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Italian Meatball Soup

Close up of meatball soup with red bell peppers and tomato broth
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Hearty Italian meatball soup with rich tomato broth and tender pasta. Easy comfort food recipe using homemade or store-bought meatballs and simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound meatballs (homemade, store-bought, or frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 fluid 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)
  • 1.5 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn or chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare homemade meatballs or have store-bought or frozen meatballs ready.
  2. Heat olive oil in large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and saute for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red bell pepper, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and meatballs. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, add uncooked fusilli pasta and stir well.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer covered (with lid slightly ajar) for about 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent pasta from sticking. Cook until pasta is tender and meatballs are heated through to 165°F in the center.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve topped with grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Fire-roasted crushed tomatoes add the best flavor. If soup becomes too thick, add more beef broth as needed.
  • Frozen pre-cooked meatballs work perfectly – just ensure they’re heated through completely to 165°F in the center for food safety.
  • Fresh basil is important for the best flavor and plays well with the tomato broth.
  • Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Add a handful of fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/easy-italian-meatball-soup-recipe/