Ingredients
Ready to gather your ingredients? Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting soup:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Feel free to swap in your favorite herbs or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Cooking is all about making it your own!
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create a pot of soup that’s brimming with love and flavor:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This part always reminds me of my grandmother, who taught me how to roll meatballs to perfection.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, water, and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Return the meatballs to the pot, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes, until al dente.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the soup, which takes about 2 minutes.
- Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
This recipe is a symphony of flavors, each ingredient playing its part to create something truly magical.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International