Italian Meatball Gnocchi Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, this Italian Meatball Gnocchi Soup Recipe is just the ticket! Imagine a bowl of rich, flavorful broth brimming with tender meatballs and soft, pillowy gnocchi. This soup is not only comforting but also perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something hearty without too much fuss.

What I love most about this recipe is how it brings everyone together. The aroma of garlic and herbs fills the kitchen, inviting friends and family to gather around the table. Plus, it’s wonderfully adaptable—you can tweak it to suit your taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love gnocchi and meatballs—this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the meatballs in advance or even freeze leftovers for a quick meal later.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich and satisfying soup that’s bursting with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference! For this Italian Meatball Gnocchi Soup Recipe, you’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that you likely have on hand or can easily find at your local grocery store.

For the Meatballs

• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground beef (85/15 meat to fat ratio)
• 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 yellow onion (minced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
• 1 tsp salt (more or less to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (more or less to taste)

For the Soup

• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• 1/2 yellow onion (diced)
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 2-3 tomatoes on a vine (diced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 cup water
• 5-6 cups beef stock
• 4 oz tomato paste
• 1/2-1 tsp salt (more or less to taste)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

For Serving

• 14-16 oz gnocchi (homemade or ready-to-use)
• 1 rind of parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh grated or shaved parmesan cheese

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these tasty variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes if you like some kick in your soup.
• Use different herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can add a delightful twist.

How to Make Italian Meatball Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start by mixing together all the ingredients for the meatballs in a large bowl. This includes your ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, minced onion, garlic, parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mixing by hand allows you to feel the texture and ensures everything is well combined. Once mixed, roll them into small balls—about one inch in diameter works perfectly!

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

In a large pot, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add your meatballs in batches so they don’t overcrowd. Browning them adds depth of flavor through caramelization. Cook until they’re golden on all sides; this usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Sauté Your Veggies

Remove the browned meatballs from the pot and set them aside. In the same pot, add diced onions and carrots along with minced garlic. Sauté until they’re softened—about 5 minutes. This step builds an aromatic base for your soup.

Step 4: Build Your Broth

To the sautéed vegetables, stir in diced tomatoes along with water and beef stock. Then mix in tomato paste along with seasonings like salt, red pepper flakes, parsley, basil, and oregano. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer; it should start bubbling lightly.

Step 5: Cook Everything Together

Once simmering, return those lovely meatballs back into the pot along with any optional parmesan rind if you’re using it. Allow everything to cook together gently for about 20 minutes so flavors meld beautifully.

Step 6: Add Gnocchi

Finally, add your gnocchi directly into the broth and let them cook according to package instructions—usually just a few minutes! As they float up to the surface when done cooking, you’re ready for serving!

Step 7: Serve Up Your Delicious Creation

Ladle your Italian Meatball Gnocchi Soup into bowls and finish with fresh grated parmesan cheese on top if desired. Enjoy every warm spoonful—it’s comfort food at its finest!

Pro Tips for Making Italian Meatball Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, and with a few handy tips, you can make this comforting soup even more special!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and basil can brighten the flavors in your soup. They add a vibrant taste that dried herbs might not fully replicate.

• Ensure meatballs are uniform: Making meatballs of the same size ensures they cook evenly. This way, every bite is perfectly tender and flavorful.

• Don’t rush the broth: Allowing your broth to simmer longer enhances its depth of flavor. The longer it cooks, the more time the ingredients have to meld together beautifully.

• Adjust spice levels: Taste as you go! If you like it spicier, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes, but remember that a little goes a long way.

• Make ahead for convenience: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer. Making it in advance allows the flavors to deepen and provides a quick meal option later on.

How to Serve Italian Meatball Gnocchi Soup Recipe

Serving your Italian Meatball Gnocchi Soup can transform an ordinary meal into something truly special! Here are some ideas to present this hearty dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few whole leaves added right before serving can provide a pop of color and freshness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle some on top for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
• Crusty bread: Place a slice of crusty bread alongside the bowl for dipping; it complements the soup wonderfully!

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for scooping up that delicious broth.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup and adds a refreshing crunch.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers bring sweetness and texture, making them an excellent side.
• Caprese Salad: Combining fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offers a delightful contrast to the warm soup.

Enjoy creating this cozy Italian Meatball Gnocchi Soup! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and joy. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Italian Meatball Gnocchi Soup Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve your delicious soup.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep gnocchi separate if you want them to maintain their texture.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Consider freezing without gnocchi; add them fresh when reheating.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this comforting soup!

Can I use other types of meat for the Italian Meatball Gnocchi Soup Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary slightly.

What can I serve with Italian Meatball Gnocchi Soup Recipe?

A simple side salad or crusty bread pairs wonderfully with this soup. You might also enjoy some garlic bread for that extra comfort!

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through in the Italian Meatball Gnocchi Soup Recipe?

The meatballs should be firm and no longer pink in the center. You can cut one open to check – they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I add vegetables to the Italian Meatball Gnocchi Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some spinach, kale, or any other vegetables you enjoy. They’ll add flavor and nutrition!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Italian Meatball Gnocchi Soup Recipe as much as I do! It’s such a heartwarming dish that brings comfort on chilly nights and is perfect for sharing with loved ones. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and make it your own—I can’t wait for you to try it! Happy cooking!