Imagine a soup so rich, so comforting, that it instantly transports you to a cozy Italian kitchen. Our Meatball and Tortellini Soup is not just a meal—it's a culinary embrace that promises to chase away the chilliest of days. Packed with hearty meatballs, tender tortellini, and a broth that sings with flavor, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 package tortellini
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the meatballs. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, and 1 tsp of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until well combined.
- Once the mixture is well combined, form it into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 20 meatballs. Set them aside on a plate.
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the pot in a single layer. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, add 4 cups of chicken broth and 1 can of diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance the flavor.
- Bring the broth and tomatoes to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, carefully add the browned meatballs back into the pot.
- Add 1 package of tortellini to the pot. Stir gently to ensure the tortellini and meatballs are submerged in the broth. Continue to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the tortellini are cooked through and tender.
- While the soup is simmering, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a more flavorful broth, you can add more Italian seasoning at this stage.
- Once the tortellini are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the soup hot in bowls. You can garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Meatball and Tortellini Soup!
Tips
- Meat Matters: Use fresh ground beef with a bit of fat content (80/20 ratio) for juicier, more flavorful meatballs.
- Mixing Technique: When combining meatball ingredients, mix gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make meatballs tough.
- Size Consistency: Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to ensure uniform meatball sizes for even cooking.
- Browning is Flavor: Take time to properly brown meatballs—this step builds deep, rich flavor in your soup.
- Tortellini Timing: Add tortellini towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain their delicate texture.
- Broth Boost: For extra flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of white wine while simmering.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
