Description
Warm up your evenings with this Italian Meatball Soup, a delightful blend of tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings, this comforting dish is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. With its savory combination of herbs and spices, each spoonful warms the soul and fills your belly. Plus, it’s customizable—feel free to add your favorite greens or pasta shapes for a personal touch. This nutritious soup is not only packed with protein but also makes for excellent meal prep, ensuring you have delicious leftovers ready for busy days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or orzo)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Shape into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in the same pot for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth; stir in basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Return meatballs to the pot; simmer for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- Add spinach and pasta; cook until pasta is al dente (8-10 minutes). Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute lean turkey for ground beef or adjust the vegetables based on your preference. For meal prep convenience, cook pasta separately if storing leftovers to prevent sogginess.