Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Mix everything together until well combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Set aside.
Cook the Soup: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Simmer the Soup: Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes.
Add the Meatballs: Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth. Continue to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors meld together.
Cook the Pasta: Add the rigatoni pasta to the soup and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the soup gets too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and dried basil. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Tips:
For an extra touch of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables for a little heat.
You can use any small pasta if you don’t have rigatoni on hand, but rigatoni holds the broth and meatballs beautifully.
This soup also freezes really well, so make a double batch and save some for later!
Why You’ll Love This Soup:
This Rigatoni Meatball Soup is a true comfort dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. The homemade meatballs add so much richness, and the combination of pasta and vegetables in a savory broth makes every spoonful a delight. It’s easy to make, filling, and the leftovers are even better the next day! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for something cozy for yourself, this soup is always a hit.
Enjoy this unique and delicious meal, and let me know how it turns out! Make sure to check back for more recipes like this one — I promise you won’t want to miss them.
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