Elevate your weeknight dinner with our Spinach and Tomato Soup Recipe, a delightful twist on classic tomato soup. This creamy, rich, and incredibly comforting soup features tender homemade meatballs, fresh spinach, and a medley of aromatic spices, creating a truly satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Get ready to experience a bowl of pure warmth and flavor that the whole family will adore.

HEARTY SPINACH AND TOMATO SOUP WITH MEATBALLS

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort, especially on a brisk day. Today, we’re thrilled to share a recipe that takes a beloved classic and transforms it into something truly extraordinary: a hearty Spinach and Tomato Soup, complete with succulent homemade meatballs. This recipe is a collaborative effort with Marie from Not Enough Cinnamon, a culinary talent known for her healthy, easy, and delicious approach to cooking.

Marie, originally from the vibrant streets of Paris, France, now resides in beautiful Australia, two dream destinations for many food lovers. Her blog is a treasure trove of recipes focusing on fresh, unprocessed ingredients, making gourmet-quality meals accessible for busy home cooks. She understands the challenge of balancing a hectic schedule with the desire for nourishing, homemade food, and her recipes, often requiring no more than 4 or 5 ingredients, are designed to simplify your kitchen life. Whether it’s her incredible Homemade Peanut Butter, the fresh and flavorful Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls, or the indulgent Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Ricotta, Pesto, and Grilled Haloumi, Marie consistently delivers innovative and satisfying dishes. And if you have a sweet tooth like me, her Peanut Butter and Chocolate Creamy Dip is an absolute must-try!

This Spinach and Tomato Meatball Soup is the epitome of comfort food, reminiscent of classic tomato soup paired with a crispy grilled cheese, but elevated with a rich, savory depth and satisfying meatballs. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, perfect for fending off the cold and nourishing your soul. The combination of tender meat, vibrant tomatoes, and nutrient-rich spinach creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will make this recipe a staple in your home.

If you’re a fan of the rich, savory flavors of tomato soup, you’ll also adore these other easy and delicious variations. Be sure to explore our Italian Meatball Tomato Soup, a robust and flavorful option featuring hearty meatballs. For something with an exotic twist, try our aromatic Moroccan Tomato Couscous Soup, packed with warmth and spices. Our Tomato Red Pepper Bulgur Soup offers a unique texture and vibrant taste. For a classic vegetable-packed option, the Vegetable Cabbage Soup is incredibly healthy and flavorful, while our Homemade Minestrone Soup is a timeless Italian favorite brimming with fresh ingredients. Each of these recipes offers a different way to enjoy the versatility and deliciousness of tomato-based soups.

ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR THIS DELICIOUS SPINACH AND TOMATO SOUP

This flavorful Spinach and Tomato Soup comes together with a combination of fresh produce, pantry staples, and a few key seasonings that create its signature rich and hearty profile. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

For the Flavorful Soup Base:

• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The foundation of our soup, providing a savory depth. Choose chicken broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Fresh Spinach Leaves: Adds a beautiful green color, a boost of nutrients, and a subtle earthy flavor that complements the tomatoes beautifully. Baby spinach is ideal for its tender texture.
• Onion: Aromatic and sweet when sautéed, it forms the crucial flavor base for the soup.
• Tomato Sauce: Contributes to the smooth, rich texture and classic tomato flavor.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Adds body and a slightly chunkier texture, enhancing the rustic feel of the soup.
• Tomato Paste: A concentrated burst of tomato flavor that intensifies the soup’s richness. Don’t skip this for maximum impact.
• Basil Pesto: Swirled in at the end, pesto introduces a fresh, herby, and garlicky dimension that brightens the entire dish and adds a touch of gourmet flair.

