Description
A hearty and comforting Italian meatball soup featuring tender ground beef meatballs, nutritious vegetables, and small pasta in a rich and flavorful tomato and beef broth, perfect for a warming meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 250 g ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 800 g crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Meatballs: Carefully add the prepared meatballs into the simmering soup. Allow them to cook for 10 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through.
- Add Pasta: Stir in the small pasta and cook until tender, approximately 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta type.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- Use ground turkey as a lighter, leaner alternative to beef.
- For added nutrition, stir in fresh spinach at the very end of cooking until just wilted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
