Description
A comforting and flavorful Mini Meatball & Tomato Soup featuring bite-sized homemade meatballs in a rich, tangy tomato broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish is packed with aromatic herbs and vegetables, making it a cozy family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cooked pasta or rice (optional)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Combine gently.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll into small, bite-sized balls and place on a tray.
- Sear the Meatballs: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, then set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add another tbsp of olive oil if needed. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened.
- Build the Broth: Stir in tomato paste, then add crushed tomatoes, broth, and water. Bring to a simmer.
- Season the Soup: Add bay leaves, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the Meatballs: Return meatballs to the pot and simmer for another 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in cooked pasta or rice if using.
- Serve: Remove bay leaves and ladle into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil or parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Lighter Option: Use ground turkey or chicken.
- Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Swap meatballs for white beans or plant-based alternatives.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk.
- Extra Greens: Add chopped spinach or kale at the end.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: mini meatball soup, tomato soup with meatballs, hearty tomato soup, Italian soup recipe, easy weeknight soup