Italian Meatball & Pearl Couscous Soup 🍲🥕🥬
Description
This Italian Meatball & Pearl Couscous Soup is a hearty, comforting meal packed with tender homemade meatballs, pearl couscous, fresh vegetables, and leafy greens in a flavourful herb-infused broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep, this one-pot soup is nourishing, filling, and loved by the whole family. Every spoonful delivers juicy meatballs, wholesome vegetables, and rich Italian flavours.
Servings
- Serves: 6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef or turkey
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
Soup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup pearl couscous
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1
Mix all meatball ingredients and roll into small bite-sized meatballs.
Step 2
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic for 5 minutes.
Step 3
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Step 4
Carefully add the meatballs and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 5
Stir in pearl couscous and cook for another 8–10 minutes.
Step 6
Add kale or spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
Step 7
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Mini meatballs cook faster and are easier to eat.
- Fresh parsley brightens the soup’s flavor.
- Spinach can replace kale if preferred.
Tips
Add grated Parmesan before serving.
Make meatballs ahead to save time.
Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Approximate values.
Benefits
- High in protein for muscle support.
- Rich in vitamins from fresh vegetables and greens.
- Balanced meal with protein, grains, and vegetables.
- Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Can I substitute the couscous?
Absolutely! Orzo, small pasta, or rice work well.
Q: How long does it keep?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze for up to 3 months. Add fresh greens when reheating if desired.