Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of salt and pepper
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta & Cheese:
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, pork, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and roll into small meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, sauté the onions, carrots, and garlic until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Build the Broth: Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: Add broken lasagna noodles to the soup and simmer until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate the Cheese & Meatballs: Return meatballs to the pot and gently stir in ricotta and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve & Garnish: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Meatballs can be prepared and frozen in advance. Add them directly to the simmering soup when ready to cook.
- Texture Tip: Cook the noodles separately if planning to store leftovers to prevent them from getting too soft.
- Spicy Variation: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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