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Meatball Soup with Cheesy Bread Crusts

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A hearty, comforting meatball soup simmered with vegetables and rich broth, served with crispy, golden cheesy bread crusts that add crunch, gooey cheese, and extra indulgence to every spoonful.

Ingredients

  • For the soup:
  • 500g ground beef (or beef and pork mix)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini) or rice (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the cheesy bread crusts:
  • 1 loaf crusty bread (cut into crusts or thick slices)
  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or a blend)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper and parsley. Mix well and shape into small meatballs.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, carrots and celery; cook until softened and fragrant.
  3. Build the soup base: Add diced tomatoes, broth, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  4. Cook the meatballs: Gently drop meatballs into the simmering soup. Cook for 10–15 minutes until fully cooked through.
  5. Add pasta or rice (optional): Stir in pasta or rice and cook until tender. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Prepare cheesy bread crusts: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange bread crusts on a tray, brush with butter or oil, sprinkle with garlic and herbs, and top with shredded cheese. Bake 8–10 minutes until golden and bubbling.
  7. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with cheesy bread crusts. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use turkey or chicken mince for a lighter version.
  • Keep the bread crusts separate until serving to maintain crispness.
  • Simmer the soup gently to keep meatballs tender.
  • Reheat the bread in the oven to restore crunchiness.
  • Freeze soup separately; bake fresh bread when serving again.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/meatball-soup-with-cheesy-bread-crusts/