Italian Meatball Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
I use 90% lean
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
finely grated
- 1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- cooking spray
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion
finely diced
- 2 stalks celery
sliced
- 2 carrots
peeled and diced
- 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
do not drain
- 16 ounce can tomato sauce
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup dry short pasta
such as ditalini
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
chopped
- parmesan cheese for serving
optional
Directions
- 1
Preheat the broiler.
- 2
For the meatballs: place all of the meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Stir with a large spoon or use your hands to combine all the ingredients. You can add a few teaspoons of water if needed to make the process easier.
- 3
Shape the meat mixture into small balls (1/2 inch to 3/4 inch in size). Place on a sheet pan lined with cooking spray. Coat the tops of the meatballs with cooking spray.
- 4
Broil for 8-10 minutes until meatballs are lightly browned.
- 5
While the meatballs are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery and carrots.
- 6
Cook the vegetables for 4-5 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
- 7
Bring to a simmer. Add the meatballs and pasta to the soup. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until pasta and vegetables are tender.
- 8
Top with parsley. Serve with parmesan cheese if desired.
Italian Meatball Soup
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Based on 86 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a cozy, comforting meal that's both hearty and easy to make? This Italian Meatball Soup delivers tender beef meatballs and vegetables in a rich tomato broth, perfect for a busy weeknight.
What makes this Italian Meatball Soup truly special is the care put into those tender beef meatballs. They're seasoned perfectly with minced garlic, fragrant dried Italian seasoning, and a blend of Parmesan cheese and Italian breadcrumbs, ensuring every bite is moist and packed with savory flavor. These meatballs then simmer gently in a robust, rich tomato broth alongside aromatic vegetables, creating a comforting depth that elevates this simple soup far beyond the ordinary.
Get ready for a bowl brimming with heartwarming flavors and delightful textures that truly satisfy. You'll find exceptionally tender, flavorful beef meatballs nestled within a vibrant and rich tomato broth, which is beautifully balanced by the natural sweetness of diced carrots and the aromatic foundation of celery and onion. The short pasta, such as ditalini, cooks right in the simmering liquid, absorbing all the wonderful savory notes and adding a lovely chewiness. This Italian Meatball Soup is designed to be a deeply satisfying and comforting meal, making it an ideal choice when you need a hearty dinner that still comes together efficiently, without a lot of fuss.
Feel free to customize this Italian Meatball Soup to your liking. You can swap the ground beef for a mix of beef and pork for even richer meatballs, or use ground turkey for a lighter option. Experiment with different short pastas like orzo or small shells if ditalini isn't on hand. For extra greens, stir in some fresh spinach or kale at the very end of cooking.
This Italian Meatball Soup is truly a complete meal on its own, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Serve it with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese for an added touch of freshness and savory depth.