Easy Spinach and White Bean Meatball Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort arrives through a hearty spinach and white bean meatball soup that promises warmth on chilly evenings.

Nutritious ingredients dance together in a single pot, creating a symphony of flavors.

Mediterranean influences shine brightly with each carefully crafted bite.

Rich broth embraces tender meatballs while fragrant herbs whisper stories of rustic kitchens.

Protein-packed legumes add delightful texture and substance to this soul-satisfying meal.

Delicate spinach leaves weave through the soup, bringing vibrant color and essential nutrients.

Spinach Meatball Soup That Warms Every Bite

• This soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with tender turkey meatballs, hearty white beans, and nutritious spinach, this soup offers a balanced meal that both kids and adults will love, ensuring everyone at the table is satisfied.
• Loaded with lean protein from turkey, fiber-rich white beans, and vitamin-packed spinach, this soup delivers a wholesome combination of ingredients that support overall health and provide lasting energy.
• Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, this recipe can be modified with gluten-free breadcrumbs or alternative proteins, making it a flexible option for various meal planning needs.

What You’ll Need for Spinach and White Bean Meatball Soup

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that forms the base of meatballs, providing a light and healthy option.
• Egg: Binds the meatball ingredients together for perfect texture.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Add structure and rich, savory flavor to the meatballs.

• Garlic, Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste of meatballs.

• Onion, Carrots: Provide sweet and aromatic base for the soup, adding depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent flavor to the soup base.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid base for the soup, adding rich flavor.
• White Beans: Adds plant-based protein and creamy texture to the soup.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Blend of herbs that brings classic Mediterranean flavor.

• Spinach: Adds vibrant green color and nutritional boost.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, fresh acidity to balance the soup.

• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Adds final layer of flavor and visual appeal to the dish.

Cooking Steps for Spinach Meatball Soup Magic

Step 1: Create Flavorful Meatballs

• Ground turkey
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix all ingredients gently in a mixing bowl until just combined. Roll mixture into bite-sized balls about the width of a quarter.

Step 2: Brown Meatball Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Carefully place meatballs into hot oil, rotating every minute to achieve a golden-brown exterior. Cook for approximately 5 minutes. Transfer browned meatballs to a separate plate.

Step 3: Develop Soup Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Diced carrots

Sauté vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Build Liquid Foundation

• White beans
• Chicken broth
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer.

Step 5: Return Meatballs to Soup

Carefully place browned meatballs back into the simmering liquid. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, ensuring meatballs are fully cooked through.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Add fresh spinach leaves to the pot, stirring until they wilt beautifully. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the soup for a bright, tangy finish.

Step 7: Serve with Style

Ladle soup into warm bowls. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top. Pair with crusty bread or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

Tips to Make Your Meatball Soup Stand Out

• Perfect Meatball Shaping: Roll meatballs gently with damp hands to prevent sticking and create uniform, smooth shapes for even cooking.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef to customize the meatball protein based on personal preference or dietary needs.
• Bean Boost Technique: Rinse canned white beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and remove excess starch, ensuring a cleaner flavor profile for the soup.
• Spinach Stirring Strategy: Add spinach at the last moment to maintain vibrant green color and preserve maximum nutritional value, preventing wilting and color loss.
• Flavor Depth Trick: Let the soup simmer on low heat for an extra 5-10 minutes after adding meatballs to allow seasonings to fully blend and develop a richer taste.

Storing and Reheating Spinach Meatball Soup Made

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep spinach separate when storing to maintain texture and prevent wilting.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Gently reheat soup in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent meatballs from drying out.

What to Serve with Spinach and Meatball Soup

• Select a light, zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the soup's delicate flavors and cut through the richness of the meatballs.
• Serve with a crusty sourdough or rustic Italian ciabatta to soak up the flavorful broth, adding texture and enhancing the meal's heartiness.
• Whip up a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's warmth, providing a crisp, peppery contrast that brightens the entire dish.
• Brew a cool mint or lemon-infused iced tea to cleanse the palate and offer a light, refreshing counterpoint to the soup's robust flavors.

Flavorful Soup Variations to Keep Things Fresh

• Vegetarian Bean Balls: Replace ground turkey with plant-based protein like lentils, quinoa, or mashed chickpeas. Bind with ground flaxseed and add nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Omit Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast as a cheese substitute. Choose dairy-free garnish options like chopped herbs or toasted nuts.
• Low-Carb Soup Style: Replace beans with cauliflower or zucchini chunks. Use ground chicken or lean beef as protein alternative. Reduce breadcrumbs and increase herbs for added flavor complexity.

Spinach and Meatball Soup FAQs

• Are these meatballs healthy?

These meatballs are packed with lean protein from ground turkey and nutritious spinach, making them a protein-rich and low-fat option. The white beans add extra fiber and nutrients, creating a balanced and wholesome meal.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef. Each meat will slightly alter the flavor, but the overall recipe structure remains the same. Just ensure the meat is lean to keep the soup light and healthy.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually develop and become more robust overnight, making it an excellent option for preparing meals in advance. Just reheat gently to maintain the meatballs’ tenderness.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Ensure all other ingredients like broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Spinach and White Bean Meatball Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Rich, hearty Spinach and White Bean Meatball Soup brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens to dinner tables. Mediterranean flavors blend seamlessly, inviting home cooks to savor each warming spoonful with delightful herbs and protein-packed ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground turkey or chicken (or beef)

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Soup Base and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 (15-ounce) can white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• Juice of ½ lemon (for brightness)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust mixture by blending ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, minced garlic, oregano, and seasonings, ensuring ingredients are just incorporated without overmixing.
2. Gently shape the meat mixture into uniform, bite-sized spheres approximately one inch in diameter.
3. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, creating a golden-brown exterior on each meatball by rotating them systematically for roughly five minutes.
4. Transfer browned meatballs to a separate plate, reserving the flavorful residue in the pot.
5. Sauté diced onions, crushed garlic, and sliced carrots in the same pot, allowing vegetables to soften and release their aromatic essence for three to four minutes.
6. Introduce white beans, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and additional salt and pepper to the vegetable base, bringing the liquid to a gentle bubbling state before reducing heat.
7. Carefully reintegrate the golden-brown meatballs into the simmering liquid, allowing them to cook thoroughly for ten to twelve minutes.
8. Incorporate fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they gracefully wilt and transform into a vibrant green.
9. Enhance the soup’s brightness by squeezing fresh lemon juice throughout the preparation.
10. Serve the hearty soup in individual bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley.
11. Complement the meal with crusty artisan bread or a crisp side salad for a complete dining experience.

Notes

• Select ground turkey with a slightly higher fat content for juicier, more flavorful meatballs that won’t dry out during cooking.
• Chill meatball mixture for 15-20 minutes before forming to help them hold shape and prevent falling apart in the soup.
• Swap ground turkey with plant-based alternatives like lentils or beyond meat for vegetarian and vegan friendly version, adjusting seasoning accordingly.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing flexibility in seasoning and catering to dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg