Cozy Creamy Italian Meatball Soup – Comfort in a Bowl

Ingredients

• • 1 ⅞ lb ground beef
• • ⅞ cup breadcrumbs
• • 1 ⅞ large egg
• • 2 ⅞ cloves garlic (minced)
• • ⅞ small onion (finely chopped)
• • 1 ⅞ cups tomato paste
• • ⅞ cup heavy cream
• • ⅞ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• • 1 ⅞ cup spiral pasta
• • 2 ⅞ tbsp olive oil
• • 1 ⅞ tsp salt
• • ⅞ tsp black pepper
• • 1 ⅞ tsp dried oregano
• • ⅞ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, ½ tsp salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Shape into 1½-inch meatballs (about 24 total).

2. 2

   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

3. 3

   Add tomato paste to the pot and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in 6 cups of water, oregano, remaining salt, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil.

4. 4

   Return meatballs to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Add heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until fully incorporated.

5. 5

   While soup simmers, cook spiral pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

6. 6

   Stir cooked pasta into the soup. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.