Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork.
- Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, yielding around 20–24 meatballs.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
- Cook for about 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked through.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside, covering them with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with juices) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add the browned meatballs back into the pot and stir gently.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined.
- If desired, add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Let the soup simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the meatballs are cooked through, add the chopped spinach and stir in, allowing it to wilt for about 2–3 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef and pork.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes well for future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian