Description
A warm, hearty soup filled with tender meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings, this dish is a timeless comfort food classic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 cup small pasta (orzo or acini di pepe)
- 2 cups spinach or kale
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined, then form into small meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet. Brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Soup Base: In a large pot, heat the remaining olive oil. Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened (5-7 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook the Meatballs: Add the meatballs to the simmering broth. Cook for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Add Pasta and Greens: Stir in pasta and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Add spinach or kale and let it wilt.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan.
Notes
1️⃣ Browning the Meatballs: Don’t skip browning the meatballs before adding them to the soup. This step locks in the juices, enhances their flavor, and prevents them from falling apart in the broth.
2️⃣ Pasta Timing: Cook pasta separately if you’re planning to store leftovers. Adding it directly to the soup can make it mushy when reheated.
3️⃣ Flavor Boost: Let the soup simmer for at least 15–20 minutes after adding the meatballs. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer and more aromatic broth.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 40 min