The aroma of this creamy Italian meatball soup wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug on a cold day. Just imagine spooning into a rich, velvety broth filled with tender meatballs and vibrant veggiesβitβs pure magic in a bowl!
Now, picture yourself gathered around the dinner table with friends and family, laughter bouncing off the walls as everyone digs into this deliciously creamy masterpiece. Itβs not just food; itβs an experience that warms your heart and soul on chilly nights.
Family and friends couldnβt stop raving about this creamy Italian meatball soup during our last dinner party!
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: A blend of beef and pork works best for juicy and flavorful meatballs.
- Italian Breadcrumbs: Opt for seasoned breadcrumbs to enhance the flavor profile of the meatballs.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan for an added depth of flavor that melts beautifully in the broth.
- Fresh Basil: Use fragrant basil leaves to bring brightness and freshness to your soup.
- Carrots and Celery: Dice these vegetables finely for sweetness and crunch in every spoonful.
- Heavy Cream: Essential for giving the soup its signature creaminess; donβt skimp here!
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth as the base for a well-balanced flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add aromatic warmth that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Onion: Finely chopped onions provide sweetness; cook until translucent for optimal flavor release.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for sautΓ©ing vegetables; it enhances overall taste.
- Dried Oregano and Thyme: These herbs add essential Mediterranean flavors that transport you straight to Italy.
- Salt and Pepper: Donβt forget these staples; season to taste throughout cooking for maximum flavor impact.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it together
Create the Meatballs: Start by preheating your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combinedβovermixing will create tough meatballs.
Shape Your Meatballs: Using wet hands (to avoid sticking), form small balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until browned.
SautΓ© Your Veggies: While your meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery; sautΓ© until onions are translucent and veggies softenβabout 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic along with dried thyme and oregano. Cook for another minute until fragrantβthe smell should be heavenly!
Pour in Chicken Broth : Slowly pour in low-sodium chicken broth while scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the panβthese add incredible flavor! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add Cream and Meatballs : Once simmering, stir in heavy cream followed by baked meatballs. Let everything simmer together for another 10-15 minutes so flavors meld beautifully.
Add Fresh Basil : Just before serving, stir in fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch. Taste-test one last time before adjusting the seasoning if necessaryβyou want this perfect!
Each step brings you closer to enjoying this delectable creamy Italian meatball soup that will leave you craving more.
Enjoy every comforting bite of this creamy Italian meatball soup as it wraps you up like your favorite sweater! Youβll find it hard not to go back for secondsβor thirdsβbecause who can resist such deliciousness?
Perfecting the Cooking Process
SautΓ© the vegetables first for extra flavor, then add broth and meatballs together for a seamless cook.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in turkey or veggie meatballs for a lighter twist; fresh herbs can elevate the flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain texture.
Creating this creamy Italian meatball soup was a highlight during a chilly winter night, where family gathered, sharing laughter and compliments over bowls of warm goodness.
FAQ
What can I serve with creamy Italian meatball soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.
Can I freeze creamy Italian meatball soup?
Yes, you can freeze it; just ensure it cools completely before storing.
How do I make my meatballs more flavorful?
Incorporate grated cheese and fresh herbs into the meat mixture for an extra punch.

Creamy Italian Meatball Soup
- Author: Sofia
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is a cozy, heartwarming dish featuring juicy meatballs in a rich, velvety brothβperfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Italian breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
- Carrots and celery
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Garlic
- Onion
- Olive oil
- Dried oregano and thyme
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Form small meatballs (about 1 inch) with wet hands and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until browned.
- In a large pot over medium heat, sautΓ© chopped onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened (5-7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and herbs; cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer while scraping up any brown bits from the pot.
- Stir in heavy cream and baked meatballs; simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Before serving, mix in fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: - For a lighter option, substitute turkey or veggie meatballs. - Add extra fresh herbs for enhanced flavor. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat on the stovetop.