Hearty Meatball Vegetable Soup with Pasta

Hearty Meatball Vegetable Soup with Pasta

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cups green beans, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 cup bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Meatballs:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Shape into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
3. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Make the Soup:

1. In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the green beans and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef or chicken broth, basil, and oregano. Bring to a boil.
4. Lower the heat to a simmer and gently add the browned meatballs back into the pot. Simmer for 15 minutes.

Add the Pasta:

1. Stir in the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until tender.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.