Description
Warm your soul with a bowl of Classic Italian Meatball Soup, a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. With tender homemade meatballs, fresh vegetables, short pasta, and a savory tomato broth, this comforting soup is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and bursting with Italian flavors, it’s a meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 450 g (1 lb) ground beef (15% fat)
- 2 medium garlic cloves, crushed
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried sage
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- 1 medium egg
- 25 g (⅓ cup) grated Parmesan
- 30 g (1 oz) breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- Oil spray (for coating)
For the Soup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 can (400 g/14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 liter (4 cups) beef stock
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 150 g (1 ½ cups) elbow pasta
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 25 g (⅓ cup) grated Parmesan
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, garlic, dried herbs, egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water if the mixture feels too dry.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs (about 25–30).
- Bake: Arrange on the baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Prepare the Soup Base
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 7–8 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the Broth: Add crushed tomatoes, beef stock, and dried oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Combine Meatballs and Pasta
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the simmering soup and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
- Add Meatballs: Gently add the baked meatballs to the soup.
- Season: Stir in fresh parsley and Parmesan, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra Parmesan and parsley.
- Optional Sides: Serve with crusty bread, a green salad, or garlic knots for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian