Italian Wedding Soup is a classic dish that has charmed taste buds for centuries. If you’ve never had it, the name alone might spark curiosity. Despite its regal name, this soup is an unassuming, yet delightful combination of flavors, rooted in the rich traditions of Italian cuisine. It’s typically made with savory meatballs, tender greens like spinach or escarole, and a delicious, light broth. One thing that truly sets it apart is its versatility-it’s as much about the meat as it is about the broth and greens, giving you a lot of room for experimentation while still staying true to the heart of the recipe.
When it comes to finding an authentic, foolproof way to make this soup, the Pioneer Woman (Ree Drummond) has become one of the go-to sources for easy and reliable recipes. Her version of Italian Wedding Soup is an elevated yet approachable take, bringing together the best elements of the dish with simple ingredients and clear instructions. This recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners, elegant gatherings, or even a quick weeknight meal when you want something hearty, nutritious, and satisfying.
Let’s dive into Ree’s version of this beloved dish. Here’s everything you need to know to make her Italian Wedding Soup in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Italian Wedding Soup Pioneer Woman Recipe
Ree Drummond’s Italian Wedding Soup recipe is an absolute winner. She strikes the perfect balance between flavors and textures, ensuring the soup remains comforting while feeling elevated at the same time. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
- Meatballs: The soup gets its heartiness from tender, flavorful meatballs made with a mixture of ground beef, pork, and a touch of Parmesan for richness.
- Greens: Spinach is the typical choice here, although escarole or kale can be used for slightly different textures and tastes.
- Broth: The broth is light but packed with flavor, made from a combination of chicken broth and the savory drippings from the meatballs.
This combination creates a rich and hearty bowl of goodness that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Ingredients Needed
Before you get started on your Italian Wedding Soup journey, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to gather. Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients that are used in Ree Drummond’s recipe:
For The Meatballs
- Ground beef: 1 pound (you can substitute with turkey or chicken for a leaner option)
- Ground pork: 1/2 pound (adds moisture and richness)
- Breadcrumbs: 3/4 cup (preferably fresh breadcrumbs, as they soak up moisture better)
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (for that salty, nutty flavor that brings the meatballs together)
- Egg: 1 large (helps bind the mixture)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (adds aromatic depth)
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon (for a fragrant herbaceous punch)
For The Soup
- Chicken broth: 6 cups (the base of your soup-use low-sodium if you want more control over the salt level)
- Carrots: 2, peeled and chopped (for a little sweetness and texture)
- Onion: 1 medium, diced (adds flavor depth)
- Spinach: 4 cups (fresh, chopped-baby spinach works beautifully here)
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (to sauté the veggies)
- Salt and pepper: To taste (adjust as you go)
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, for garnish (optional but recommended!)
Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to bring everything together. Here’s how you can recreate Ree Drummond’s Italian Wedding Soup step-by-step:
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Make The Meatballs
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix everything gently until just combined-be careful not to overwork the meat mixture.
- Form small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get around 20-25 meatballs, depending on how big or small you make them.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil.
- Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them until they are golden on all sides. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage since they will finish cooking in the soup. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
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Prepare The Soup Base
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and carrots. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the chicken broth to the pot, and bring it to a simmer.
- Once the broth is simmering, carefully drop the browned meatballs into the soup. Let them simmer for about 10 minutes so they can cook through.
- Season with salt and pepper as needed.
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Add The Spinach
- Stir in the chopped spinach, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it wilts down into the soup.
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Final Touches
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Ingredient Insights
To elevate your understanding of the ingredients in this Italian Wedding Soup, here are a few key insights about some of the standout components:
- Ground Pork: This isn’t just for flavor; it provides fat content that makes the meatballs juicy and tender. If you opt for lean beef or turkey, the meatballs might come out a bit drier.
- Parmesan Cheese: The use of both in the meatballs and as a garnish is key. Parmesan imparts that signature salty, umami flavor that brings everything together. Don’t skip it!
- Spinach: While other greens like escarole or kale are commonly used in Italian Wedding Soup, spinach is a great option because of its mild flavor and quick cooking time.
- Chicken Broth: A good-quality chicken broth is essential. It’s the foundation of the soup’s flavor, so opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought broth if possible.
Expert Tips
To ensure your Italian Wedding Soup is perfect every time, here are some expert tips:
- Meatball size: If you make the meatballs too big, they’ll take longer to cook through. Aim for smaller, bite-sized meatballs for a balanced soup texture.
- Broth consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can simmer the broth a little longer to reduce it. For a more liquid-based soup, add more broth as needed.
- Flavor boost: For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding a little splash of white wine to the broth as it simmers, or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
- Make-ahead: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld together.
Recipe Variations
While the classic Italian Wedding Soup is delicious as-is, don’t be afraid to try different variations based on what you have available or your personal preferences:
- Swap the greens: While spinach is common, kale or escarole can provide a slightly bitter and more complex flavor profile.
- Add pasta: Some versions of this soup include small pasta shapes like orzo or acini di pepe for added texture. Just add the pasta towards the end, as it can absorb too much broth if it cooks for too long.
- Different meats: If you’re not a fan of pork, you can use all beef or even chicken sausage. Turkey or chicken meatballs are also great lighter alternatives.
- Vegetarian version: For a meatless version, use plant-based meatballs or omit the meatballs entirely and use vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or chickpeas as the protein source.
Final Words
Italian Wedding Soup is one of those dishes that brings comfort without being overly complicated. It’s a meal that feels special but can be whipped up with minimal fuss. The Pioneer Woman’s recipe is perfect for those who crave a hearty, wholesome soup that’s still light enough for any occasion.
Whether you’re making it for a large family gathering, a cozy date night, or a weeknight dinner, you’ll find that it’s just as much about the journey of creating the dish as it is about the joy of sitting down to enjoy it.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are In The Pioneer Woman’s Italian Wedding Soup?
The Pioneer Woman’s Italian Wedding Soup features a combination of meatballs, chicken broth, spinach, and small pasta. Key ingredients include ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, and eggs for the meatballs, and a hearty base of broth, spinach, and pasta for the soup.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Meat In The Meatballs For Italian Wedding Soup?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for the traditional ground beef and pork mix. The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still make for a delicious soup.
What Kind Of Pasta Should I Use In Italian Wedding Soup?
Traditionally, small pasta like acini di pepe or orzo is used in Italian Wedding Soup. However, you can also use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or pastina if those are more readily available.
How Can I Make The Italian Wedding Soup Pioneer Woman Recipe Vegetarian?
To make the soup vegetarian, you can omit the meatballs and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add a plant-based meat substitute or make your own vegetarian meatballs using lentils, quinoa, or a combination of vegetables and grains.
Can I Make The Meatballs Ahead Of Time For The Pioneer Woman’s Italian Wedding Soup?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Once formed, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, or freeze them for longer storage. Simply cook them when you’re ready to make the soup.
Can I Substitute Frozen Spinach Instead Of Fresh Spinach For Italian Wedding Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach in place of fresh spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the soup to avoid excess water.
How Long Does The Italian Wedding Soup Take To Cook?
The soup generally takes about 45 minutes to an hour to prepare and cook, including time to make and cook the meatballs, simmer the broth, and cook the pasta and spinach.
Can I Store Leftovers Of The Italian Wedding Soup Pioneer Woman Recipe?
Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup, although the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon reheating.
What Can I Serve With Italian Wedding Soup?
Italian Wedding Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic bread. You can also serve it with a light salad or a side of antipasto for a more complete meal.
Can I Make Italian Wedding Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For a slow cooker, combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to cook the meatballs, then add the broth and vegetables and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes.