Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until everything is well combined, but avoid over-mixing as it can make the meatballs tough.
- Form small meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet or plate. You should get about 20-25 meatballs.
2. Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked through, as they’ll finish cooking in the soup). Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the Soup:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef or chicken broth and the diced tomatoes. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Add the Meatballs:
- Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the soup.
- Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and the flavors to meld.
5. Cook the Pasta:
- While the meatballs are simmering, cook the pasta separately in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Finish the Soup:
- After the meatballs are cooked through, stir in the cooked pasta and spinach (if using). Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Serve with crusty bread on the side.
Tips:
- For extra richness, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
- You can also add zucchini or other vegetables to the soup if you like more veggie variety.
This Italian Meatball Soup is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any time you’re craving a bowl of comfort. Let me know if you’d like to explore variations or add-ins!