Meatball Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

15-20 Homemade mini meatballs, browned

1 Tbls Olive Oil

1 small Onion, diced

1 lg. Carrot, diced

3 cloves Garlic, minced

1 tsp Italian seasoning (Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley)

1 15 oz can diced Tomatoes with juice

1 8 oz can Tomato sauce

4 cups Beef Broth

1/2 cup Spinach, cooked and chopped

9 oz package fresh Cheese Tortellini

1/2 cup Parmesan, grated S&P

Shape and brown meatballs, set aside

In soup pot sautee onions and carrots in 1 Tbls olive oil for 5 minutes

Add Garlic, cook 2 more minutes

Add in seasonings

Stir in diced tomatoes, cook 5 minutes breaking up any large pieces

Stir in Tomato sauce, simmer 5 minutes

Add in Beef Broth, simmer for 15 minutes on low heat

Add in meatballs, simmer for 30 minutes on low heat

Stir in Parmesan Cheese until melted, taste for S&P

Add in Tortellini and cook al dente according to package directions

Garnish with more Parmesan Cheese & Basil

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of homemade ones?

Yes, you can use store-bought meatballs to save time.

Ensure they are fully cooked before adding to the soup.

Can I substitute the fresh tortellini with dried tortellini?

Yes, you can use dried tortellini.

Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How do I make sure the meatballs are cooked through?

Brown the meatballs first to ensure they are seared on the outside.

Then, simmer them in the soup for an additional 30 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth to make a vegetarian version of the soup.

How should I store leftover soup?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup without the tortellini.

Add fresh tortellini when reheating.

What other greens can I use instead of spinach?

You can use kale, Swiss chard, or arugula as alternatives to spinach.

Is it necessary to use fresh Parmesan, or can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Pre-grated Parmesan works well, but freshly grated Parmesan can enhance the flavor.

Can I make this soup in advance for a party?

Yes, you can make the soup in advance and reheat it before serving.

Add the tortellini just before serving to maintain its texture.

How can I make the soup less salty if I’ve added too much salt?

To reduce saltiness, dilute the soup by adding more broth or water.

Adjust seasonings accordingly.