CRAFTING THE PERFECT MEATBALLS FOR YOUR SOUP

The meatballs are truly what make this tomato soup special, transforming it from a simple starter to a fulfilling main course. Making them from scratch allows for optimal flavor and texture. Here’s what goes into our delicious, tender meatballs:

• Ground Veal and Pork Mix: A classic combination that yields incredibly tender and flavorful meatballs. The fat content in pork ensures juiciness, while veal adds a delicate taste.
• Alternative Ground Meats: You can easily substitute the veal and pork with ground beef, ground turkey, or even Italian sausage for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences. Just ensure your chosen meat is lean enough not to make the soup greasy, or drain excess fat after browning.
• Garlic Clove: Minced garlic infuses the meatballs with a pungent, aromatic warmth.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami depth and helps bind the meatballs, contributing to their tender texture.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, delivering that quintessential Italian flavor profile to your meatballs.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Finely chopped fresh basil provides a vibrant, aromatic freshness that enhances the overall taste of the meatballs.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO MAKING THE BEST SPINACH AND TOMATO SOUP

Creating this rich and satisfying Spinach and Tomato Meatball Soup is simpler than you might think. Follow these clear steps to achieve a truly delicious meal:

1. Prepare the Flavorful Meatballs:

Begin by making your meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat (your choice of veal and pork, or an alternative like ground beef or turkey), eggs, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped basil, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Using your hands, gently but thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs. Once mixed, form the mixture into small meatballs, roughly the size of one tablespoon each. You should yield approximately 20 meatballs. To prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands during shaping, keep them slightly wet.

2. Perfectly Brown the Meatballs:

Heat one teaspoon of olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add about half of the prepared meatballs to the pot. Brown them on all sides until they develop a light golden-brown crust. This browning step is crucial as it locks in moisture and develops a deeper, richer flavor. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set aside. Add another teaspoon of olive oil and repeat the process with the remaining meatballs. Avoid crowding the pot, as this can steam the meatballs instead of browning them, and makes them harder to flip without breaking.

3. Sauté Aromatics and Wilt the Spinach:

Using the same pot with the flavorful drippings from the meatballs, add your chopped onion. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant and slightly softened. Then, add the fresh baby spinach. Cook for just a few seconds, stirring gently, until the spinach begins to wilt and shrink. It should still be bright green.

4. Combine and Simmer for Flavor Infusion:

Return the browned meatballs to the pot. Stir in the chicken or vegetable stock, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This simmering time allows the meatballs to cook through completely and for all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and harmonious soup. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

5. Serve with a Flourish:

Ladle this homemade soup into individual bowls. For an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation, swirl one tablespoon of basil pesto into each serving. Top with a generous sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread for dipping, or a light side salad.

CREATIVE VARIATIONS AND SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR SOUP

This Spinach and Tomato Soup is wonderfully versatile, offering plenty of ways to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours:

• Add a Kick of Spice: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the rich tomato broth during the simmering stage. Start with a small amount and add more to achieve your desired level of spice.
• Include Pasta for Extra Heartiness: Transform this soup into a more substantial meal by adding pasta. Small or medium pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or small shells work best. Alternatively, consider using gnocchi or cheese tortellini for a truly indulgent and creamy tomato tortellini soup. Add the pasta during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering, or according to package directions, ensuring it cooks al dente.
• Incorporate Italian Sausage: For an even more robust flavor, Italian sausage can be a fantastic addition. You can brown it alongside the meatballs, or even mix seasoned Italian sausage meat directly into your homemade meatballs for an extra layer of flavor.
• Boost with Beans: White beans (like cannellini or navy beans) or chickpeas make a wonderful addition, increasing the fiber and protein content of your healthy eating. Simply rinse and drain a can of your chosen beans and stir them into the soup during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
• Achieve Extra Creaminess: For an exceptionally smooth and creamy soup, use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer batches to a regular blender) to purée a portion of the soup after the meatballs are cooked but before adding pesto. You can blend about half of the soup for a thicker texture, then stir the meatballs back in. A splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone at the end can also enhance creaminess.
• Experiment with Broth Types: While chicken stock offers a classic flavor, feel free to use vegetable stock for a vegetarian option, or beef broth for a deeper, richer, and more savory profile. Each will lend a slightly different character to the soup.
• Vary Your Greens: While fresh spinach is delightful, other leafy greens can also work well. Chopped kale or arugula would add a slightly different flavor and texture, along with their nutritional benefits. Add tougher greens like kale earlier in the simmering process to ensure they soften adequately.
• Garnish Galore: Beyond pesto and Parmesan, consider fresh parsley, a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, homemade croutons, or even a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy finish.

