Introduction
Cozy up with a bowl of warmth and deliciousness this season! This Cozy Meatball Soup is the perfect antidote to chilly days, delivering comfort in each spoonful. Packed with flavorful meatballs and wholesome ingredients, this soup is a delightful addition to your weeknight dinners or a hearty dish for a lazy weekend afternoon. Let’s explore how to make this enriching recipe that will surely warm your heart and home.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 5 cups beef broth
- 1 cup pasta of your choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Instructions
1. Roll Up Those Sleeves: In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until just combined. Roll into bite-sized balls and set aside.
2. Soup Time: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, then add garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for another minute.
3. Tomato Dance: Toss in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well, bring to a gentle boil, and watch the flavors mingle.
4. Meatball Magic: Carefully drop the meatballs into the soup. Simmer for 15 minutes, letting them soak in all that goodness.
5. Pasta Party: Add the pasta to the pot. Cook until pasta is al dente and meatballs are cooked through, about 10 more minutes.
6. Season & Serve: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a touch of fresh parsley. Ladle into bowls and dive into deliciousness!
Enjoy this satisfying meal that promises to be a staple for years to come, ensuring every bowl radiates comfort and joy.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Roll Up Those Sleeves
In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients (1 pound ground beef, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup milk, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper) until just combined. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and set aside.
Soup Time
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and cook until translucent. Then, add 2 minced cloves of garlic and 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Sauté for another minute.
Tomato Dance
Toss in 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes and 5 cups beef broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to mingle.
Meatball Magic
Carefully drop the meatballs into the soup. Simmer for 15 minutes, letting them soak in all that goodness.
Pasta Party
Add 1 cup of pasta of your choice to the pot. Cook until the pasta is al dente and the meatballs are cooked through, about 10 more minutes.
Season & Serve
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a touch of fresh parsley for garnish. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!
Notes
Meatball Consistency
Make sure not to overmix the meatball ingredients, as this can make them tough.
Broth Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the amount of beef broth depending on how soupy you prefer your dish.
Pasta Variations
You can use any type of pasta you like; small shapes like ditalini or orzo work particularly well.
Storage Tips
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Cook techniques
Mixing Meatballs
Ensure that you mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper gently. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs; just combine until everything is incorporated.
Sautéing Vegetables
Cook the onions in olive oil until they are translucent before adding garlic and Italian seasoning. This will enhance the flavor base of your soup and ensure the garlic doesn’t burn.
Simmering Flavors
After adding the diced tomatoes and beef broth, allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. This step combines and intensifies all the flavors before adding the meatballs.
Cooking Pasta
Add pasta to the pot during the last stages of cooking. This prevents overcooking and ensures it remains al dente, contributing to a pleasant texture in the soup.
Garnishing
Finishing your soup with fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor, enhancing the overall presentation and taste of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. Keep in mind that the flavor will be lighter, so you may want to adjust the seasonings.
What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Any pasta shape can work well, but smaller shapes like orzo, ditalini, or elbow macaroni are ideal since they fit nicely in a soup.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance. However, it’s best to add the pasta when you reheat it to prevent it from becoming mushy.
How do I store leftover soup?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Can I add vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
