Meatball Soup with Cheese Tortellini

Instructions:

Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until well combined, then shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Cook the Meatballs

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.

Prepare the Soup Base

1. In the same pot, add chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
2. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add Broth and Simmer

1. Pour in the beef or chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
2. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat.

Cook the Tortellini

1. Once the soup is simmering, add the cheese tortellini and cooked meatballs back into the pot.
2. Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through and the meatballs are heated.

Serve

1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
2. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on the side, if desired.
3. Enjoy your delicious Meatball Soup with Cheese Tortellini!