EXPLORE MORE DELICIOUS TOMATO-INSPIRED RECIPES

If you love the fresh, vibrant taste of tomatoes, you’ll surely enjoy these other wonderful recipes that highlight this versatile fruit:

• PERSIAN TOMATO CUCUMBER SALAD: A refreshing and zesty salad, perfect as a light side dish or appetizer, bursting with fresh flavors.
• TOMATO CUCUMBER FETA QUINOA SALAD: A hearty and healthy salad packed with protein and vibrant vegetables, ideal for a nutritious lunch.
• EASY LEBANESE SALAD: A simple yet incredibly flavorful salad, a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, offering crisp freshness.
• LEBANESE TABBOULEH: The classic bulgur wheat salad, bright with parsley, mint, and a generous amount of diced tomatoes.
• CUCUMBER TOMATO SALAD WITH YOGURT DRESSING: A cool and creamy salad, featuring crisp vegetables tossed in a refreshing yogurt-based dressing.

Tried this recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a star rating and comment below. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on
Facebook,
Instagram, or
Pinterest for the latest recipes and culinary inspiration.

Tap to rate the recipe

No ratings yet

Spinach and Tomato Soup Recipe

By
Julia Jolliff

Spinach and Tomato Soup Recipe takes a traditional tomato soup and elevates it with savory meatballs and fresh spinach.

Pin
Print

Prep:

20 minutes
mins

Cook:

20 minutes
mins

Total:

40 minutes
mins

Servings:

6
servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb. ground veal, (or you can use ground beef, turkey or sausage)
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 2 eggs
• 1 garlic clove, (or 2 small, minced)
• 1/3 cup parmesan, grated
• 1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tsps. Italian seasoning
• 2 tsp. olive oil, divided
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cups baby spinach, fresh
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsps. tomato paste
• 6 tbsps. basil pesto
• parmesan, grated, for serving
• salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the meatballs. In a large bowl, add ground meat, eggs, garlic, parmesan, basil, Italian seasoning and salt. Using your hands, thoroughly mix all the ingredients until combined and well distributed.
2. Form meatballs the size of one tablespoon. You should get about 20 meatballs. To avoid the mixture to be too sticky, keep your hands wet when shaping the meatballs.
3. Heat one teaspoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown half of the meatballs on each side and remove from the pot.
4. Add another teaspoon of olive oil and repeat. You want to make sure your pot is not too crowded so you can easily flip the meatballs without destroying them.
5. In the same pot, add onion and cook 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add spinach and cook just a few seconds until it starts to shrink.
6. Transfer the meatballs back to the pot and stir in stock, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through. Adjust seasoning.
7. Serve soup in bowls and add one tablespoon of pesto in each bowl. Top with additional parmesan.

Notes

• You can use ground beef or turkey for the meatballs.
• You can also add small pasta to the soup. If you do, add 1 cup to the pot 10 minutes (more or less according to package direction) before the soup finishes cooking.
• This soup is even better the next day.

Nutrition

Calories: 383kcal

Carbohydrates: 22g

Protein: 25g

Fat: 23g

Saturated Fat: 7g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

Monounsaturated Fat: 7g

Trans Fat: 0.01g

Cholesterol: 121mg

Sodium: 1195mg

Potassium: 1130mg

Fiber: 5g

Sugar: 11g

Vitamin A: 2667IU

Vitamin C: 22mg

Calcium: 203mg

Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?
Mention @acedarspoon or tag #acedarspoon!