Spaghetti and Meatball Soup Recipe: A Hearty Italian Classic in a Bowl

Introduction

Spaghetti and meatballs are an Italian classic loved around the world. But have you ever thought of enjoying those delicious flavors in a comforting soup form? Spaghetti and Meatball Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the best of both worlds. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a mouthwatering bowl of this Italian-inspired soup. Get ready to savor the essence of Italy in every spoonful!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, make sure you have these ingredients on hand:

For the Meatballs:

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces spaghetti, broken into pieces
• Fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful Spaghetti and Meatball Soup:

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Mix the ingredients until well combined.
3. Form small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and set them aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables become tender and fragrant, typically for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Soup Ingredients

1. Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken or beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Meatballs and Pasta

1. Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering soup.
2. Allow the meatballs to cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
3. Add the broken spaghetti pieces to the soup and cook until they are tender, following the package instructions.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the hot Spaghetti and Meatball Soup into bowls.
2. Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

This Spaghetti and Meatball Soup brings the beloved Italian flavors to your table in a comforting and convenient way. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Enjoy the rich combination of tender meatballs, savory broth, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. Buon appetito!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground pork for the meatballs?
   • Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground pork if you prefer a lighter option.
2. Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
   • Absolutely! You can omit the meatballs and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
3. Can I make the meatballs in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them in the soup.
4. How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
   • You can control the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. Add more for extra heat or omit them for a milder flavor.
5. Can I use other pasta shapes instead of spaghetti?
   • Certainly! You can use your favorite pasta shape in place of spaghetti to customize the soup to your liking.

Indulge in the warmth and flavors of Italy with this Spaghetti and Meatball Soup Recipe. It’s a comforting bowl of goodness that captures the essence of a classic Italian meal.

Source: skinnytaste.com