Indulge in the heartwarming embrace of a delightful Meatball Soup, perfect for those cozy family dinners or chilly evenings. This scrumptious dish effortlessly melds together the flavors of tender meatballs, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic Italian herbs in a luscious tomato-infused broth. Whether crafted from scratch or using store-bought ingredients, this soup promises a delightful journey for your taste buds.
Creating the Perfect Meatball Soup
Begin by warming olive oil in a spacious pot. Introduce a medley of onions, carrots, celery, and green beans, allowing them to soften and release their enticing aromas. A sprinkle of Italian herbs soon follows, infusing the vegetables with a rich fragrance. The stage is then set for the introduction of beef broth, tomato puree, and the star of the show – meatballs. After a gentle simmer, in goes the pasta, which absorbs the savory essence of the soup. A finishing touch of seasoning and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and your masterpiece is ready to be savored.
Key Tips and Variations
- Meatball choices are versatile. Whether opting for turkey, beef, pork, or chicken, the result remains delightful.
- Crafting homemade meatballs? A blend of lean ground beef, Italian seasonings, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan ensures perfection.
- Fresh vegetables elevate the dish, though frozen alternatives can seamlessly step in when needed.
- For a poultry twist, swap beef broth with chicken broth when using turkey meatballs.
- Exploring the world of canned tomatoes? Fire-roasted variants offer a smoky depth, readily available in most supermarkets.
- Planning to save some for later? Remember to adjust the pasta quantity. Add it during reheating to maintain its perfect texture.
- Pasta choices abound – whether it’s the elegance of Mini Farfalle, ditalini, orzo, or acini de pepe.
- Elevate individual servings with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Store any remnants in a secure container, ensuring freshness for up to three days.
Recipe Snapshot
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Type: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 large carrots, finely chopped
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 1 ½ cups green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp each of oregano and basil
- ½ tsp each of garlic powder and onion powder
- 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato puree
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 ¼ lbs meatballs (fresh or frozen)
- ¾ cup small pasta of choice (Mini Farfalle, ditalini, etc.)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium flame. Add onions, carrots, celery, and green beans, sautéing until tender.
- Incorporate parsley, oregano, basil, garlic, and onion powder, stirring for an aromatic infusion.
- Pour in beef broth, tomato puree, fire-roasted tomatoes, and meatballs. Let simmer for 7-10 minutes.
- Introduce the pasta, cooking until al dente. Garnish with fresh parsley, season as desired, and serve hot.
Conclusion
Embrace the warmth of this Meatball Soup, a testament to Italian-inspired flavors and heartwarming ingredients. Whether it’s a family gathering or a solo meal, this dish promises a symphony of flavors in every spoonful.
image source : small town woman
