Warm, wholesome, and brimming with comfort—Italian Wedding Soup is a beautiful harmony of tender meatballs, vibrant veggies, tiny pasta, and savory broth. This version uses lean ground beef for a wholesome twist without sacrificing any of the classic richness. Whether it’s for a quiet family dinner or a comforting dish on a chilly evening, this soup is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
| For the Meatballs |
|
| Lean ground beef |
16 oz |
| Fresh white breadcrumbs |
1/2 cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped |
1/4 cup |
| Fresh oregano, minced |
1 1/2 tsp |
| Parmesan cheese, finely shredded |
1/2 cup |
| Large egg |
1 |
| Salt and pepper |
To taste |
| Olive oil (for browning) |
1 tbsp |
| For the Soup |
|
| Olive oil |
1 tbsp |
| Carrots, diced (about 1/4 inch) |
1 1/4 cups |
| Yellow onion, diced |
1 1/4 cups |
| Celery, diced (about 1/4 inch) |
3/4 cup |
| Garlic, minced |
4 cloves |
| Low-sodium chicken broth |
5 cans (14.5 oz each) |
| Acini de pepe or orzo pasta |
1 cup |
| Fresh spinach, chopped |
6 oz |
| Parmesan cheese, for garnish |
To taste |
Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, oregano, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
- Roll into small meatballs (about 3/4 to 1 inch wide) and place on a plate.
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the meatballs in batches for about 4 minutes, turning occasionally to brown 2–3 sides. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. (They’ll finish cooking in the soup.)
2. Build the Soup Base
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add diced carrots, onions, and celery. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer
- Pour in the chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Pasta & Meatballs
- Stir in the pasta and pre-browned meatballs. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and meatballs are cooked through.
5. Stir in Spinach
- Add chopped spinach and simmer for 1 minute until wilted.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Ladle into bowls and top with a sprinkle of finely shredded Parmesan.
- Serve warm with crusty bread or garlic toast if desired.
