Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup of cooked tiny pasta (like acini di pepe or orzo)
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined. Form into small, bite-sized meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery until tender, about 5 minutes. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Gently return the meatballs to the broth and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add cooked pasta and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot garnished with Parmesan and herbs if desired.
Notes
- Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth if needed.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute meatballs with mushroom or veggie balls and use vegetable broth. Add more greens or vegetables for added nutrition.
- Use small pasta like acini di pepe, orzo, or stelline for the best texture and quick cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Nut-Free,Seafood-Free,Vegetarian optionally
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
