Italian meatball soup

Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines flavorful meatballs with a savory broth and vegetables. Here’s a recipe for a delicious Italian Meatball Soup:

Italian Meatball Soup:

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or small shells)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

For the Meatballs:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Meatball Mixture:
   • In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape Meatballs:
   • Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake Meatballs:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.

For the Soup:

1. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
   • Stir in diced tomatoes, beef or vegetable broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer.
3. Cook Pasta:
   • Add the small pasta to the simmering soup and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
4. Add Meatballs:
   • Once the pasta is cooked, add the baked meatballs to the soup. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to heat the meatballs through.
5. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
6. Serve:
   • Ladle the Italian Meatball Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your comforting Italian Meatball Soup! It’s a wholesome and flavorful dish that’s perfect for chilly days.