Name: Meatball Soup with Vegetables and Italian Spices Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs ground beef; ¼ cup finely minced yellow onions; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ⅓ cup Italian or plain breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil (for browning meatballs); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped; 3 stalks celery, chopped; 1 ½ cups green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch segments; 1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 6 cups low sodium beef broth; 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce; 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted tomatoes; ¾ cup Mini Farfalle pasta, ditalini, acini de pepe, or orzo; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 12 reviews

If you are craving a warm, comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Meatball Soup with Vegetables and Italian Spices Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining juicy homemade meatballs with vibrant garden-fresh vegetables, hearty pasta, and a broth infused with classic Italian spices, it’s a soul-satisfying meal perfect for any day. Whether it’s a relaxing dinner after a busy day or a special weekend treat, this soup balances rich flavors and wholesome ingredients in a way that simply makes you want to savor every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of many small, round brown meatballs in a dark pan. The meatballs have a crispy, textured outer layer with a mix of darker brown and lighter brown colors, showing they are cooked well. A wooden spoon is scooping several meatballs from the pan, held by a woman's hand that is partially visible. The background surface is white marbled texture, making the pan and meatballs stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this soup lies in its simple, yet essential ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, bring texture, and add beautiful color to the bowl. From the tender meatballs to the crisp vegetables and fragrant Italian herbs, every component plays a vital role in crafting this delicious meal.

Ground beef: The star protein that turns into juicy meatballs bursting with flavor.
Yellow onions: Finely minced for the meatballs and chopped for the soup base, onions bring sweetness and depth.
Garlic: Minced in the meatballs and powdered in the soup to enhance that classic Italian aroma.
Bread crumbs: Help bind the meatballs together for that perfect tender bite.
Egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep the meatballs from falling apart.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle tang and umami punch to the meatballs.
Olive oil: Used for browning meatballs and sautéing vegetables, bringing richness without overwhelming.
Carrots: Chopped and peeled to deliver a touch of sweetness and color contrast.
Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch and balances the sweetness of the carrots.
Green beans: Trimmed and cut to enhance texture and vibrant green color.
Dried parsley, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder: These Italian spices create the unmistakable classic flavor profile.
Low sodium beef broth: Forms a rich, savory foundation for the soup’s heartiness.
Tomato sauce and fire-roasted tomatoes: Bring acidity, sweetness, and a hint of smokiness for complexity.
Mini pasta (farfalle, ditalini, or orzo): Perfectly sized to sip alongside spoonfuls of meatballs and veggies.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled just before serving to add a bright, fresh finish.
Salt and pepper: Essential to season everything just right.

How to Make Meatball Soup with Vegetables and Italian Spices Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Meatballs

Start by gently mixing ground beef with finely minced onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This simple blend ensures the meatballs stay tender and flavorful. Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs using about 1 ½ tablespoons for consistency, then brown them in olive oil on medium to medium-high heat. Browning is key as it locks in flavors and gives the meatballs a beautiful crust. Work in batches so they cook evenly without steaming.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Spices

In a heavy stockpot, warm olive oil over medium heat and add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and green beans. Sauté the vegetables for 7 to 8 minutes until they soften and release their natural aromas. Adding the dried parsley, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder next lets the spices bloom, enhancing the soup’s Italian character. Cook the spices with the vegetables for about 2 minutes while stirring, creating a flavorful base.

Step 3: Combine Broth, Tomatoes, Pasta, and Meatballs

Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Bring this vibrant mixture to a boil, then lower to a simmer so flavors meld beautifully without overcooking. After about 7 to 10 minutes, stir in your chosen pasta along with the browned meatballs. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until the pasta becomes tender—a crucial step to avoid mushy noodles. This final simmer lets all the flavors dance together in harmony.

How to Serve Meatball Soup with Vegetables and Italian Spices Recipe

A white bowl filled with a rich, brownish-red broth soup containing several small, round meatballs floating evenly throughout. There are visible chunks of bright orange carrots, green beans, diced celery, and tomato pieces, along with small pasta shapes that look like butterflies scattered around. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a dark green textured cloth napkin beside it. In the background, an orange pot filled with more of the same soup is partially visible, adding a warm contrast to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley sprinkled on top immediately lifts the soup, adding a pop of color and a fresh herbal brightness that complements the hearty flavors. If you love cheese, a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese can add a savory, salty finish that melds wonderfully with the Italian spices.

Side Dishes

Since this soup is filling and packed with protein and veggies, simple sides work best. Crusty Italian bread or a fresh baguette is perfect for dipping and soaking up that delicious broth. A side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast and balances the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in rustic bowls or even bread bowls for a fun, casual presentation. For gatherings, consider ladling the soup into mini soup mugs for appetizer-sized portions. Adding a sprig of fresh herbs or a drizzle of good quality olive oil over each bowl just before serving enhances both flavor and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Meatball Soup with Vegetables and Italian Spices Recipe tastes just as delightful the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for healthy, ready-to-go meals.

Freezing

You can also freeze this soup for up to 2 months. To do so, keep the meatballs and soup separate from the pasta because the pasta can get mushy when thawed. Freeze the broth and meatballs in containers, thaw overnight in the fridge, and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add pasta last, if stored separately, and heat just until tender. This way, you preserve that fresh al dente bite in your pasta, making each reheated bowl just as comforting as the first.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken make lighter alternatives. Just keep in mind they might be a bit less fatty, so adding a bit of olive oil or a splash of broth can help keep the meatballs moist.

What pasta works best in this Meatball Soup with Vegetables and Italian Spices Recipe?

Small shapes like mini farfalle, ditalini, or orzo are perfect because they cook quickly and spoon up together with meat and soup, creating a balanced bite every time.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can! Replace beef broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based meatballs or hearty beans instead. The Italian spices and vegetables make it flavorful enough to stand on its own.

How can I control the soup’s thickness?

If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly or simmer a bit longer uncovered to concentrate the flavors. To keep it lighter, add more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is this soup freezer-friendly with the pasta included?

It’s best to freeze the soup without pasta to avoid mushiness. Cook pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat the frozen soup for best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of this Meatball Soup with Vegetables and Italian Spices Recipe. It’s hearty, healthy, and bursting with the warmth of homemade goodness. Cooking this soup is like wrapping yourself in a cozy Italian embrace, and I promise once you try it, it will quickly become one of your comfort food favorites to turn to again and again. So grab your apron and enjoy every delicious spoonful!

Meatball Soup with Vegetables and Italian Spices Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need