As the rich aroma of creamy Italian meatball soup wafts through your kitchen, you know something magical is about to happen. This dish, with its hearty meatballs swimming in a velvety broth, invites you into a world where comfort food reigns supreme and every spoonful feels like a warm hug. rich and creamy potato soup.
Picture this: a chilly evening, friends gathered around the table, laughter filling the air, and bowls of creamy Italian meatball soup steaming in front of everyone. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and creates memories that last a lifetime.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The creamy Italian meatball soup is easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The flavor profile combines savory meatballs with aromatic herbs for an explosion of taste
- Its visual appeal with vibrant colors will impress any guest at your table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for lunch or dinner any day of the week
I once made this creamy Italian meatball soup for my family during a surprise visit from my parents. creamy pumpkin hummus Their delighted expressions were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture in your meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Opt for fresh breadcrumbs—they soak up flavors better than dried ones.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan to add depth and nutty flavor to the meatballs.
- Fresh Basil: Use fresh basil instead of dried for vibrant flavor in the broth.
- Heavy Cream: The key ingredient that adds that luxurious creaminess to your soup.
- Chicken Broth: A flavorful base; choose low-sodium for better control over seasoning.
- Carrots and Celery: These add freshness and crunch; dice them small for even cooking.
- Onion and Garlic: Sautéed until fragrant, they create the perfect aromatic foundation for your soup. perfect side of garlic mashed potatoes.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust to taste as you go!
- Olive Oil: For sautéing veggies and adding a lovely richness to the broth.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Create Flavorful Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it or your meatballs will be tough!
Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes—stirring occasionally.
Add Chicken Broth: Pour in chicken broth while scraping any bits off the bottom of the pot—it adds flavor! Bring to a gentle simmer so all those delicious flavors meld together.
Form Meatballs: While the broth simmers away happily, form small meatballs using your hands (about 1 inch). Don’t worry about perfection; rustic shapes are charming!
Add Meatballs to Soup: Gently drop each meatball into the simmering broth. Let them cook undisturbed for about 15 minutes or until they’re cooked through—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Add Cream: Stir in heavy cream once meatballs are cooked through. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes until it’s thickened slightly; you want it creamy but not overly heavy.
With each step taken towards creating this creamy Italian meatball soup, you’ll feel more connected to those who gather around your table—the laughter shared over bowls brimming with joy is truly priceless! crispy potatoes with pesto. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan potatoes recipe.
You Must Know
- This creamy Italian meatball soup offers warmth and comfort, perfect for chilly days
- The delightful aroma and rich flavors create a cozy atmosphere, making it a family favorite
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it’s sure to impress your guests while being budget-friendly
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meatballs in a pot, then sauté onions and garlic while they cook. After that, add the broth and veggies to simmer together for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano. You can also swap out ingredients, such as adding spinach or using gluten-free pasta. For more inspiration, check out this Ditalini pasta recipe .
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat to preserve texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs for a burst of flavor that dried herbs can’t match
- Ensure meatballs are cooked through by checking their internal temperature, around 165 degrees Fahrenheit
- Adding a splash of cream at the end makes the soup even richer and creamier
Cooking this creamy Italian meatball soup always brings back fond memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and delicious aromas wafting through the house.
FAQ
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them before adding to the soup.
How long can I store leftover creamy Italian meatball soup?
You can keep it in the fridge for about three days.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option.
Creamy Italian Meatball Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Creamy Italian meatball soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a delightful blend of savory meatballs and a rich, velvety broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this easy-to-make dish brings family and friends together around the table, creating cherished memories with every spoonful. With fresh herbs and hearty ingredients, each bowl is a warm embrace on cold days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper until just combined. Form into small meatballs (about 1 inch).
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; sauté onions, carrots, and celery until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Add chicken broth to the pot; bring to a simmer while scraping the bottom to incorporate flavors.
- Gently add meatballs into the simmering broth and cook for about 15 minutes until fully cooked.
- Stir in heavy cream and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
