Mini Meatball Soup

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often more affordable.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon cubes

Vegetable broth is lower in calories; bouillon cubes are a cost-effective alternative.

spinach

🥗Healthier: kale

💰Cheaper: frozen spinach

Kale provides more nutrients, while frozen spinach is often cheaper.

Combine ground beef, parmesan cheese, Italian breading, 1 egg, salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce in a bowl; mix well.

Form the mixture into small meatballs, ensuring they are equal in size, using your palms or a melon baller.

Heat oil in a soup pot over medium heat.

Sauté chopped garlic and onion in the pot; season with salt, black pepper, dried basil, and Italian seasoning.

Add chopped carrots and celery to the pot; sauté until softened.

Add dried pasta (macaroni) to the pot.

Pour in a can of diced tomatoes and chicken broth; add bay leaves and bring to a simmer.

Once simmering, gently add the meatballs to the pot; let them simmer until cooked through, checking doneness by cutting one in half to ensure it’s not pink.

Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens