Go Back
Adam

Savor the Comfort: Creamy Italian Meatball Soup | Hearty, Cozy & Full of Flavor

There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of warm, creamy soup, especially when it’s filled with tender meatballs, fresh spinach, and a flavorful broth infused with herbs and cream. Enter: Creamy Italian Meatball Soup—a dish that wraps you in warmth, satisfies your hunger, and fills your kitchen with the aroma of garlic, Parmesan, and savory spices. This soup is hearty yet light, combining the classic Italian flavors of fresh basil, garlic, onion, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning in a creamy broth that’s elevated with tender homemade beef meatballs. It’s rich without being heavy, easy to make, and perfect for meal prepping or serving a hungry crowd. Whether it’s a cold evening, a family dinner, or a cozy weekend lunch, this Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meats:
  • 1 lb ground beef
Fruits & Vegetables:
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup fresh tomatoes diced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
  • Handful of fresh basil chopped (for garnish)
Fresh Products:
  • 1 egg
  • Canned Goods:
  • 4 cups chicken broth
Culinary Aids & Spices:
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Oils & Vinegars:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Breads & Baked Goods:
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
Dairy Products:
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

  • To bring this comforting bowl of goodness to life, you'll need:
  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Garlic press (optional)
  • Soup ladle
  • Small scoop or hands (for forming meatballs)

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Meatballs
  1. In a large bowl, combine:
  2. 1 lb ground beef
  3. ½ cup breadcrumbs
  4. 1 egg
  5. ½ teaspoon salt
  6. ¼ teaspoon pepper
  7. ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  8. 1 clove garlic, minced
  9. 2 tablespoons chopped onion
  10. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined.
  11. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
  12. Set aside on a plate or tray.
Step 2: Sear the Meatballs
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the meatballs in batches and sear until browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes.
  3. Remove from pot and set aside (they’ll finish cooking in the soup).
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
  1. In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
  2. Add the remaining onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Build the Soup Base
  1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  2. Return the meatballs to the pot.
  3. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  4. Simmer gently for 12–15 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Spinach
  1. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream.
  2. Add the chopped spinach and simmer for 3–4 minutes until wilted.
  3. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and taste for seasoning.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
  1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
  2. Top with fresh chopped basil and extra Parmesan, if desired.
  3. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.
Reheating Instructions:
Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat until hot, stirring occasionally.
Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
Note: If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🥄 Variations
Want to mix things up? Try these tasty twists:
Turkey Meatball Soup: Use ground turkey for a leaner option.
Add Pasta: Stir in orzo, ditalini, or small pasta shells in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper to the soup base.
No Cream Version: Skip the cream for a lighter, broth-based soup.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and omit Parmesan.
Add Carrots or Zucchini: Dice and sauté with the onions for extra vegetables.
Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: Add a small cube of mozzarella inside each meatball for a gooey surprise.
Rustic Style: Don’t chop the spinach—leave it whole for a more rustic presentation.
Vegetarian Option: Replace meatballs with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, use pre-cooked frozen beef or chicken meatballs. Add them directly to the simmering broth and cook until heated through.
2. What’s the best type of beef for the meatballs?
Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Make the entire soup up to 2 days in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat before serving.
4. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the soup will be thinner. Half-and-half is a better substitute if you want to reduce fat without losing creaminess.
5. What herbs can I substitute for basil?
Try fresh parsley or chopped spinach leaves as a garnish if basil isn’t available.
6. Can I make the meatballs smaller?
Absolutely. Just reduce cooking time slightly and ensure they’re still fully cooked before serving.
7. Can I freeze the soup with cream in it?
Yes, but keep in mind that dairy can sometimes separate when frozen. Stir well when reheating to bring it back together.
8. Is this soup gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free broth.
9. How can I make the soup thicker?
Simmer uncovered to reduce the broth, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken slightly.
10. What bread goes best with this soup?
Serve with Italian bread, focaccia, or crispy garlic toast for dipping!
🏁 Conclusion
This Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is everything you want in a comforting bowl of food: warmth, richness, freshness, and just the right amount of indulgence. From the juicy beef meatballs to the creamy, herb-scented broth, every bite delivers cozy satisfaction and big Italian flavor.
Whether you're serving it to your family, guests, or just enjoying a quiet bowl on a chilly evening, this soup is bound to become a regular on your comfort food menu.