Coleen's Meatball Soup

Warm, hearty, and brimming with bold Italian-inspired flavors, Coleen’s Meatball Soup is the ultimate comfort food in a bowl. Tender, homemade meatballs made with ground beef, Parmesan, and garlic are simmered in a rich tomato-based broth infused with aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme. Packed with wholesome vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and fresh spinach, this soul-soothing soup is made even heartier with the addition of small pasta shells. Perfect for chilly evenings or family dinners, this one-pot wonder is both nourishing and satisfying. Ready in just under an hour and serving six, it’s an easy weeknight meal that will have everyone going back for seconds. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs for a finishing touch that will elevate this cozy classic to a restaurant-worthy dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 450 grams Ground beef
• 60 grams Breadcrumbs
• 1 large Egg
• 30 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 large Yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium Carrots, sliced
• 2 medium Celery stalks, sliced
• 400 grams Diced tomatoes, canned
• 1 liter Beef broth
• 500 milliliters Water
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 whole Bay leaf
• 100 grams Spinach leaves, fresh
• 120 grams Pasta (like small shells or ditalini)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 2

Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and set aside.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

Step 4

Add the canned diced tomatoes to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes.

Step 5

Pour in the beef broth and water. Add dried oregano, thyme, and the bay leaf. Bring the liquid to a simmer.

Step 6

Carefully drop the prepared meatballs into the simmering broth one at a time. Do not stir for the first few minutes to ensure the meatballs hold their shape.

Step 7

Simmer the soup for 20 minutes, partially covered, allowing the meatballs to cook through and flavors to meld.

Step 8

Add the pasta to the pot and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

Step 9

Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and allow them to wilt for 1-2 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 11

Serve hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3132.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2177.4

Total Fat 132.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 46.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7g
Cholesterol 548.2mg	0%
Sodium 8768.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 132.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.6g	0%
Total Sugars 27.7g
Protein 131.1g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 831.8mg	0%
Iron 20.7mg	0%
Potassium 3811.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.1%

Protein: 23.3%

Carbs: 23.6%