Name: Creamy Italian Meatball Sou Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 pound ground pork; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup spinach, chopped; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh basil for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Creamy Italian Meatball Sou. This comforting dish brings together tender, flavorful meatballs swimming in a rich, velvety broth that’s flecked with fresh veggies and herbs. The Italian-inspired seasonings paired with a touch of cream create a delectable experience that feels both hearty and indulgent, making it perfect for cozy dinners or sharing with loved ones on chilly evenings.

Creamy Italian Meatball Sou Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the list—the ingredients for this soup are straightforward but essential. Each one plays a key role in balancing the flavors and textures, from the juicy meatballs to the creamy broth and vibrant veggies.

Ground beef and pork: Combining these two adds depth and juiciness to the meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs while keeping them tender.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory flair with its rich umami.
Fresh parsley: Brings a pop of color and freshness.
Egg: Binds everything together for perfectly shaped meatballs.
Garlic and Italian seasoning: Infuse the soup with classic Italian aromas and bold flavor.
Olive oil: For browning meatballs and sautéing vegetables, giving a nice caramelization.
Onion, carrots, and celery: The holy trinity of soup base, providing sweetness and texture.
Chicken broth: Forms the savory, rich base of the soup.
Diced tomatoes: Add acidity and a touch of sweetness for balance.
Heavy cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy and smooth.
Spinach: Adds freshness and a gentle earthiness, plus a beautiful green color.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Give a subtle kick if you like a little heat.
Fresh basil: Garnishes the soup with a final burst of herbaceous brightness.

How to Make Creamy Italian Meatball Sou

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining the ground beef and pork in a large bowl. Adding both meats ensures your meatballs are juicy and flavorful. Mix in the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The trick is to mix just enough to combine everything thoroughly without overworking the meat, so your meatballs stay tender after cooking.

Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs

Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs about an inch in diameter. This size allows them to cook quickly and fit perfectly into spoonfuls of soup. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then brown the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. They don’t need to cook fully here — just get that beautiful golden crust that locks in flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, cook diced onions, carrots, and celery until soft and aromatic. This trio is the flavor foundation for your soup, giving it a subtle sweetness and texture that perfectly complements the meatballs.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a hearty, simply delicious base for the soup.

Step 5: Combine Meatballs and Cream

Gently nestle the browned meatballs back into the pot. Pour in the heavy cream and stir carefully until the soup turns creamy and rich. If you enjoy a hint of spice, this is the time to add red pepper flakes. Let the soup simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, so the meatballs cook through and the flavors deepen.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Spinach

Just before serving, stir in the chopped spinach, letting it wilt for a few minutes. This not only adds vibrant color but also layers in a fresh, leafy taste that lightens the richness of the soup perfectly.

How to Serve Creamy Italian Meatball Sou

Garnishes

Finishing touches matter, and fresh basil leaves sprinkled on top add a fragrant burst that brightens every spoonful. For extra flair, a little extra grated Parmesan on each serving brings that perfect salty, cheesy pop that elevates the dish.

Side Dishes

This soup loves simple companions. Crusty Italian bread or garlic knots are ideal for dipping and soaking up every creamy drop. A crisp green salad adds a refreshing contrast that balances the hearty richness of the meatball soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in rustic bowls to highlight its cozy vibe, or get fancy by topping it with a dollop of mascarpone or a drizzle of pesto for added decadence. You can even serve it in small cups as an elegant starter for a dinner party to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Italian Meatball Sou keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors even deepen, making each reheated bowl taste as good if not better than the first.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to three months. It’s best to freeze the soup without the fresh spinach to prevent texture changes; add fresh spinach when reheating to keep it bright and fresh.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to keep the cream from separating and the meatballs tender. Add a splash of broth or cream if it seems too thick. Then, stir in fresh spinach near the end to maintain its vibrant color and texture.

FAQs

Can I use all beef instead of mixing pork and beef?

Absolutely! Using all beef is fine, though mixing pork and beef adds extra moisture and flavor. If you stick to beef, consider adding a touch of moisture-rich ingredients like grated onion or a splash of milk to keep the meatballs juicy.

Is there a way to make this soup lighter without losing creaminess?

Yes! You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese. This will reduce the fat content while keeping the soup silky and creamy.

Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Definitely. Meatballs can be shaped and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes assembling the soup super quick and easy on busy days.

What if I want a vegetarian version of this soup?

You can substitute the meatballs with vegetarian meatballs or hearty mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and consider adding extra beans or lentils for protein and texture.

How spicy is the soup with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick that enhances the flavor without overpowering the dish. If you prefer it mild, simply leave them out or add a pinch for a gentle warmth.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of Creamy Italian Meatball Sou that comforts your soul and fills your belly with joy. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this soup brings together hearty meatballs, fresh veggies, and irresistible creaminess in a way that always feels special. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do!

Creamy Italian Meatball Sou Recipe

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★★★★★

5.1 from 15 reviews

A rich and comforting Creamy Italian Meatball Soup featuring tender homemade meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato and cream-based broth, enhanced with fresh vegetables and herbs for a hearty meal.

Author: Jeannette
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering, Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Low Salt

Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter, yielding approximately 20-24 meatballs.
Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside, covering with foil to keep warm.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent.
Build the Soup Base: Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (including juices) to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to develop flavors.
Add Meatballs to the Soup: Return the browned meatballs to the pot, stirring gently to combine.
Incorporate Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to create the creamy base of the soup.
Add Heat (Optional): Add red pepper flakes if you desire a slight kick of heat, stirring to incorporate.
Final Simmer: Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and flavors meld.
Add Spinach and Finish: Stir in the chopped spinach and allow it to wilt for about 2-3 minutes.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot for a delicious and comforting meal.

Notes

To keep meatballs tender, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
Make meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
Use fresh parsley and basil for best flavor.
You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness slightly.
Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to taste based on heat preference.
Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Ensure meatballs are fully cooked through before serving by simmering adequately.
Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used to make the recipe gluten-free if needed.