This Italian Meatball Soup recipe is a cozy, satisfying meal made with tender beef meatballs, pasta, and a rich tomato broth. It’s quick to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings when you want something comforting without extra effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, tomato-based broth with classic Italian flavor
- Works perfectly with homemade or store-bought meatballs
- Simple one-pot meal with minimal prep
- Filling yet light, thanks to the brothy texture
- Easy to customize with pasta shapes and vegetables
Italian Meatball Soup Recipe (Easy & Comforting)
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef meatballs halal-friendly
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 red bell pepper finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped or torn
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Halal parmesan-style cheese optional for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red bell pepper, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and meatballs. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the pasta and stir well.
- Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for about 15 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot with halal parmesan-style cheese if desired.
Notes
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef meatballs (halal-friendly)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped or torn
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Halal parmesan-style cheese, optional for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red bell pepper, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and meatballs. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the pasta and stir well.
- Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for about 15 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot with halal parmesan-style cheese if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Use small meatballs so they heat evenly in the soup
- If the soup thickens too much, add extra beef broth
- Short pasta shapes like rotini or ditalini work well
- Fire-roasted tomatoes add extra depth of flavor
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
You can add zucchini, spinach, or carrots for extra vegetables. Serve with crusty bread or garlic flatbread for a complete meal.
Nutrition (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 18g
FAQ
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, just ensure they are fully cooked and halal-certified.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but cook pasta separately if storing longer than one day.
What pasta works best?
Fusilli, rotini, shells, or ditalini all work well.
Is this soup spicy?
Only mildly if you use red pepper flakes; feel free to omit them.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check broth labels.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze without pasta for up to 2 months
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove, adding broth if needed
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Conclusion
This Italian Meatball Soup recipe is the perfect balance of comfort and simplicity. With tender meatballs, pasta, and a flavorful tomato broth, it’s a reliable go-to meal you’ll want to make again and again.