Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

If you ask my husband he will tell you that the best soup is a delicious, creamy soup.  When I ask him why he replies because they are just so hearty and comforting.  He's not wrong, but there are PLENTY of soups that are equally as hearty and comforting that have no cream in them.  Take my Italian Meatball Soup Recipe (Not to be confused with Italian Wedding Soup which I have a recipe for (HERE).

This Easy Italian Soup is a recipe everyone will love.  Juicy Italian meatballs, hearty veggies, robust sauce. The perfect comfort food for these cold and rainy Spring days.  This is sure to become a staple in your kitchen so...

Let's Get Started!

BEFORE WE BEGIN LET'S TALK MEATBALLS:

Obviously with an Italian Meatball soup it's all about the meatballs.  If you have the time I HIGHLY recommend you make the meatballs by hand.  It's not as hard as you may think and it WILL make all the difference in your soup.  The key to a great meatballs is getting enough moisture in it, but not overworking the meat.  You want light and fluffy meatballs.  Here is how I was taught long ago to make meatballs and they come out perfect every time.

HOMEMADE MEATBALLS:

• 1 lb. Ground Beef
• 1/2 c. Bread Crumbs
• 1/2 c. Parmesan Cheese, grated
• 1/4 c. milk or heavy cream
• 1 Egg
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 tbsp. Garlic Powder
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Mix your meat, breadcrumbs, milk, parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in a bowl.
2. Using a scoop, if you have one, make your meatballs.  If you don't have a scoop, think golf ball size meatballs.
3. Place your meatballs in the fridge for 30 minutes or the freezer for 10 to set. 
4. In a large, hot pot, add oil and brown your meatballs for approximately 2 minutes on each side.
5. Be sure to do this in small batches. 
6. Finish cooking the meatballs in the soup. 

I know what you're thinking, that sounds like A LOT of work, and it is, but if you have time it's worth it.  

But let's just say you don't have time, or you are on a tight budget, or you're just not comfortable in the kitchen, whatever.  Don't let that stop you from trying this recipe.  There are LOADS of shortcuts you can use in this recipe and here are just a few.  

SHORTCUTS:

• Frozen Meatballs
• Frozen Kale
• Frozen Onions
• Frozen Carrots and Celery
• Minced Garlic
• Boxed Stock
• Bullion Powder

So many shortcuts that will ensure that this soup is JUST as delicious!  

WHAT ABOUT THE PASTA?

Of course the best pasta to use in this recipe is one you have on hand BUT I recommend using a small pasta like mini bowtie, orzo, ditalini, mini shells, etc.  Smaller pastas just make for a better bite in my opinion.  

Okay, enough of my rambling, let's get to the recipe.