Description
A hearty and comforting soup loaded with tender meatballs, pasta, and flavorful tomatoes. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a bowl of something warm and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 1 pound pre-made or homemade meatballs (see note)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
- 4 cups beef broth
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped small
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1½ cups uncooked fusilli pasta
- ¼ cup fresh basil, torn or chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For serving (optional):
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare meatballs (if needed): If using homemade meatballs, prepare them in advance using your favorite recipe. Store-bought meatballs or leftover homemade ones work perfectly here.
2️⃣ Sauté onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Build the soup base: Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, chopped red bell pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir to combine.
4️⃣ Add meatballs: Carefully drop the meatballs into the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
5️⃣ Cook the pasta: Once the soup is boiling, add the fusilli pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. Make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
6️⃣ Adjust consistency: If the soup becomes too thick, add more beef broth as needed. The soup should be brothy but rich in flavor.
7️⃣ Finish with basil: Stir in the fresh basil and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
8️⃣ Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Meatballs: You can use store-bought frozen meatballs, pre-cooked meatballs, or make your own. If making meatballs from scratch, you can save extras for another meal.
- Tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth to the soup, but regular crushed tomatoes work well too.
- Pasta: Fusilli adds a nice texture, but feel free to substitute with another pasta shape like penne or macaroni. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to adjust consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6