Description
This Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that blends tender homemade meatballs with a rich, creamy broth infused with Italian flavors and fresh spinach. Perfect for cozy dinners, it combines the savory flavors of ground beef, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs, creating a soul-warming meal for approximately six servings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well-blended to form the base for the meatballs.
- Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, ensuring they are evenly sized for even cooking.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for about 5 minutes per side, developing a flavorful crust while sealing in juices.
- Sauté the onion: Remove the browned meatballs from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 3 to 4 minutes, to build flavor in the soup base.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer to gently cook the flavors together.
- Cook meatballs in broth: Return the browned meatballs to the pot and let them simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook fully and absorb the broth flavors.
- Incorporate cream and spinach: Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes, adding creaminess and vibrant color to the soup.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil for added aroma and a burst of freshness. Serve warm to enjoy a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Breadcrumbs can be replaced with gluten-free crumbs if needed.
- Use fresh or dried Italian seasoning based on preference.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pot when browning meatballs to ensure even cooking.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
