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MEATBALL SOUP

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  1. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the broth and tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir in the bay leaf and dried Italian seasoning. Bring the soup to a simmer.
  3. Add the meatballs back in: Once the broth is simmering, carefully drop the browned meatballs back into the soup. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Finish the Soup

  1. Add peas and pasta: Add the frozen peas and uncooked pasta to the soup. Stir everything together and continue to simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the peas are heated through.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. You can also remove the bay leaf at this point.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Serve: Ladle the meatball soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets plenty of meatballs, vegetables, and broth.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness, if desired.
  3. Enjoy: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Meatball Soup

  • Use a mix of ground meats: If you want extra flavor, try using a mix of ground beef and pork for your meatballs. The pork adds moisture and richness to the meatballs, making them even more delicious.
  • Make ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to develop. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Customize with veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables in the soup, like zucchini, green beans, or potatoes, depending on what you have on hand.
  • Use homemade broth: If you have homemade beef or chicken broth available, it will make the soup even richer and more flavorful.
  • Skip the pasta for a lower-carb version: If you’re looking for a lower-carb meal, you can omit the pasta and instead serve the meatball soup with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

Meatball soup is the perfect dish for a chilly evening or when you’re craving something warm and comforting. With tender, flavorful meatballs, a rich broth, and wholesome vegetables, this soup has it all—hearty, savory, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or making a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, this meatball soup will undoubtedly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!