Nutrient-Packed Hearty Spinach and White Bean Meatball Soup Recipe

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty spinach and white bean meatball soup that warms every corner of your soul.

Packed with tender, protein-rich meatballs and vibrant spinach, this recipe delivers a nutritious punch.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each spoonful, blending herbs and robust ingredients.

Lean ground turkey creates light, juicy meatballs that nestle perfectly among creamy white beans.

Fresh herbs and a splash of lemon brighten the broth, adding depth and complexity.

The soup simmers with pure, wholesome goodness that transforms a simple meal into a nourishing experience.

One taste will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with love and warmth.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes Into Spinach and White Bean Meatball Soup

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein that creates tender, light meatballs with wonderful texture.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and adds delightful structure to meatballs.
• Egg: Acts as natural glue to hold meatball mixture together smoothly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes rich, savory depth and helps create golden exterior.

• Garlic: Infuses bold, aromatic flavor into every bite of the meatball.
• Oregano: Brings Mediterranean-inspired herbal notes and warmth.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste profile.

• Onion, Carrots: Provide sweet undertones and nutritious base for soup.
• Garlic: Adds robust, penetrating flavor to soup's foundation.

• Chicken Broth: Creates rich, comforting liquid base with deep flavor.
• White Beans: Adds creamy texture and plant-based protein boost.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that elevate soup's aromatic complexity.

• Spinach: Introduces vibrant green color and nutrient-packed freshness.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens entire dish with tangy, zesty accent.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for extra savory finish.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides crisp, clean garnish with herbal brightness.

Utensils That Help Spinach and White Bean Meatball Soup Come Together

• Large mixing bowl: For combining and mixing meatball ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredient measurements.
• Large pot: For sautéing, browning meatballs, and simmering soup.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Cutting board: Preparing ingredients safely.
• Ladle: Serving soup into bowls.

Directions for Cooking Spinach and White Bean Meatball Soup

• Craft Savory Meatballs

Grab your ground turkey and mix in breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs. Blend ingredients gently without overworking the mixture.

• Brown Those Beauties

Roll meat into perfect little spheres and sizzle them in hot olive oil. Cook until golden and crispy on all sides, then set aside.

• Awaken the Soup Base

Toss chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced carrots into the same pot. Let them dance and soften, releasing their aromatic magic.

• Build Liquid Layers

Pour in chicken broth, white beans, and seasonings. Bring the liquid to a gentle bubble, creating a warm, inviting foundation.

• Reunite Meatballs with Broth

Carefully slide the browned meatballs back into the simmering liquid. Let them cook through and soak up all the delicious flavors.

• Green and Bright Finale

Toss in fresh spinach and let it wilt beautifully. Squeeze a burst of lemon juice to brighten the entire dish.

• Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh parsley. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal that comforts and delights.

Smart Tweaks to Spinach and White Bean Meatball Soup

• Add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs if the meat mixture feels too wet, ensuring your meatballs hold together beautifully during cooking.
• Replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or mashed chickpeas, creating a delightful vegetarian version that maintains the soup's hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Prepare meatballs and soup base up to two days in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator. Reheat gently and add fresh spinach just before serving to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients.
• Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers, making the recipe accessible for those with wheat sensitivities without compromising taste or texture.
• Introduce some heat by adding red pepper flakes during the vegetable sauté stage or garnishing with a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra flavor dimension that elevates the entire soup experience.

How to Serve Spinach and White Bean Meatball Soup Comfortably

• Hearty Family Feast: Serve this comforting soup as a complete meal with warm, crusty Italian bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Protein Power Bowl: Top each serving with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, and a drizzle of good quality olive oil to enhance flavors and nutritional value.
• Wellness Lunch Combo: Pair the soup with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the warm, rich soup and add extra vegetable nutrition.
• Mediterranean Inspiration: Accompany the soup with a small plate of olives, sliced cucumber, and feta cheese to create a Mediterranean-style dining experience that complements the soup's ingredients.

Storage Notes for Spinach and White Bean Meatball Soup

• Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring meatballs and vegetables remain tender and flavorful.
• Pack cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain texture.
• Double the recipe and portion soup into individual servings. Ideal for quick weeknight meals or lunch prep, saving time and reducing daily cooking stress.
• Warm soup slowly on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems thick. Avoid microwave to prevent meatballs from becoming rubbery or overcooked.

Hearty Spinach and White Bean Meatball Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty spinach and white bean meatball soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending Mediterranean flavors with rustic charm. Nourishing ingredients dance together, creating a soul-warming meal perfect for sharing with loved ones.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground turkey, chicken, or beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (15-oz) can white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 3 cups spinach, fresh, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ lemon, juiced
• Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)
• Parsley, fresh, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Meatball Crafting: Thoroughly blend ground turkey with breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed, taking care not to overmix.
2. Meatball Browning: Gently shape mixture into uniform spheres and sear in heated olive oil, rotating to achieve a golden-brown exterior, creating a flavorful crust that seals in moisture.
3. Vegetable Foundation: In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence, building a robust flavor base for the soup.
4. Liquid Infusion: Pour chicken broth into the pot, incorporating white beans and seasonings, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer that allows flavors to meld harmoniously.
5. Meatball Integration: Carefully return browned meatballs to the simmering liquid, allowing them to cook thoroughly and absorb the surrounding flavors for maximum taste complexity.
6. Verdant Finish: Delicately fold spinach into the soup, letting it wilt gracefully while adding a burst of vibrant color and nutritional value, then brighten with a splash of fresh lemon juice.
7. Presentation: Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley, creating a visually appealing and aromatic dish perfect for enjoying with crusty bread or a crisp side salad.

Notes

• Avoid overmixing ground turkey to prevent tough meatballs; gently combine ingredients until just incorporated.
• Ensure meatballs are evenly browned for maximum flavor development and appealing golden exterior.
• Add spinach at the last moment to maintain vibrant green color and prevent wilting or overcooking.
• Easily substitute ground turkey with chicken, lean beef, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg