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Cozy Italian Meatball Soup Recipe Perfect for Chilly Days

Italian Meatball Soup - featured image

A warm and comforting Italian meatball soup with tender meatballs, rich tomato broth, and pasta, perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, beaten egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  2. Roll into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sautΓ© until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Add chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Carefully drop the meatballs into the soup. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add pasta to the soup and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
  7. Once the pasta is tender, stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to keep them tender. Simmer gently to prevent meatballs from breaking apart. Taste and adjust seasoning halfway through cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian soup, meatball soup, comfort food, cozy soup, chilly day recipe