Name: Italian Meatball Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (90% lean); 1 tsp minced garlic; 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp dried parsley; 1 egg; 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated; 1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; Non-stick cooking spray; 2 tsp olive oil; 1/2 cup onion, finely diced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 15 oz can crushed tomatoes (undrained); 16 oz can tomato sauce; 6 cups beef broth; 3/4 cup dry short pasta (ditalini or similar); 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Description

Italian Meatball Soup is a comforting, wholesome one-pot meal made with juicy meatballs, tender veggies, pasta, and a rich tomato broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (90% lean)

1 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp dried Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp dried parsley

1 egg

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated

1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

Non-stick cooking spray

2 tsp olive oil

1/2 cup onion, finely diced

2 celery stalks, sliced

2 carrots, peeled and diced

15 oz can crushed tomatoes (undrained)

16 oz can tomato sauce

6 cups beef broth

3/4 cup dry short pasta (ditalini or similar)

1 tsp dried Italian seasoning

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Instructions

Preheat the Broiler: Set your broiler to medium or high heat. Lightly coat a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix well using your hands or a large spoon.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a teaspoon or two of water.
- Shape into small balls, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter, and place them on the baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Broil for 8–10 minutes until the meatballs are nicely browned.
Make the Soup Base:
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
Combine and Simmer:
- Stir in the broiled meatballs and uncooked pasta.
- Let simmer for about 10 minutes or until the pasta and vegetables are tender.
Finish and Serve:
- Mix in chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatballs.

Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture for best texture.

Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Thin soup with water or broth if it thickens after storage.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 279 kcal
Sugar: 8g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 24g