Italian Meatball Soup – A Hearty and Flavorful Soup with Tender Meatballs, Kale, and Ditalini Pasta

This Italian Meatball Soup is packed with delicious flavors, from the tender homemade meatballs to the fragrant herbs and savory tomato broth. It’s the perfect dish for a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out. With its hearty meatballs, nutritious kale, and ditalini pasta, this soup is not only filling but also bursting with Italian flavors that will make you feel like you’re dining in the heart of Italy.

Scroll to the bottom for recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Italian Meatball Soup

Italian meatballs are a classic comfort food, and this soup takes all the best parts of a traditional Italian meal and turns it into a soul-warming soup. The combination of tender beef and sausage meatballs simmered in a rich tomato broth with fragrant garlic, herbs, and fresh kale makes this dish a family favorite. With the addition of ditalini pasta, this soup is both hearty and satisfying, perfect for cozy dinners or a make-ahead meal.

Why Italian Meatball Soup Will Become Your New Favorite Comfort Dish

This Italian Meatball Soup is a full meal in itself, with everything from protein-packed meatballs to vitamin-rich kale and hearty pasta. The rich broth, seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, ties it all together, making it the perfect dish for a chilly night. The homemade meatballs are tender and flavorful, while the kale adds a fresh, slightly bitter note that complements the richness of the tomato broth. Plus, it's easy to make, and the meatballs can even be prepped ahead of time for a quick weeknight dinner!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 32g
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fiber: 4g

This soup is rich in protein and fiber, making it a balanced meal that will keep you full and satisfied.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve this Italian Meatball Soup with a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal. For an extra indulgent option, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup just before serving. If you're feeling adventurous, serve the soup alongside a glass of Chianti or your favorite Italian red wine for a deliciously cozy dinner.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Italian Meatball Soup stores well and is perfect for meal prepping. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through, or microwave individual portions. If you're planning to freeze the soup, do so without the pasta to prevent it from becoming too soft when reheated. Just add freshly cooked pasta when you're ready to serve.

Fun Fact: The Tradition of Italian Meatballs

While spaghetti and meatballs are a well-known Italian-American dish, in Italy, meatballs (or "polpette") are traditionally served on their own or in soups like this one. Each region in Italy has its own version of meatballs, often made with a mix of meats, herbs, and cheese. In this soup, the meatballs are made with a mix of beef and Italian sausage for an extra flavorful and tender bite.

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Cooking Tips

1. Don’t Overmix the Meatballs: When making the meatballs, mix the ingredients just until combined to ensure they stay tender.
2. Pre-Cook the Meatballs: Baking the meatballs before adding them to the soup ensures they hold their shape and don’t fall apart in the broth.
3. Add the Kale Last: To keep the kale vibrant and tender, stir it into the soup at the end, just before serving.

Optional Variations

• Swap the Greens: If you’re not a fan of kale, you can substitute it with spinach, Swiss chard, or even escarole for a milder flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta entirely for a lower-carb option.
• Boost the Spice: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth or use spicy Italian sausage in the meatballs.

Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• ¾ lb lean ground beef
• ¾ lb Italian sausage, casing removed
• ½ onion, grated
• ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 3 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Soup:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• ¾ cup ditalini pasta
• ½ bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves

Optional Ingredients:

• Crusty bread for serving
• Grated Parmesan for garnish

Instructions:

1. Make the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, grated onion, Panko, milk, egg, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, and basil. Season with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper. Using a spoon or your hands, mix until well combined.
3. Form the meatballs: Roll the mixture into ¾-inch meatballs, using about 1 tbsp of the mixture per meatball. You should have around 45 meatballs.
4. Bake the meatballs: Place the meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until cooked through, about 15 minutes. Set aside.
5. Start the soup: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Thicken the soup base: Whisk in the flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
7. Build the broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken stock and tomato sauce. Stir in the cooked meatballs. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Cook the pasta and kale: Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Add the chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
9. Finish and serve: Stir in the fresh basil, season the soup with additional salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately. Enjoy with crusty bread and freshly grated Parmesan, if desired.

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Italian Meatball Soup is a heartwarming dish that brings all the flavors of a traditional Italian meal into one comforting bowl. With tender meatballs, hearty pasta, and a rich tomato broth, this soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week. The addition of kale adds a nutritious twist, making this a well-rounded, satisfying meal. Serve it with a side of garlic bread, and you’ll have an Italian-inspired feast that everyone will love!