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Italian Meatball Soup

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This flavorful and hearty soup combines tender meatballs, a savory tomato broth, and pasta for a comforting meal that’s quick and easy to make. Perfect for a cozy dinner!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound meatballs (homemade or store-bought; see note)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 4 cups beef broth (add more if needed)
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped small
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1.5 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn or chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs:
    • If making meatballs from scratch, use your favorite recipe (or try Natasha’s linked recipe). Pre-made or store-bought meatballs work great for this recipe.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics:
    • Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened.
    • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Build the Soup Base:
    • Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red bell pepper, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and meatballs to the pot. Stir to combine.
    • Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Cook the Pasta:
    • Once the soup is boiling, add the uncooked fusilli pasta.
    • Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the soup, covered with the lid slightly ajar, for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Adjust Consistency:
    • If the soup becomes too thick, add more beef broth to achieve a brothy consistency.
  6. Finish with Fresh Basil:
    • Stir in the fresh basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve:
    • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • You can use homemade or store-bought meatballs, whichever is more convenient for you. If using store-bought meatballs, ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the soup.
  • Fire-roasted crushed tomatoes add a nice smoky flavor to the soup, but regular crushed tomatoes will work too.
  • If you prefer a milder soup, omit the crushed red pepper flakes or adjust to your heat preference.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://deliceflash.com/italian-meatball-soup/