Meatball Soup 🍲🍖:
Ingredients 🍲
– 1 lb ground beef 🍖
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 🍞
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
– 1 egg 🥚
– 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning 🌿
– Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂🌶️
– 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
– 1 small onion, chopped 🧅
– 2 carrots, peeled and diced 🥕
– 2 celery stalks, diced 🌿
– 4 cups beef broth 🍲
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes 🍅
– 1 cup pasta (such as orzo or small shells) 🍝
– 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped 🌿
– 1 teaspoon dried basil 🌿
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) 🌿
Preparation 🍳
1. Make Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, then form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. 🍖🍞🧀🥚🧄🌿🧂🌶️
2. Brown Meatballs: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside. 🫒🍖
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. 🧅🥕🌿
4. Add Broth and Tomatoes: Stir in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. 🍲🍅
5. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions until al dente. 🍝
6. Add Meatballs and Greens: Return the meatballs to the pot and stir in the chopped spinach or kale. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the meatballs are heated through and the greens are wilted. 🌿🍖
7. Season and Serve: Stir in the dried basil and dried oregano. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your Meatball Soup! 😋🍽️