Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 cup minced onion (, (about 1/2 large onion))
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 lb ground pork (, beef, or veal)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (, mild or hot Italian)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs (, like panko)
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
• 1 heaping teaspoon dry Italian herb blend ((less if using seasoned crumbs))
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups diced onion ((1 large onion))
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 16 ounces cremini mushrooms (, rinsed and sliced)
• 3 cups sliced carrot rounds (, 4-5 large carrots)
• 4 stalks celery (, coarsely chopped )
• 48 ounces beef stock
• 2 teaspoons dry Italian herb blend
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 8 ounces fresh spinach
• Sea salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions