Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

Craving a bowl of cozy comfort that’s loaded with flavor, tender meatballs, fresh greens, and a warm, brothy base? Easy Italian Wedding Soup is the answer! This classic recipe makes weeknights deliciously simple, combining satisfying bites and wholesome veggies in every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of classic ingredients come together to create Easy Italian Wedding Soup’s irresistible flavor. Each element—whether the aromatic base, plump meatballs, or hearty greens—serves a purpose in every delicious bite.

• Lean ground beef: The star of the meatballs—choose lean for a lighter result without sacrificing flavor.
• Large eggs (beaten): Eggs help bind the meatballs, keeping them moist and tender as they cook.
• Panko bread crumbs: These give your meatballs their delicate texture; swap for gluten-free if needed.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness right inside each meatball.
• Italian seasoning: Brings the aromatic, herby essence that defines “Italian” flavor.
• Garlic powder: For a subtle, savory undertone without the need to mince fresh garlic.
• Olive oil: Sautéing your veggies in this classic oil enhances their fragrance and taste.
• Chopped celery, carrots, onion, and red bell pepper: This veggie medley forms the aromatic foundation for a soup that’s both hearty and inviting.
• Beef broth: The backbone of the soup; it enriches the entire dish with savory, meaty depth.
• Orzo pasta: These tiny pasta shapes soak up flavor and add a satisfying bite to every spoonful.
• Chopped kale: Adds gorgeous color, nutrition, and a pleasant chew right at the end.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into harmony—season to your taste!

Variations

One of the joys of Easy Italian Wedding Soup is how flexible it is—just a few tweaks and you can perfectly match your personal tastes or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to play around and make this recipe your own!

• Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter or poultry-based soup.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Use gluten-free panko or regular breadcrumbs (or even crushed rice crackers) and substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta.
• Different Greens: Try fresh spinach, escarole, or even Swiss chard in place of kale for a different flavor and texture.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit meatballs and add cannellini beans for substance, using veggie broth instead of beef broth.

How to Make Easy Italian Wedding Soup

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a large baking tray with parchment. In a mixing bowl, combine lean ground beef, beaten eggs, panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix gently to keep the meatballs tender, then roll into tablespoon-sized balls, arranging them on your tray as you go.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

Pop the tray of meatballs into the oven and bake for about 10–12 minutes—just enough to firm them up and lock in their juices. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked through; they’ll finish up in the soup for extra flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a big Dutch oven or soup pot. Toss in the celery, carrots, onion, and diced red bell pepper, sautéing for 4–5 minutes. This step creates a deeply savory base—the aroma is irresistible!

Step 4: Combine, Simmer, and Add Meatballs

Pour in the beef broth and bring the pot to a gentle boil. Carefully transfer the just-baked meatballs into the simmering soup, reduce the heat, and let everything bubble together for 15 minutes. This extra simmer lets those savory meatball flavors infuse the broth.

Step 5: Add Orzo and Kale

Stir in the orzo and cook for 10 minutes, giving the pasta time to soften and swell. In the final two minutes, toss in the chopped kale, letting it wilt into the soup while adding a pop of color and freshness. Taste and season with kosher salt and pepper before serving your Easy Italian Wedding Soup hot.

How to Serve Easy Italian Wedding Soup

Garnishes

Top off each steaming bowl of Easy Italian Wedding Soup with a generous shower of grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper, and a flurry of chopped parsley. These simple finishes add brightness, depth, and a gorgeous presentation right before the spoon hits the bowl.

Side Dishes

This soup is delightfully filling on its own, but for a truly comforting meal, serve it with warm crusty bread, a side of garlicky crostini, or a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette. The broth begs for dipping, so keep extra bread handy!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, ladle the soup into small cups or shooters as a fun appetizer. You can also serve family-style in a big colorful pot, garnished with lemon wedges for a pop of brightness at the table—everyone helps themselves for a warm, communal feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your soup cool completely, then pack it into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3–5 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making next-day lunches something to look forward to.

Freezing

Easy Italian Wedding Soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the orzo separately and adding it fresh to avoid mushy pasta.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash more broth or water if the soup appears thick. Stir often for even heating and enjoy—those tender meatballs will taste just as good (if not better) the next day!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for an easy, feel-good meal that’s sure to transport you to a bustling Italian kitchen, Easy Italian Wedding Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. Give it a try—your family, friends, or even just your future self will thank you for making such a satisfying classic at home.

Print