Description
This hearty Rigatoni Meatball Soup combines tender rigatoni pasta, juicy meatballs, and a savory tomato broth. Packed with vegetables, herbs, and comforting flavors, itโs a perfect cozy meal for chilly days. Quick to prepare and family-friendly, this soup brings the taste of an Italian classic to your table in under an hour.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Roll into 1-inch meatballs. - Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the meatballs and set them aside. - Sautรฉ the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. - Add the Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. - Cook the Pasta:
Add the rigatoni pasta to the soup and cook for 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. - Add the Meatballs:
Return the browned meatballs to the pot. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatballs.
- You can add spinach or kale to the soup for extra greens.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your preferred level of heat.