Italian Wedding Soup Classic

Name: Italian Wedding Soup Classic
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: ½ lb ground beef; ½ lb ground pork; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 cups chicken broth; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup celery, diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cups fresh spinach or escarole; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Hearty Food Recipes

I absolutely love making Italian Wedding Soup Classic, especially during chilly days. The combination of tender meatballs, fresh greens, and flavorful broth makes for a satisfying meal that warms the heart and soul. It's surprisingly simple to prepare and is an excellent dish for gatherings or family dinners. I find that using quality ingredients really elevates the flavors, so don’t skimp on the herbs or the protein. Trust me, this comforting soup will quickly become a family favorite in your household.

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-01-20T12:14:27.914Z

When I first tried making Italian Wedding Soup Classic, I was amazed by how the flavors melded together to create such a delicious dish. The trick is to simmer the broth long enough to extract the essence of the herbs and ingredients. I found that adding fresh spinach or escarole towards the end retains their color and nutrients, giving the soup a vibrant look and taste.

Another key to success is the meatballs. I like to use a blend of ground beef and pork for additional richness. Also, don’t forget to brown them slightly before adding to the broth; this step enhances the flavor wonderfully. Each spoonful is truly a celebration of Italian flavors.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Savory meatballs bursting with flavor
A warm, comforting broth that soothes
Nutritious greens that add a fresh touch

      

Mastering the Meatballs

The meatballs in this Italian Wedding Soup are what truly set the dish apart. Combining both ground beef and pork not only adds depth of flavor but also keeps the meatballs moist. Make sure to use a light hand when mixing; overworking the meat can make them tough. To ensure they hold their shape, allow them to rest for a few minutes before adding them to the simmering broth.

Adding Parmesan cheese to your meatball mixture enhances the savory richness. If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, consider using nutritional yeast instead. Just remember that it won't provide the same creaminess, so you might want to add a bit of olive oil for moisture as well.

Crafting the Perfect Broth

The chicken broth is the backbone of this soup, so opting for homemade can elevate the dish immensely. If store-bought is your route, choose a low-sodium variety to control the salt levels better. For extra flavor, toss in a Parmesan rind while simmering your broth; it adds a subtle umami element that's irresistible.

When you add the vegetables, keep an eye on their doneness. Carrots and celery should be tender but still crisp, which takes about 10 minutes. This balance is crucial as they will provide a nice textural contrast to the soft meatballs and wilted greens.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare this heartwarming soup.

Meatballs

½ lb ground beef
½ lb ground pork
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Soup Base

8 cups chicken broth
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach or escarole
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure everything is fresh for the best flavors in your soup.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delightful Italian Wedding Soup.

Prepare the Meatballs

In a bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined. Form small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables

In a large pot, add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add diced carrots, celery, and onion. Cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Add Meatballs and Seasoning

Carefully drop the meatballs into the simmering broth and let them cook for about 15 minutes. Stir in the oregano, thyme, and season with salt and pepper.

Finish with Greens

Add the fresh spinach or escarole to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, until the greens are wilted.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot, optionally garnishing with more Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy the delightful taste of Italian tradition.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or sautéing the vegetables in olive oil before adding the broth. You can also experiment with different greens, like kale or chard, for variety.

Storage and Reheating

If you're making this soup in advance, remember that like many hearty dishes, Italian Wedding Soup often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Allow the soup to cool completely in an airtight container before refrigerating. It can last for up to three days when stored properly.

When reheating, use a gentle heat on the stove. This helps maintain the integrity of the meatballs and prevents them from becoming mushy. If the soup appears thick after cooling, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

Variations to Consider

Feel free to experiment with the greens used in this recipe. While spinach and escarole are traditional, kale or Swiss chard work beautifully as well. If you want to sneak in more veggies, consider adding diced zucchini or peas during the last five minutes of cooking.

For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth as it simmers. This adds a pleasant warmth without overwhelming the comforting flavors of the soup. You could also switch up the herbs, using fresh parsley or basil instead of dried for a burst of freshness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep! Just store the broth and meatballs separately to keep everything fresh.

→ Is there a vegetarian version?

Absolutely! You can substitute the meatballs with lentils or beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

→ How long does it keep in the fridge?

The soup will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Just be sure to reheat it properly before serving.

→ Can I freeze Italian Wedding Soup?

Yes, it freezes well! Portion it out and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.