Description
A flavorful Italian Meatball Soup that combines hearty meatballs with a savory broth and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini)
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the meatballs for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened.
- Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
- Carefully add the meatballs to the soup and cook for about 15 minutes.
- Add the small pasta and chopped spinach, cooking until the pasta is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top, if desired.
Notes
- Chilling the meatballs is optional but helps them maintain their shape during cooking.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes or omitting them altogether.
- For a heartier version, add more vegetables or use a different type of pasta.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg