Italian Meatball Soup
Few things are as satisfying as a steaming bowl of Italian meatball soup. This classic dish brings together everything you love about Italian cooking — juicy meatballs, aromatic herbs, rich tomato sauce, and tender pasta — all in one warming bowl.
Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, it’s a family-friendly favorite that’s both nourishing and delicious. The beef meatballs soak up the tomato and basil broth beautifully, while risoni pasta adds just the right amount of texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is simple to make and full of flavor, using wholesome ingredients like beef mince, parmesan, and fresh basil. The broth is light yet rich, making it ideal for winter but versatile enough to enjoy all year round.
It’s also budget-friendly and customizable — you can use chicken mince instead of beef, add more vegetables, or even toss in some chili flakes for extra warmth.
💡 Tip: Make extra meatballs and freeze them for future meals — they work perfectly in spaghetti or sandwiches too!
Key Ingredients
Beef mince: Forms the base of the meatballs for rich flavor.
Basil & garlic: Classic Italian aromatics that give depth to the broth.
Tomato pasta sauce: Infuses the soup with vibrant color and tangy flavor.
Risoni pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that thickens the soup beautifully.
Zucchini & green beans: Add freshness, texture, and nutrition.
Parmesan: Provides that signature Italian cheesy finish.
Method
Make the meatballs: Combine mince, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, basil, parmesan, and egg. Season and shape into balls.
Simmer the base: In a large saucepan, combine tomato sauce, stock, and water. Bring to a boil, skim any froth, then add the meatballs.
Add pasta and veggies: Simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in risoni, zucchini, and beans. Cook until tender.
Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, sprinkle with parmesan, and enjoy with crusty Italian bread.
Pro Tips
For extra flavor, brown the meatballs lightly in olive oil before adding them to the soup.
Make it creamy by adding a splash of cream or milk before serving.
Leftovers taste even better the next day — the flavors continue to develop overnight.
Nutrition per Serving
Energy: 2879 kJ (688 cal)
Protein: 38.5 g
Fat: 37.5 g (Saturated 14.0 g)
Carbohydrates: 47.8 g (Sugars 13.6 g)
Sodium: 2.1 g
Health Score: 4.4 / 10 (Low)
