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Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

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4 from 15 reviews

A comforting Italian Meatball Soup featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato and beef broth, combined with fusilli pasta and fresh basil. This hearty soup is perfect for a satisfying meal in about 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Meatballs and Soup Base

  • 1 pound meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (fire roasted recommended)
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped small
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta and Garnish

  • 1.5 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn or chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare meatballs: If not using pre-made meatballs, prepare your favorite meatball recipe beforehand as prep time does not include making them from scratch.
  2. Sauté onions: Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Combine soup ingredients: Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, chopped red bell pepper, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and the meatballs to the pot. Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a rolling boil.
  5. Add pasta: Once boiling, add the uncooked fusilli pasta directly into the pot.
  6. Simmer soup: Reduce heat to low or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar and cook for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more beef broth if the soup becomes too thick, as it is intended to be brothy.
  7. Finish and serve: Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup with grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Notes

  • Prep time does not include making meatballs from scratch; you can use store-bought meatballs for convenience.
  • The soup is meant to be brothy; if thickened too much, add more beef broth to reach desired consistency.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control spiciness or omit for a milder flavor.
  • Parmesan cheese adds a nice finishing touch but is optional.
  • Use fire-roasted crushed tomatoes for a richer flavor.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/italian-meatball-soup-recipe/