Italian Wedding Soup with Beef Meatballs and Rice

Name: Italian Wedding Soup with Beef Meatballs and Rice
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 400 g lean ground beef; 1 whole large egg; 30 g fine breadcrumbs; 30 g grated Parmesan; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp fine salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 whole medium onion, diced; 2 whole carrots, diced; 2 whole celery stalks, diced; 1.5 l chicken or beef stock; 100 g long-grain rice; 100 g spinach, chopped

A hearty broth with tender beef meatballs, rice, carrot, celery and greens.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 55 minMakes 6 servings

Jump to Recipe

This Italian-style wedding soup combines small beef meatballs, vegetables, rice and leafy greens in a savoury broth. The source’s stock amount is too small for the listed ingredients, so this version uses a measured pot of stock and adds a simple egg-and-crumb binder to the meatballs. Brown or simmer the meatballs gently, then cook the rice until tender. Mix beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, oregano, salt and pepper. Shape into small 2-cm balls. Heat oil in a soup pot. Cook onion, carrots and celery 5 minutes until softened. Add stock and bring to a gentle boil. Add rice and meatballs. Simmer 15 to 18 minutes until rice is tender and meatballs reach 71°C (160°F). Stir in spinach and cook 1 to 2 minutes until wilted.

Italian Wedding Soup with Beef Meatballs and Rice

How to tell when it is ready

Ladle into bowls and finish with Parmesan if desired.

Tips

Mix beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, oregano, salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a soup pot.
Add stock and bring to a gentle boil.
Stir in spinach and cook 1 to 2 minutes until wilted.

Troubleshooting

If soup becomes too thick, stir in hot stock.
If meatballs break, simmer the broth more gently.

Substitutions

Use ground turkey in place of beef.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Variations

Use escarole instead of spinach.
Add a pinch of chilli flakes.

Serving suggestions

Serve with crusty bread.
Top with grated Parmesan.
Add a green salad.
Offer lemon wedges.

Make ahead

Prepare components ahead and store safely. Refrigerate within 2 hours up to 3 days. Rice will absorb broth; add stock when reheating.

Storage

Refrigerate within 2 hours up to 3 days. Rice will absorb broth; add stock when reheating.

Food safety

Cook ground beef to 71°C (160°F) and refrigerate leftovers promptly.genui{"citation":{"ref":"turn6search0"}}genui{"citation":{"ref":"turn6search2"}}

Frequently asked questions

Can I use cooked rice?

Yes. Add cooked rice after the meatballs are done and simmer until hot throughout.

How should I store italian wedding soup with beef meatballs and rice?

Refrigerate within 2 hours up to 3 days. Rice will absorb broth; add stock when reheating.

Serve with crusty bread. Refrigerate within 2 hours up to 3 days. Rice will absorb broth; add stock when reheating.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Italian Wedding Soup with Beef Meatballs and Rice