Meatball Soup

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

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

For the Soup:

• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Make the Meatballs:

• In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs (about 1 inch in size).

1. Brown the Meatballs:

• In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

1. Add Broth and Tomatoes:

• Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.

1. Add Meatballs:

• Return the meatballs to the pot. Add oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.

1. Finish the Soup:

• Stir in frozen peas if using, and heat for another 5 minutes.

1. Serve:

• Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your hearty meatball soup!

Tips for Success:

• Variations: Add your favorite vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later.

Enjoy your warm and comforting meatball soup! Perfect for chilly days!