Mini Meatball Soup
Published Jan 17, 2019•Updated Oct 29, 2025
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What could be more fun than soup full of mini meatballs? For years, my kids have been delighted with mini meatball soup (far more than they would be if the soup was made with the full-size version). The result is a cozy bowl of savory broth, Italian sausage meatballs, and pasta
The truth is that mini meatballs just take a little bit of patience to roll. So, in this soup recipe the meatballs couldn’t be simpler. They’re just made with Italian sausage which is already flavorful and packed with seasoning. No need to mix up a bunch of ingredients. Just spend a little time rolling the Italian sausage into tiny bowls and then finish off the rest of the savory soup.
The other ingredient that makes this soup so fun is orzo pasta. This small pasta shape really pairs well with tiny meatballs. And if you have orzo leftover, make lemon chicken orzo soup or parmesan orzo.
How to Make Italian Sausage Meatballs
Italian sausage, purchased from the butcher / meat counter is already seasoned and full of flavor. Look for Italian sausage that is finely ground and looks similar in texture to ground beef or pork. If the sausage is too sticky / loose to easily roll into balls, add some breadcrumbs (Italian breadcrumbs or panic breadcrumbs will work). Roll the sausage into balls using anywhere from a rounded 1 teaspoon to rounded 1 Tablespoon for each ball. (For this soup, aim on the smaller side.) Line the meatballs up on a sheet pan or cutting board and then sear on all sides in a skillet with some cooking oil over medium-high heat.
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Mini Meatball and Orzo Soup Ingredients
- Italian Sausage – As noted above, look for Italian sausage that is similar in texture to ground beef or pork. It comes in mild or spicy varieties, so look for the version that fits with your spice preference.
- Chicken Stock – Because Italian sausage can be salty, use a low sodium chicken stock or broth for the base of the soup. Store-bought or homemade chicken stock will work.
- Orzo Pasta – This small rice-shaped pasta cooks fast. Any other small pasta shape will work. If you’re an orzo fan and looking for another recipe using this underrated past, check out my latest orzo-inspired creation, One-Pot Orzo with Tomatoes, Corn and Feta.
Make-Ahead / Freezer Instructions
This soup can be made ahead. Prepare the soup without the pasta. Then refrigerate or freeze.
When ready to serve, boil the orzo pasta until tender. Drain pasta and divide between serving bowls. Reheat soup and pour over top of the orzo pasta.
Printable Freezer Label
Print and attach the label below so cooking instructions are ready when you are!
More Cozy Soup Recipes
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Mini Meatball and Orzo Soup
Equipment
- Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Italian Sausage, rolled into 1-inch balls (see note)
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 small Onion, chopped
- 10 ounces Carrots, sliced into rounds
- ½ teaspoon Oregano, dried
- ⅔ cup Orzo pasta
- 5 cups Chicken Stock
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
- Chopped parsley, for serving
- Grated Parmesan Cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Heat a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add olive oil and then meatballs. Cook meatballs, stirring every couple minutes, until browned on all sides, ~5 minutes total. Transfer meatballs to a paper-towel lined plate.
- To the heated Dutch oven, add onion and carrots. Saute until onions are starting to soften, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add oregano and orzo pasta and saute for 1 minute.
- Pour chicken stock into pan and bring to a simmer. Add meatballs back to soup.
- Simmer soup until carrots and pasta are tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
- Squeeze lemon juice into soup. Taste and season with some salt and pepper.
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top bowls with parsley and cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made this delicious soup to eat after church. Easy to make and so yummy!
So glad you enjoyed it Terry!!
Just a new note on this favorite old recipe of our family. Our college daughter and my 81 year old Mom insist that I make a double batch batch every time so that they can take home individual portions to have in their freezer when they need a little TLC. thanks for sharing this keeper of a recipe!
Oh I love that! So glad everyone enjoys it as much as we do.
Can you use turkey instead of sausage?
Absolutely! If you’re using ground turkey, be sure to add some spices and seasonings. I have a great turkey meatball recipe here on the site that you could use in place of the sausage.
Cheater’s meatballs are my new favorite thing! So easy. And my two picky-ish kids looooved the meatballs, tiny pasta (I used ditalini instead of orzo), and carrots. Win! I also added some thinly sliced celery and minced garlic in with the veggies. Great easy family meal. Thanks!
Yes! So easy, right!? So glad they were a hit, Kristin. And I love the additions / subs!
Wow this looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it.
Thanks for the tip!
Have a great day.
Priyanka