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–+ servings

Italian Meatball Gnocchi Soup

A delightful dish that warms the soul with its savory flavors and heartiness, combining tender meatballs, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich tomato broth.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 387

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 lb ground beef Choose lean ground beef for juicy meatballs.
  • 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs Helps bind the meatballs together while keeping them tender.
  • 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese Adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the meatballs.
  • 1 large egg Acts as a binding agent for the meat mixture.
  • 1/2 yellow onion minced Provides aromatic flavor in the meatballs.
  • 4 cloves garlic Infuses both the meatballs and broth with robust flavor.
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley Adds freshness to the meat mixture.
  • 2 tsp dried basil Contributes classic Italian herb notes to the soup.
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Adds a kick of heat if desired.
  • 1 tsp salt Enhances all flavors in the dish.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper Adds depth to the seasoning profile.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil Used for sautéing vegetables and adding richness.
  • 1/2 yellow onion diced A base flavor component for the soup broth.
  • 2 medium carrots Offers sweetness and texture to the soup.
  • 2-3 tomatoes on a vine, diced Fresh tomatoes add brightness and acidity to balance flavors.
  • 4 cloves garlic More garlic enhances the soup's overall taste profile.
  • 1 cup water Helps achieve desired broth consistency.
  • 5-6 cups beef stock The main liquid base providing deep flavor throughout the soup.
  • 4 oz tomato paste Thicken and intensify tomato flavor in the broth.
  • 1/2-1 tsp salt Adjust based on preference after tasting.
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes Spice level can be customized here too.
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley More freshness for garnish as well as flavor boost.
  • 1 tsp dried basil Amplifies that classic Italian essence.
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano Complements other herbs nicely in this dish.
  • 14-16 oz gnocchi Pillowy dumplings that soak up all those amazing flavors.
  • 1 rind parmesan cheese Adds umami richness during simmering process.
  • 1/4 cup fresh grated or shaved parmesan cheese Final touch before serving, melts beautifully over warm soup.

Method
 

  1. In a mixing bowl combine ground beef with bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, minced onion, egg, garlic cloves, parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until well incorporated.
  2. Shape mixture into bite-sized balls then heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat before adding meatballs; cook until browned all around.
  3. While cooking meatballs, dice onions, carrots, tomatoes, and more garlic; remove cooked meatballs set aside then sauté diced veggies until softened.
  4. Pour water along with beef stock into pot then stir in tomato paste along with additional spices; return cooked meatballs back into pot allowing everything to simmer together.
  5. Once broth reaches boiling point add either homemade or store-bought gnocchi stirring gently until they float indicating doneness; this won’t take long!
  6. Finish off by adding optional parmesan rind if desired; serve hot garnished with freshly grated/shaved parmesan cheese on top!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 387kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 21gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 1140mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5g

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