Here’s a comforting and hearty recipe for Italian Meatball Tomato Soup! This delicious soup features flavorful meatballs in a rich tomato broth, making it perfect for a cozy meal. Serve it with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete dish.
Italian Meatball Tomato Soup Recipe
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
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Make the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set aside.
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Cook the Meatballs:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.
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Prepare the Soup:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried basil, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Combine Meatballs and Soup:
- Return the browned meatballs to the pot. Simmer the soup for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have melded together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top and crusty bread on the side.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make the soup.
- Freezing: The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Additions: Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach to the soup for extra nutrition.
Enjoy your Italian Meatball Tomato Soup! It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any day of the week!