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Italian Meatball Soup

Italian Meatball Soup
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Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a savory broth with fresh vegetables and small pasta or rice. This one-pot meal combines traditional Italian flavors with nourishing ingredients, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping on chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef and pork blend
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Soup Base

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 6 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or small shells) or rice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnishes

  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra virgin olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender. Shape into small, bite-sized meatballs.
  2. Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until golden but not fully cooked through. Remove them from the pot and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Build the Soup Base: Add garlic and Italian seasoning to the vegetables and cook until fragrant. Pour in the broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor.
  5. Simmer the Soup: Return the meatballs to the pot and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes to cook the meatballs fully and meld the flavors.
  6. Add Pasta or Rice: Stir in small pasta shapes or rice and cook until tender, usually about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Final Touches: Finish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving. Enjoy the warmth!

Notes

  • Make the meatballs small for even cooking and easier eating.
  • Avoid overworking the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
  • Use homemade or high-quality broth for the best depth of flavor.
  • Add pasta towards the end to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Add fresh parsley or basil at the end to brighten the soup and enhance aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian meatball soup, comfort soup, hearty soup, meatballs, Italian soup, one-pot meal, nourishing soup, family-friendly

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/italian-meatball-soup/