Italian Wedding Soup (Mini Meatballs)

Italian Wedding Soup (Mini Meatballs) is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s a classic soup that’s loved for its rich, flavorful broth combined with tender mini meatballs and nutritious vegetables. When you take that first spoonful, you can’t help but feel a sense of comfort. This recipe is not only delicious but also quite simple to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings with family and friends. Plus, there’s something really rewarding about making your own meatballs from scratch. You just season them to your liking and watch them cook to perfection. If you’ve never made Italian Wedding Soup before, now is the perfect time! Let’s explore why this comforting dish is a favorite, the delightful ingredients you’ll need, and the step-by-step instructions to create your very own pot of happiness.

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Why This Recipe Works

This Italian Wedding Soup is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, creating a heartwarming dish perfect for any occasion. The mini meatballs are tender and flavorful, thanks to a blend of beef and sausage, while the broth is enriched with the umami of chicken and beef stocks. Moreover, the addition of fresh vegetables and spinach delivers essential nutrients, making this soup not only delicious but also wholesome.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Wedding Soup (Mini Meatballs)

You’ll fall in love with this soup for its comforting qualities and ease of preparation. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this recipe provides a satisfying meal that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia. Not to mention, the vibrant flavors keep it exciting, making each bowl a delightful experience. It’s truly like eating a little piece of comfort food magic with every spoonful.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces ground sausage, casings removed
• 8 ounces ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons lukewarm water
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2/3 cup acini di pepe pasta
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, more to taste
• 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice

Preparing the Meatballs

Combine Ingredients for Meatballs

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage, ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Getting the right mix of these ingredients is key to flavorful meatballs.

Form Mini Meatballs

Next, gradually add lukewarm water to the mixture, using your hands to mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep those meatballs tender! Now, scoop out about 2 teaspoons of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place these on the parchment-lined baking sheet, repeating until you have around 40 mini meatballs. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10 minutes while you prepare the soup.

Making the Soup

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large soup pot over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the crushed red pepper flakes, diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-6 minutes until they’re tender. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, letting those fragrant smells take over your kitchen.

Combine Broths and Simmer

Now, it’s time to pour in both the chicken and beef broths. Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring it all to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Add Pasta and Meatballs

After the broth has simmered, stir in the acini di pepe pasta and cook until tender, which usually takes about 6 minutes. Now, gently add the mini meatballs and chopped spinach, cooking until the spinach has wilted and everything is well combined.

Final Seasoning

Finally, stir in a bit of salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and some extra Parmesan cheese before serving. These finishing touches will elevate the flavors even more, making each delicious spoonful sing.

Serving Suggestions

To truly enjoy your Italian Wedding Soup, serve it up hot with some crusty bread on the side. A sprinkle of extra grated cheese on top adds an irresistible finishing touch, perfect for scooping up all that flavor.

Tips for Success

1. Do Not Overmix the Meatballs: Keeping the meatballs tender is key.
2. Quality Broth Matters: Use high-quality chicken and beef broth for the richest flavor.
3. Adjust Lemon to Taste: If you love zesty flavors, feel free to add more lemon juice.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, substitute the meatballs with lentil or mushroom-based alternatives.
• Different Greens: Experiment with adding kale or Swiss chard for a unique twist on flavor and texture.

Storage Tips

After preparing this delicious soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months, making it a great make-ahead meal!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen vegetables instead?
Yes! Frozen veggies can be a great time-saver, just add them towards the end of cooking to maintain their texture.

2. What can I pair with this soup?
It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a fresh salad that rounds out the meal.

3. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and bake the meatballs in advance, storing them until you’re ready to make the soup.

4. How do I reheat leftovers?
Gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if necessary to keep it from drying out.

5. Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your broth is gluten-free as well.

This Italian Wedding Soup (Mini Meatballs) is truly an uplifting dish, capturing the essence of comforting home cooking. It’s perfect for any occasion, and the cozy flavors ensure it’ll remain a beloved favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy every moment spent making this soup, and savor each flavorful bite that comes from it!

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