Italian Wedding Soup

This Italian Wedding Soup recipe combines savory meatballs, tender pasta, and a flavorful broth, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Featuring a mix of ground beef, sausage, and Parmesan cheese, these homemade meatballs are paired with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach. The broth is enriched with both chicken and beef stocks, creating a comforting, hearty soup that is both filling and nutritious. With a touch of lemon juice and Parmesan cheese for added flavor, this soup is ideal for family dinners or meal prep. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a delicious, well-balanced meal packed with flavor and texture.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 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

For the Soup:

• 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

---

Instructions

For the Meatballs:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground sausage, ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Gradually add the water, mixing gently with your hands until just combined. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape when rolled into meatballs.
3. Use a small spoon to scoop about 2 teaspoons of the meat mixture, rolling it into small meatballs. Place each on the prepared baking sheet. You should have about 40 mini meatballs.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.

For the Soup:

1. In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add crushed red pepper flakes, diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken and beef broth. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Add the acini di pepe pasta and cook for 6 minutes or until tender.
5. Stir in the meatballs and spinach. Continue cooking until the spinach is wilted and the meatballs are heated through.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
7. Serve warm with crusty bread and extra grated Parmesan on top.

Storage: Cool the soup completely before refrigerating for up to 3 days or freezing for up to 2 months.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: The combination of meatballs, pasta, and spinach makes for a satisfying, wholesome meal.
• Versatile: You can make this soup ahead of time, and it stores well in the fridge or freezer.
• Flavor-packed: The rich broth, savory meatballs, and zesty lemon juice come together for a delicious, balanced soup.

Tips

• Don’t Overmix Meatballs: Mix just enough to combine the ingredients; overworking the meat will make the meatballs tough.
• Homemade Broth: If you have homemade chicken or beef broth, it’ll add even more depth to the flavor.
• Make Meatballs in Advance: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for easy meal prep.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the meatballs with veggie or lentil-based meatballs and use vegetable broth.
• Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the soup for extra heat.
• Different Pasta: If you can’t find acini di pepe, substitute with orzo or small pasta shapes.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made meatballs? Yes, you can substitute pre-made meatballs. Just make sure they’re cooked before adding them to the soup.

Can I freeze this soup? Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Can I add more vegetables? Yes! Feel free to add zucchini, bell peppers, or any other veggies you like.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Bread: Pair with a warm loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread for a comforting meal.
• Extra Cheese: Add extra Parmesan on top of each bowl for an even cheesier finish.
• Pair with Salad: A simple green salad with balsamic dressing would balance the richness of the soup.

This Italian Wedding Soup is a heartwarming meal that will satisfy everyone at the table, packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients!