Name: Mini Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 Pound Ground Beef 90/10; ½ Pound Mild Italian Sausage, casings removed; ¾ Cup Panko Breadcrumbs; 2 Eggs; ¾ Cup Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, finely grated; ⅓ Cup Italian Parsley, finely chopped; 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder; 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt; 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper; 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil; 1 Small Yellow Onion, finely diced; 3 Stalks Celery, finely chopped; 3 Carrots, finely chopped; 5 Cloves Garlic, mashed; ¾ Cup Mini Pasta of Choice (stelline, orzo, etc.); 6 ½ Cups Chicken Broth; 1 Lemon, juiced (about ¼ cup); 3 Cups Fresh Spinach; 2 Bay Leaves; Grated Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, if desired; Lemon Juice, if desired

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If you’re craving a soup that warms your soul and thrills your taste buds, you’ve just found it. This Mini Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe is the ultimate cozy meal that brings together tender mini meatballs, vibrant veggies, and delicate pasta in a savory chicken broth with a bright lemony finish. Every spoonful feels like a comforting embrace, perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something both nourishing and indulgent. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a staple in your cooking rotation.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a flat lay of various ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the top center, a square layer of raw ground meat sits on brown parchment paper on a white plate. To the right, a white bowl holds yellow dry grains, and next to it, a small bowl contains mixed spices including black pepper and garlic powder. Below that, there are two yellows onions and a wooden cutting board with whole and chopped bright orange carrots and green celery stalks and slices. A small beige bowl holds peeled garlic cloves. Near the bottom right, a white bowl contains a reddish-brown minced mixture. Fresh green parsley leaves spread from the bottom right corner. At the bottom left, a white bowl is filled with fresh spinach leaves beside two lemon halves. Near the center-left, two brown eggs sit beside a bowl of white grated cheese and a jar of light brown liquid. A small white bowl of beige powder and a tiny ceramic pitcher with honey-colored liquid finish the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients come together simply yet create a depth of flavor and texture that feels anything but basic. Each one plays its part, from the juicy meatballs to the fresh spinach, making this soup a perfect blend of hearty and fresh.

Ground Beef (1 Pound): The rich base for your mini meatballs, adding savory flavor and tenderness.
Mild Italian Sausage (½ Pound): Adds seasoning and moisture, making those meatballs extra delicious.
Panko Breadcrumbs (¾ Cup): Keeps the meatballs light and perfectly textured.
Eggs (2): The binder that holds those mini meatballs together with ease.
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (¾ Cup, finely grated): Imparts a salty, nutty richness into every bite.
Italian Parsley (⅓ Cup, finely chopped): Freshens up the meatballs with herby brightness.
Garlic Powder (2 Teaspoons): Infuses deep garlicky warmth into the meat mixture.
Kosher Salt (1 Teaspoon): Essential to boost all the savory flavors.
Ground Black Pepper (1 Teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick to balance the meatball flavor.
Olive Oil (2 Tablespoons): For sautéing the veggies to golden, aromatic perfection.
Yellow Onion (1 Small, finely diced): Builds a sweet and savory base for the soup.
Celery (3 Stalks, finely chopped): Adds crisp texture and subtle depth.
Carrots (3, finely chopped): Bring a touch of sweetness and vibrant orange color.
Garlic (5 Cloves, mashed): Essential for that unmistakable Italian savory punch.
Mini Pasta (¾ Cup): Stelline, orzo, or any tiny pasta, perfect for spoonfuls of comfort.
Chicken Broth (6½ Cups): The flavorful base that ties everything together.
Lemon Juice (¼ Cup): Adds a fresh, bright zing that lifts the entire soup.
Fresh Spinach (3 Cups): Provides vibrant color and healthful greens.
Bay Leaves (2): Impart subtle herbal notes during simmering.
Grated Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese: For garnish, enhancing each serving with extra savory goodness.

How to Make Mini Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Mini Meatballs

Begin by combining the ground beef, Italian sausage, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmigiano Reggiano, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to lovingly mix everything until just combined. Then, roll the mixture into tiny, teaspoon-sized meatballs. These little guys will be the stars of the soup, so aim for uniform size to ensure they cook evenly. Set them aside on a plate as you prepare to brown them.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly brown the mini meatballs on all sides. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked through; the meatballs will finish cooking in the simmering soup. This browning adds beautiful caramelized flavor and color that makes the soup extra special. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, carrots, and mashed garlic. Sauté for about 6 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma. This vegetable medley forms the flavorful foundation of the broth that wraps every bite in comfort.

Step 4: Toast the Pasta

Add the mini pasta to the pot and stir for 1 to 2 minutes. Toasting the pasta lightly in the oil and veggies inside the pot gives it a wonderful nutty dimension and helps it hold up beautifully in the soup without getting mushy.

Step 5: Deglaze and Build the Broth

Pour in a splash of white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping all the delicious browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Then, add the chicken broth, lemon juice, and bay leaves. Stir in the browned meatballs as well. Bring everything to a gentle boil—the bubbling signals that all those wonderful flavors are coming together.

Step 6: Simmer and Finish

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and stir in the fresh spinach. Let the soup gently simmer for about 15 minutes to meld all the flavors and allow the spinach to wilt perfectly. Finally, remove the bay leaves before ladling the soup into bowls, ready to be garnished and enjoyed.

How to Serve Mini Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

A white pot holds a clear soup with multiple layers: small browned meatballs scattered on top, diced orange carrots, light green celery, and small pieces of white onions floating in the broth, along with a single dried bay leaf near the center. From the lower left, light yellow broth is being poured into the pot from a glass jar. In the background, a white bowl filled with small yellow couscous grains is partially visible at the top left, and a white plate with browned meatballs sits at the top right. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a brown cloth underneath part of the pot. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is the classic finishing touch, melting luxuriously into each steaming bowl. If you love a zesty kick, a little extra fresh lemon juice brightens every spoonful and balances the rich meatballs beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or a garlic-rubbed baguette to soak up every savory drop. For a lighter side, a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette echoes the freshness found in the soup, making the meal feel balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup at your next dinner party in clear glass mugs to showcase the colorful layers of meatballs, spinach, and pasta. Or, pour into mini mason jars for individual servings that feel personalized and fun. It’s a conversation starter as much as it is a delicious dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Mini Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, so you always have a comforting bowl ready to go on busy days.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. If it seems thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it. Avoid microwaving meatballs too long to keep them tender and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a leaner variation. Just be mindful that the flavor will be lighter, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning or fresh herbs.

Is it necessary to use Parmigiano Reggiano cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano adds an authentic nutty and salty depth that’s hard to replace, but if you don’t have it, a good quality Parmesan or Grana Padano will work just fine.

Can I make the mini meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and brown the meatballs up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to add them to the soup.

What types of mini pasta work best in this soup?

Stelline, orzo, acini di pepe, or any small pasta shape will work beautifully, as they cook quickly and fit perfectly on a spoon with the meatballs and broth.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Adding the pasta later in the cooking process and cooking the soup until just tender prevents mushiness. Also, reheating leftovers with extra broth helps if the pasta absorbs too much liquid overnight.

Final Thoughts

I truly encourage you to dive into this Mini Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe—it’s the kind of dish that feels homemade, hearty, and full of love in every spoonful. Whether for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this soup delivers comfort and flavor that everyone will appreciate. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Mini Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need