Introduction: Embark on a culinary journey with our delectable Cheese Tortellini and Meatball Soup, a hearty and satisfying dish that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini, flavorful homemade meatballs, and a rich broth infused with aromatic vegetables and spices. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a chilly evening or served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at gatherings, this soup is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul. Join us in the kitchen as we create a bowl of pure comfort and indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 9 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
Instructions:
- Prepare Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Roll the mixture into small balls, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Brown Meatballs: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes, allowing them to develop flavor.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth, water, and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook Tortellini and Meatballs: Add the cheese tortellini and browned meatballs to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the tortellini is cooked through and the meatballs are heated through, approximately 10 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting goodness of this delicious soup.
Additional Tips:
- For added depth of flavor, you can sauté the vegetables in the pot before browning the meatballs, allowing them to pick up the flavors from the caramelized bits left behind.
- Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for future enjoyment. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Nutrition Information: (Per Serving – 1 cup)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 18g
Conclusion: Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of our Cheese Tortellini and Meatball Soup—a comforting blend of tender tortellini, savory homemade meatballs, and aromatic vegetables in a rich broth. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a delightful appetizer, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So gather your ingredients, simmer a pot of soup with love, and savor each spoonful of this delicious creation. Bon appétit!