Tortellini Cheese Meatball Soup

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4-6Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1/2 pound (225g) ground beef
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) beef or vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package (9 oz/255g) cheese tortellini
• Fresh spinach leaves (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

Prepare Meatballs (Medium Intensity):

1. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. Set aside.

Prepare Soup Base (Medium-High Intensity): 4. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onions, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.

5. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.

Simmer Soup (Medium Intensity): 6. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring the soup to a simmer.

7. Season with dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Add Meatballs and Tortellini (Medium Intensity): 8. Gently add the browned meatballs to the simmering soup.

9. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions.
10. If desired, add fresh spinach leaves and allow them to wilt into the soup.

Serve (Low Intensity): 11. Ladle the tortellini cheese meatball soup into bowls.

12. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your Tortellini Cheese Meatball Soup! (Low Intensity):

Note: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the level of seasoning. This comforting and hearty soup is a complete meal that satisfies the whole family.