Ingredients
1 pound meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 fluid ounce) can crushed tomatoes (fire roasted preferred)
4 cups beef broth
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped small
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1.5 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
1/4 cup fresh basil, torn or chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- If making homemade meatballs, prepare them in advance. Otherwise, use store-bought or pre-cooked meatballs.
- In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red bell pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Add the meatballs and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the uncooked fusilli pasta. Reduce heat and simmer with the lid slightly open for 15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more beef broth if needed for a brothy consistency.
- Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetarian meatballs for a meat-free option.
- Different Pasta: Swap fusilli for penne or rotini if preferred.
- Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier soup.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or carrots for added nutrition.
- Herb Variations: Add oregano or thyme for different flavors.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove, adding extra broth if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (not including meatball preparation if making from scratch)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
