Italian Meatball Soup

Oh boy, if there’s a soup that can really tickle your taste buds, it’s the Italian Meatball Soup. Think about it: Savory meatballs, tender veggies, and al dente pasta floating around in a rich tomato broth – what’s not to love? This soup feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and it’s perfect for those special family dinners where you want to cozy up with a delicious, comforting dish. Just the aroma alone makes my mouth water!

Italian Meatball Soup is quite a crowd-pleaser for both young and old. And I’ll tell you why. It’s not just another soup, it’s a hearty meal in itself. Satisfaction guaranteed! Prep time only takes about 30 minutes and once you get all the ingredients into the pot, you just let it simmer away while you do your things. Easy peasy!

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 servings

Stick around, I bet you can’t wait to roll those meatballs and start cooking. Let’s get right into the recipe and you’ll see it’s as easy as pie!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced carrot
• 1 cup diced celery
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup uncooked small pasta

For equipment, you���ll need a large pot and a baking sheet for broiling the meatballs.

In this recipe, it���s essential that we use low-sodium chicken broth to manage the saltiness of our soup, seeing as our Parmesan cheese and canned tomatoes could already provide us with a decent amount of salt. Speaking of Parmesan, this ingredient is what gives our meatballs that delicious twist of taste and bind them together!

If you can���t find some ingredients or have dietary restrictions, no worries! You can use breadcrumbs as a substitute for eggs. And for a vegan option, you can use lentils or chickpeas instead of ground beef.

How To Make Italian Meatball Soup

1. Firstly, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add in the diced onion, carrot, and celery and saut�� them until they are slightly tender.
3. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and meatballs to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
4. After the soup has simmered, add the pasta and let the soup continue to simmer for 15 more minutes or until the pasta is cooked.
5. Finally, taste for seasoning and add salt or pepper as needed. Serve warm with chopped parsley on top if desired.

Tips For The Best Results

• Use fresh ingredients, particularly the herbs and vegetables, to get the best taste.
• Don���t be in a hurry. Let the soup simmer for the time given to allow the flavors to blend.

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for about 3 days.
• You can also freeze it for up to three months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use turkey instead of beef for the meatballs?

A: Yes, turkey is a leaner choice and it will taste just as delicious.

Q: Can I skip the pasta?

A: Absolutely, if carbs are a concern, you can omit the pasta.

Q: Can I add other vegetables in the soup?

A: Sure, you can add green beans, peas, or any veggies you like.

Q: Can I freeze the meatball soup?

A: Yes, the soup freezes well. But it���s best to cook the pasta separately if you plan on freezing it to prevent it from getting mushy.

Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs?

A: Yes, you can. But I highly recommend making your own for a better taste and more wholesome ingredients.

Nutritional Facts of Italian Meatball Soup

Each serving of this flavorful Italian Meatball Soup has about 300 calories, 20g protein, 30g carbs, and 13g fat. It’s also high in fiber and packed with vitamins from the veggies.

To wrap it up, I just want to say that this Italian Meatball Soup is one of my all-time favorites. It’s warm, filling, and the flavor just hits the spot. If you want to dress it up, I recommend serving with some crusty Italian bread and a sprinkling of fresh parsley. Don’t forget a glass of fine red wine, and you’ve got yourself a truly soul-satisfying meal!