Warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds with a bowl of Mini Italian Meatball Soup! This delightful dish combines tender, flavorful meatballs with a rich, savory broth and perfectly cooked pasta, making it the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Ready to dive into a delicious culinary adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup pasta (small shapes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the mini meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a fork until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is ready, form it into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet or plate as you go.
- In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown the meatballs on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the browned meatballs from the pot and set them aside.
- In the same pot, add 4 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze it, incorporating any browned bits from the meatballs.
- Add 1 can of diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Next, add 1 cup of small pasta shapes to the pot. Stir well and return the meatballs to the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
- Once the pasta is cooked, taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, you can also add more Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Serve the mini Italian meatball soup hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like basil or parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal!
Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: When combining your meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so be gentle!
- Browning is Key: Ensure your meatballs are browned on all sides for maximum flavor. This step adds a delicious depth to your soup, so don’t rush it!
- Deglaze the Pot: After browning the meatballs, make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot when adding the broth. This captures all those tasty browned bits, enriching the soup.
- Pasta Perfection: Add the pasta during the last stages of cooking to keep it al dente. If you prefer, you can cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl before serving to avoid any mushiness.
- Garnish for Greatness: Elevate your soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley. It adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful finish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
