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:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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.
- Shape Meatballs:
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook Pasta:
- Add the small pasta to the simmering soup and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- 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.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- 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.