Easy Creamy Italian Meatball Soup Recipe You’ll Love
Are you in the mood for a comforting bowl of soup that warms your soul? Look no further than this Easy Creamy Italian Meatball Soup Recipe! It’s a delightful dish that combines tender meatballs, rich broth, and fresh veggies, all enveloped in a creamy base. Perfect for chilly nights or any day when you crave a hearty meal, this Italian Meatball Soup is sure to become a family favorite in no time!
Ingredients & Kitchen Tools
Ingredients:
– For the Meatballs:
– 1 pound ground beef or chicken
– 1/4 cup bread crumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– For the Soup:
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
– 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup carrots, diced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Tools:
– Mixing bowl
– Baking sheet
– Large pot or Dutch oven
– Wooden spoon
– Ladle
Prep & Cook Time
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Cook Time: 30 minutes
– Total Time: 50 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the baking sheet.
3. Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until they’re browned and cooked through.
4. Prepare the Soup: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
5. Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Incorporate the Cream: Once simmering, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 10 minutes.
7. Add Meatballs and Spinach: Carefully add the baked meatballs and spinach to the pot. Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious creamy Italian meatball soup!
Nutritional Benefits or Advantages
This Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is not just delicious; it boasts numerous health benefits. The ground meat is a great source of protein, while the tomatoes provide essential vitamins like Vitamin C and antioxidants. Spinach adds iron and additional nutrients, making this soup both satisfying and nutritious.
Tips, Variations, or Substitutions
– Meat Alternatives: You can use ground turkey or lean beef for a lighter option.
– Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version.
– Add More Veggies: Consider adding zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Overworking the meat mixture while forming meatballs can lead to tough meatballs, so mix just until combined.
– Allowing the soup to boil too vigorously after adding cream can result in curdling, so keep the heat on low after incorporating the cream.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove over low heat until heated through. You can add a splash of broth to thin it out if needed.
Conclusion with Call-to-Action
This Easy Creamy Italian Meatball Soup Recipe is truly a comforting dish that you’ll love! It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. We can’t wait for you to enjoy this warm, flavorful bowl of goodness!
FAQs
Can I freeze Creamy Italian Meatball Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup before adding the cream or meatballs. Once thawed, add in the cream and meatballs before serving.
How can I make this soup less creamy?
Simply reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with a lighter alternative like evaporated milk or additional broth.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meatballs in a skillet first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
What can I serve with Italian Meatball Soup?
Crusty bread or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this soup for a complete meal. Enjoy!
