Description
A soul-warming, rustic Italian soup featuring tender, herb-infused lean beef meatballs simmered in a rich, tomato-based broth with garden-fresh carrots, celery, and mushrooms. This wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired dish offers the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, designed to warm you from the inside out. It is a simple, meditative, and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy nights when you crave a home-cooked, refined, and healthy dinner that brings deep aromatic flavors to your table.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, beaten
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh Italian parsley
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
6 cups beef broth
6 large leaves fresh basil, torn
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until well incorporated.
Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides, then set aside.
In a large pot, melt butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
Add onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms, sautéing until tender.
Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning, cooking for 2 minutes.
Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then bring to a gentle simmer.
Add bay leaves and the browned meatballs into the broth.
Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until flavors meld.
Stir in fresh basil and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
You can serve this soup with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a side of crusty bread. The soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the beef broth used is certified halal/alcohol-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg