Delicious Italian Wedding Soup

Name: Simple Wedding Soup
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1/2 lb mild Italian sausage; 1/2 lb lean ground beef; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 garlic clove, finely chopped; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 cup Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs; 1 cup diced celery; 1 cup diced yellow onion; 1 cup diced carrots; 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 cup pearl couscous; 1 tbsp olive oil; 6 cups chicken stock; 14 oz beef stock; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 5 oz fresh baby spinach leaves; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp black pepper

Featured in Warm, Comforting Soups & Stews.

Whip up this Italian wedding soup filled with tasty beef and sausage meatballs, spinach, and pearl couscous in under an hour. Perfectly cozy and satisfying.

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By Emily Watson

Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:25:51 GMT

Delicious Italian Wedding Soup | thefamilycooks.com

A classic Italian meatball soup elevated with pearl couscous and fresh vegetables. This hearty combination delivers rich flavors in every spoonful, making it perfect for a satisfying family meal.

This traditional soup carries the essence of rustic Italian cooking, with aromas that transform any kitchen into a welcoming space.

Key Ingredients

Ground Beef: Select 80/20 blend for optimal juiciness
Israeli Couscous: Medium pearls work best
Baby Spinach: Fresh, dark green leaves
Parmigiano-Reggiano: Freshly grated
Italian Parsley: Choose vibrant bunches

Preparation Method

Step 1: Meatball Preparation (20 minutes): Mix ingredients with light hands. Shape into consistent sizes. Rest in refrigerator. Space evenly on sheet pan.
Step 2: Soup Foundation (15 minutes): Soften aromatics slowly. Layer flavors carefully. Brown garlic lightly. Add splash of broth to deglaze.
Step 3: Final Assembly (20 minutes): Pour in broth gradually. Cook couscous to al dente. Wilt spinach at end. Ensure meatballs are cooked through.
Step 4: Finishing Touches (5 minutes): Finish with fresh lemon. Balance seasonings. Add garnishes. Allow flavors to meld.

Pioneer Woman Italian Wedding Soup | thefamilycooks.com

Combining two types of meat creates perfectly balanced meatballs that complement the soup base.

Broth Secrets

Simmer with cheese rind for extra depth.

Preparation Tips

Shape meatballs up to 24 hours ahead.

Serving Ideas

Accompany with rustic Italian bread.

Quick yet flavorful, this soup showcases how proper technique and quality ingredients create exceptional results.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep the meatballs in advance?: Absolutely! Cook them up to two days ahead and refrigerate, or freeze and keep for up to three months.
→ What’s a good replacement for pearl couscous?: Try small pasta types like orzo, acini de pepe, or ditalini, but adjust the cook time to suit the pasta.
→ Is this soup freezer-friendly?: Yes! Just leave out the pasta, freeze for up to three months, and add fresh pasta when you reheat it.
→ How can I make sure my meatballs stay soft?: Don’t mix the meat too much and avoid overcooking. They’ll finish up cooking in the soup.
→ What other greens can I add instead of spinach?: Swiss chard, kale, or escarole all work well. Add tougher greens earlier for better cooking.

Simple Wedding Soup

A comforting Italian wedding soup with handmade meatballs, pearl couscous, and vibrant veggies in a savory broth.

Prep Time

30 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

55 Minutes

By: Emily Watson

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Meatballs

01 1/2 lb mild Italian sausage

02 1/2 lb lean ground beef

03 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

04 1 large egg

05 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

06 1 garlic clove, finely chopped

07 1/2 tsp black pepper

08 1/2 tsp kosher salt

09 1/2 cup Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs

→ Soup

10 1 cup diced celery

11 1 cup diced yellow onion

12 1 cup diced carrots

13 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

14 1 cup pearl couscous

15 1 tbsp olive oil

16 6 cups chicken stock

17 14 oz beef stock

18 2 tbsp lemon juice

19 5 oz fresh baby spinach leaves

20 1 tsp kosher salt

21 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Set the oven to 450°F. Place foil on a baking tray.

Step 02

Combine all the meatball ingredients, then shape into 40 bite-sized meatballs. Arrange them on the foil-covered tray.

Step 03

Bake the meatballs for 6-8 minutes until they hold their shape. Then broil for around 2-4 minutes until browned.

Step 04

Heat up the oil in a pot and sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they soften. Toss in the garlic.

Step 05

Pour in the chicken and beef broths, then season with salt and pepper. Bring it to a boil, add in the couscous, and simmer for 8 minutes.

Step 06

Stir in the spinach until it wilts. Finally, add the cooked meatballs and the lemon juice.

Notes

If you're out of couscous, swap it for orzo or ditalini.
Wait to add the spinach until the end so it stays nice and fresh.
Want a flavor boost? Try adding a splash of white wine to the broth.

Tools You'll Need

A large pot or Dutch oven
Baking tray
Foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Wheat
Eggs
Dairy

Emily Watson

Emily Watson brings a lifetime of passion and 12 years of professional experience to The Family Cooks. Explore her recipes, inspired by her grandmother's jams and her father's love of cheese.