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Creamy Tomato Meatball Soup in bowl.

Creamy Tomato Meatball Soup

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This Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil Meatballs combines tender homemade beef meatballs with a rich, velvety tomato soup made with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, parmesan, and cream. It's a comforting one-pot dinner that's perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you're craving classic comfort food.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Italian inspired
Calories: 435

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef 90/10 blend
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup finely chopped basil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
Soup
  • 4 tablespoon butter
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 28 oz cans San Marzano peeled tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ¼ cup chopped basil
  • 2 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated parmesan
  • For topping: more basil and freshly grated parm

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, mix together meatball ingredients: beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, basil, garlic powder, and salt. Using about 1,5 of meat, roll into mini meatballs and set aside.
  2. Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add meatballs and cook for about 6-7 minutes total, turning frequently to make sure all sides are cooked. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to plate after done cooking.
  3. In same pan used for meatballs, at butter. It's okay if there are brown bits and some grease (drain if excessive). Once hot, add onions and let cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add in garlic. Cook for another minute.
  5. Pour in tomatoes and broth, and stir to combine. Then add in basil, honey, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. 
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer for 10 minutes. 
  7. Using an immersion blender, regular blender, or food processor, carefully blend all soup ingredients until smooth. Pour back into soup pot. Be careful as the soup will be hot. 
  8. Add heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Stir, then add in meatballs. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  9. Serve with fresh parmesan cheese, more basil, and buttered toast.

Nutrition

Calories: 435kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 16gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 1237mgPotassium: 470mgFiber: 2gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 945IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 3mg

Notes

  • Sear the meatballs before adding them to the soup. This locks in flavor and helps them hold their shape rather than falling apart as they simmer.
  • Blend carefully! The soup will be very hot. If using a regular blender, work in batches and vent the lid to let steam escape safely.
  • Add the cream after blending, not before. Stirring it in at the end keeps the soup silky and helps prevent it from separating.
  • Taste and adjust the honey. Depending on how acidic your tomatoes are, you may want a touch more (or less) to balance the flavor.
  • Reheat leftovers low and slow. Since this is a cream-based soup, boiling it too quickly on reheat can cause it to separate — a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, works best.

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