This Italian Wedding Soup is probably the ultimate comfort soup recipe for a cold day. Loaded with ground beef meatballs, fresh veggies, and a savory broth, it’s perfect for when you want something comforting, delicious, and a little bit special without being too fancy.
Making this low carb Italian Wedding Soup is easier than you might think. First, prepare the seasoned meatballs, then sauté the vegetables, let everything simmer in a tasty broth, and finally, stir in fresh spinach.
- What Is Italian Wedding Soup?
- Why You’ll Love This Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
- Italian Wedding Soup Ingredients and Substitutions
- How To Make Italian Wedding Soup
- Tips For Making The Best Italian Wedding Soup
- Recipe Variations
- Storing Ideas
- Serving Ideas
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Soup Recipes
- Italian Wedding Soup
That’s all there is to it – super simple and perfect for meal prep. Just whip up a double batch, freeze it, and there’s lunch ready in no time. It’s quick, nutritious, and absolutely delicious.
My family can’t get enough of this soup! It’s a warm hug in a bowl, brimming with veggies and tender, homemade baked meatballs that just soak up all the lovely flavors. I highly recommend giving it a go – this classic one-pot Italian Wedding Soup can be ready in under an hour, making it a fantastic pick for any day of the week!
I love making soups, and just like my detox chicken, cabbage soup, and cheeseburger soup, this Italian wedding soup is a great way to include more vegetables in our diet since it’s packed with a variety of nutrient-rich veggies like carrots, spinach, and other wholesome ingredients, creating a delicious and wholesome meal.
What Is Italian Wedding Soup?
Italian Wedding Soup has a special place in my heart. It’s this amazing Italian creation that brings together savory meatballs, a bunch of veggies, and greens, all swimming happily in a rich broth. Despite what its name might suggest, you don’t actually find it being served up at weddings. Instead, the “wedding” part is all about how perfectly the flavors come together in the dish – like a match made in culinary heaven. The meatballs are definitely the stars of the show for me. They’re this perfect mix of ground meat, herbs, and cheese that just makes the soup so hearty and fulfilling.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
- Tasty Meatballs: The recipe has these moist and delicious meatballs made with ground meat, breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices that add a lot of flavor to the soup.
- Hearty And Filling: It’s a delicious and satisfying meal since it has so many delicious and fresh veggies and meatballs – it’s perfect for when you’re hungry.
- Made from naturally low-carb ingredients.
- Customizable: You can make it how you like it. If you want, you can use different ingredients or change some things to fit your taste or diet.
- Feels Like Home: This soup gives a warm and comfy feeling, especially when it’s cold outside. It’s like a big hug in a bowl.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is not hard, even though it sounds fancy. Anyone can try making it, whether you’re new to cooking.
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: It has healthy stuff like spinach, carrots, and celery, so it’s not just tasty but also good for you.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common, affordable ingredients, it won’t break the bank to make a delicious and filling pot of this soup.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, Italian Wedding Soup tends to be a hit with a variety of tastes, making it a go-to for gatherings.
Italian Wedding Soup Ingredients and Substitutions
You will need a couple of healthy ingredients you probably already have in your pantry to create this delicious Italian Wedding Soup. Here is a list of everything you will need:
For the Meatballs
- Egg – Adds moisture and helps bind the meatball ingredients together.
- Ground Beef – Choose lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) for a healthier option. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lean alternative.
- Onion – Enhances flavor and adds a subtle sweetness to the meatballs.
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor.
- Italian Seasoning – You can use our recipe for Italian Seasoning, or you can buy it from the store.
- Garlic Powder – You can also use fresh minced garlic for an intense flavor.
- Dried Parsley – Fresh parsley can also be used instead of dried one.
- Almond Flour – Acts as a binder for the meatballs.
- Salt&Pepper – To taste.
For The Soup
- Olive Oil – Used for sautéing and adds a hint of richness to the soup.
- Onion&Garlic – Use fresh chopped onion and minced garlic for a more intense and delicious flavor.
- Carrots – used to bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup and provide essential vitamins and a hearty texture.
- Celery – The celery will give the soup a distinct flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a subtle kick of heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
- Chicken Stock – You can also use vegetable broth as well.
- Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and a hint of acidity, balancing the richness of the broth.
- Spinach – Use fresh spinach for a vibrant color and fresh taste.
How To Make Italian Wedding Soup
Once you see how easy it is to prepare this Italian wedding soup recipe, you will want to prepare it in advance and enjoy it for dinner on a busy day. So here is everything you have to do:
Prepare the Meatballs
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s preheated when you’re ready to bake.
In a large mixing bowl, mix ground beef, finely chopped onion, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, dried parsley, almond flour, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Shape and Bake Meatballs
Shape the mixture into small 1-inch diameter meatballs.
Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked and browned.
Preparing the Soup Base
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
Add Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot and stir to combine.
Pour in chicken stock and lemon juice, bring the soup to a simmer, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes.
Add the baked meatballs and spinach to the pot, then simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the spinach wilts.
Garnish and Serve
Ladle the hot Italian Wedding Soup into bowls.
Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy!!
Tips For Making The Best Italian Wedding Soup
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially for the meatballs. Freshly grated Parmesan, lean ground beef, and fresh vegetables can enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Shape the meatballs on the same side to ensure even cooking.
- Take the time to sauté the vegetables for the soup base. This step enhances their flavor and contributes to the overall richness of the soup.
- Opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright and vibrant flavor.
- Add the spinach towards the end of the cooking process to prevent overcooking. This retains its vibrant green color and fresh taste.
Recipe Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatballs.
- Incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or diced tomatoes for additional flavor and texture.
- Experiment with different greens, such as kale, instead of spinach.
- Add extra veggies like zucchini, peas, or diced tomatoes for more color and nutrients.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables. Otherwise, they will become too soft and will lose their nutrients.
Storing Ideas
- Fridge: you can store any Italian wedding soup leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- To Reheat: you can reheat this soup in the microwave for 3 minutes or on the stovetop.
Serving Ideas
I like eating this Italian wedding soup simply as it is, but here are some ideas to make it more enjoyable:
- Eat it with your favorite bread.
- Keto Tortilla
- Serve the soup with slices of crusty Italian bread or breadsticks. They are perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Leftover Meatballs?
Definitely! If you’re short on time, you can use make-ahead meatballs and focus on preparing the flavorful soup base.
Can I Make This Soup In Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Add fresh spinach just before serving for the best texture.
Can I Freeze Italian Wedding Soup?
While the soup itself freezes well, I recommended that you freeze it without the spinach. When reheating, add fresh spinach for optimal flavor and texture.
More Soup Recipes
Italian Wedding Soup
Description
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 large egg
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp almond flour or breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Soup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium carrot diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, dried parsley, almond flour (or breadcrumbs), salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they're cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Prepare the Soup Base: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then bring the soup to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add the baked meatballs and baby spinach to the pot. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
- Serve the Italian Wedding Soup in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal!
Video
Notes
- Pan-Frying Meatballs: For a richer flavor, consider pan-frying the meatballs before adding them to the soup.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you love or have on hand, such as zucchini, peas, or mushrooms, to make the soup even heartier.
- Make Ahead and Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
