### Italian Meatball Soup 🍲🇮🇹
Indulge yourself in the comforting embrace of our Italian Meatball Soup. This classic, rustic dish combines the rich and savory flavors of tender meatballs, vibrant, unctuous vegetables, and a broth that will warm up your soul. Perfectly suited for a family meal, this main-course soup will leave every member of the family feeling loved and satisfied.
## Why Make This Recipe
Italian Meatball Soup is not just a meal, it’s an experience. Each spoonful of this delicious soup takes you on a culinary journey to the heart of Italy, bringing with it the hearty comfort of nourishing broth, the fresh crunch of perfectly cooked vegetables, and the succulent satisfaction of mouthwatering meatballs. It’s the perfect dish to comfort you on a chilly night.
## How to Make Italian Meatball Soup 🍲🇮🇹
Crafting this homely dish is less a chore and more a joy. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a simmering pot of Italian Meatball soup that’s sure to impress your family.
### Ingredients:
**Meatballs:**
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Soup:**
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
### Directions:
1. Prepare the meatballs by combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Mix well before forming them into small balls.
2. In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until browned, then set them aside.
3. Use the same pot to sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
4. Add in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and basil. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Let the meatballs simmer in the soup for 10 minutes.
6. Add in the pasta, cooking for an additional 10 minutes until tender.
7. Finally, remove the bay leaf, serve the soup in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
## How To Serve Italian Meatball Soup 🍲🇮🇹
To get the best out of this Italian Meatball Soup, serve it hot off the stove in deep soup bowls. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread to mop up the savory broth and a fresh side salad for that extra crunch. It is a complete and satisfying meal that fills your stomach as well as your heart!
## How To Store Italian Meatball Soup
Store any leftover Italian Meatball Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 4-5 days. This soup can also be frozen, just be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Tips To Make Italian Meatball Soup
To render richer flavors, use homemade chicken broth if possible. It’s also best to use fresh vegetables for a more robust taste and texture. When forming the meatballs, keep them small for them to cook evenly and to make it easier to eat with the soup.
## FAQs
1. **Can I use a different type of meat in the meatballs?**
Yes, the recipe can be just as delicious using ground turkey or pork.
2. **Can I freeze the soup?**
Yes, to freeze, store the soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
3. **Can I add other vegetables?**
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers based on what you have on hand.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get those sleeves rolled up and prepare a hearty meal of Italian Meatball Soup that will satisfy your cravings and warm your heart!