Hearty italian meatball soup

Here’s a recipe for hearty Italian meatball soup:Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
• 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or small shells)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the soup to a simmer, then gently add the meatballs to the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
6. Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and the small pasta. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
7. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed with more salt and pepper.
8. Ladle the hearty Italian meatball soup into bowls. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
9. Enjoy your delicious and comforting Italian meatball soup!

This hearty soup is packed with flavor and makes for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or for serving to friends and family on chilly days.