this comforting classic.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious soup:
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start making the soup!
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your Creamy Italian Meatball Soup:
Make the Meatballs
In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
Brown the Meatballs
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and add diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
Simmer
Add the meatballs back to the pot, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add Cream and Seasoning
Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Your Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is now ready to be served!
Serving Suggestions
Serve Creamy Italian Meatball Soup with a crusty piece of garlic bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. The combination of flavors will elevate your dining experience, making it feel special without much effort. For an added touch, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top just before serving to enhance the visual appeal.
If you want to impress your guests, consider pairing this soup with a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The crispness of the wine will complement the rich, creamy soup beautifully, creating a harmonious dining experience that your friends and family will rave about.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To store any leftover Creamy Italian Meatball Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, consider portioning the soup into individual servings for easy reheating later on.
When reheating, it's best to do so on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it may change the texture of the creamy broth.
Nutritional Benefits
Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is not only a comforting dish but also offers various nutritional benefits. Ground beef provides essential protein and iron, supporting muscle health and energy levels. The addition of vegetables like carrots and celery contributes vitamins and minerals, promoting overall well-being.
By using low-fat dairy options for the heavy cream or substituting with non-dairy alternatives, you can make this soup more heart-healthy without sacrificing flavor. Enjoying this soup as part of a balanced diet can help fuel your body while satisfying your taste buds.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative for a lighter option.
→ How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs and ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup without the cream. Add cream after reheating.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
You can add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for additional flavor and nutrition.
Creamy Italian Meatball Soup
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Creamy Italian Meatball Soup, perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Created by: Tom
Recipe Type: Warm Bowl Creations
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and add diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
Add the meatballs back to the pot, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 20g