A comforting, soul-warming Italian soup that marries tender, herb-seasoned beef meatballs with a vibrant, tomato-based broth. Packed with carrots, celery, mushrooms, and fragrant garlic, this rustic dish brings the essence of a cozy Mediterranean kitchen to your table. It is a hearty, nourishing meal that is perfect for families or meal prepping, delivering consistent, restaurant-quality flavor with every single bite.
1 pound lean ground beef
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
4 large cloves garlic, minced (divided)
2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, finely minced
1 teaspoon Morton kosher salt (divided)
3/4 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, diced
2 medium carrots, sliced
8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
4 cups beef broth (halal certified)
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, half the garlic, parsley, half the salt, and half the pepper. Mix gently and form into small meatballs.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add butter and remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté onion, celery, and carrots until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add mushrooms and remaining garlic, cooking until fragrant.
Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Add dried basil and remaining salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Return meatballs to the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld and deepen by the next day, making it an excellent meal prep option. You can swap in seasonal vegetables like spinach or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
Find it online: https://paulakitchen.com/italian-meatball-soup/