Italian Meatball Soup Ambrosia

Name: Italian Meatball Soup Ambrosia
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 1 carrot, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Family Comfort Recipes

I absolutely adore making Italian Meatball Soup Ambrosia during chilly days—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! The combination of hearty meatballs and rich tomato broth brings comfort and satisfaction. I love how the fresh herbs elevate the flavors, making each spoonful a little celebration. The balance of savory and slightly tangy notes creates a deliciously inviting aroma that fills my kitchen. It’s a dish that not only warms the body but also the soul, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-20T14:18:28.303Z

When I first crafted this Italian Meatball Soup Ambrosia, I aimed to fuse traditional Italian flavors with a cozy, homey feel. The result was nothing short of magic as the savory aroma of simmering meatballs filled my kitchen. I discovered that using freshly chopped parsley and basil not only added color but also elevated the taste to a whole new level, transforming an ordinary soup into a culinary experience.

This dish quickly became a staple for gatherings, and I love how it sparks joy and conversation around the table. Serving it with crusty bread enhances the dining experience, inviting everyone to enjoy the flavors together. I hope you make this soup your own, exploring various toppings and sides to pair with it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Savory meatballs that are juicy and flavorful
Rich tomato broth with a hint of herbaceous freshness
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights

Mastering the Meatballs

To achieve meatballs that are juicy yet firm, the balance of ingredients is crucial. The breadcrumbs act as a binding agent while also providing moisture, so be sure not to skimp on them. If you're looking for an alternative to breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work in a pinch. Additionally, make sure to mix the ingredients gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can lead to dense meatballs.

When forming the meatballs, aim for uniformity in size—about one inch in diameter is perfect. This ensures that they cook evenly. If you have an ice cream scoop handy, it can help achieve consistent sizes. Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you prepare to brown them. This not only saves clean-up time but also allows you to transfer them easily to the pot.

Building the Flavorful Broth

The broth is the heart of this soup, and the balance of chicken broth and crushed tomatoes sets a solid foundation for flavor. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer to control the saltiness of the dish. The combination of fresh and dried herbs brings aromatic depth; fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish, while the dried basil and oregano infuse the broth during simmering. Allowing the soup to boil before reducing the heat encourages the flavors to meld beautifully.

Simmering for a good ten minutes allows the vegetables to soften and absorb the tomato and herb flavors, enhancing overall taste. If you're short on time, using store-bought broth is perfectly fine, but consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering to boost richness. Watching for a slight thickening as it simmers is key; this indicates that the flavors are intensifying!

Serving and Storing

When serving, ladle the soup into bowls immediately to enjoy its warm, comforting nature. I love pairing it with crusty Italian bread; it’s perfect for soaking up the delicious broth. To elevate the dish, consider a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese on top just before serving—this enhances the savory profile of the soup beautifully.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little chicken broth if it’s too thick. This soup freezes well too; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months, making it a great make-ahead option for busy nights!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious soup.

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 carrot, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Ensure all ingredients are measured and ready to go before you start cooking.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Italian Meatball Soup Ambrosia.

Prepare the Meatballs

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Brown the Meatballs

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

Make the Soup

Add the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add the Meatballs

Return the browned meatballs to the pot and cook for another 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread!

Don’t forget to mix and match ingredients to tailor the flavors to your preferences!

Pro Tips

For extra depth of flavor, let the soup simmer longer. Consider adding some spinach or kale in the last few minutes for added nutrition.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat for the meatballs. Ground turkey or chicken can make lighter options while still retaining flavor. For a vegetarian version, substitute with cooked lentils or a meat alternative such as veggie crumbles. Just keep in mind that these variations might alter cooking times slightly.

For an extra layer of flavor in the soup, you can add a bay leaf while simmering or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. If you're a fan of spice, try adding diced bell peppers or even jalapeños to the vegetable mix when sautéing for a vibrant twist.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your meatballs are breaking apart while cooking, they may be overcooked or too loosely formed. Consider adding a touch more breadcrumbs to the mixture next time to help with binding. Alternatively, try chilling them in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before browning; this can help them maintain shape better.

Should the soup taste too acidic due to the tomatoes, a simple fix is to add a teaspoon of sugar during the simmering step. This mellows out the tartness beautifully, resulting in a well-rounded flavor profile. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure the perfect balance.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken also work well for lighter meatballs.

→ Is it possible to make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have melded.

→ Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, the soup can be frozen. Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, garlic bread, or even a simple salad pairs wonderfully with this soup.