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Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

5.1 from 12 reviews

A hearty and comforting Italian Meatball Soup featuring tender meatballs, flavorful crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and al dente fusilli pasta, all simmered together in a savory beef broth with fresh basil and Italian seasonings. Perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 pound meatballs (see note)

Soup Base

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 fluid ounce) can crushed tomatoes (fire roasted preferred)
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped small
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta & Garnish

  • 1.5 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn or chopped
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese for serving (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meatballs: If making from scratch, prepare your preferred meatball recipe. You can also use store-bought meatballs. Ensure they are ready before starting the soup.
  2. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Add chopped red bell pepper, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and meatballs. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Add Pasta: Once boiling, add uncooked fusilli pasta to the pot. Stir well to prevent sticking.
  6. Simmer Soup: Reduce heat to a low simmer, partially cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar, and cook for about 15 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom. Add extra beef broth if soup gets too thick.
  7. Finish and Serve: Stir in fresh basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Prep time does not include making meatballs from scratch; consider using store-bought or pre-made meatballs for convenience.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to desired spice level or omit for a milder soup.
  • If the soup thickens too much during simmering, add additional beef broth or water to reach desired consistency.
  • Leftover meatballs from your batch can be frozen or used in other recipes.
  • Fire roasted crushed tomatoes add a smoky depth, but regular crushed tomatoes work well too.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian meatball soup, meatball soup recipe, easy Italian soup, beef meatball soup, fusilli pasta soup