Description
Creamy Italian meatball soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender meatballs with a velvety broth enriched by garlic and Parmesan. This delightful recipe is perfect for any occasion, evoking the cozy ambiance of an Italian trattoria. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a comforting meal at home, this soup promises to deliver rich flavors and satisfying warmth in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Form small meatballs (about 1 inch) and place them on a baking sheet.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches without overcrowding. Brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
- Build the Soup Base: In the same pot, add diced onions and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes). Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, incorporating any browned bits from the pot. Return meatballs to the pot along with spinach; cook until spinach wilts (about 2 minutes).
- Final Touches: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef. Feel free to add kale or other leafy greens for extra nutrition. To enhance flavor, experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil.