Mini Meatball Soup
A hearty and flavorful mini meatball soup featuring savory meatballs, fresh spinach, and pasta in a comforting broth, perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil ⓘ
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 2 ribs celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef, pork and veal combined ⓘ
- 1 beaten egg ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Parmigiano or Romano cheese, grated
- 1/2 c. plain bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. freshly grated or ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 6 c. chicken stock or broth ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. dried pasta ⓘ
- 1 lb. triple washed fresh spinach, coarsely chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- In a deep pot over medium heat, add olive oil, chopped carrots, celery, onions, and bay leaves.
- Season with salt and pepper, cover the pot, and cook the vegetables for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the vegetables cook, combine ground beef, beaten egg, minced garlic, grated cheese, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to form meat mixture.
- Shape the meat mixture into small meatballs.
- Add the chicken stock and water to the pot with the cooked vegetables and bring to a boil.
- Gently add the meatballs to the boiling broth and cook for about 10 minutes until they are cooked through.
- Add the dried pasta to the soup and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the meatball mixture. If you don't have all the meats, you can substitute with just ground beef or turkey. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread crumbs. To enhance the broth, try adding a splash of white wine while cooking the vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the mini meatball soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes featuring pasta. Garnish with extra grated cheese and fresh herbs for added flavor. This hearty soup makes a comforting lunch or dinner option, especially on chilly days.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens. This soup also freezes well; just ensure to freeze without the pasta and add it fresh when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mini Meatball Soup contains roughly 1599 calories, with 42g protein, 200g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (110% of the Daily Value), protein (83% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this mini meatball soup can be made ahead of time. Prepare the soup up to the point before adding the pasta, then cool and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat and add the pasta for a fresh-cooked texture.
What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Any small pasta shapes work well in this soup, such as ditalini, orzo, or even mini shells. Choose a pasta that will hold its shape and not overcook easily. If you prefer a gluten-free option, try gluten-free pasta varieties that are available.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the soup. Though fresh spinach adds a nice texture, frozen spinach is a convenient alternative that works well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).