Here’s a cozy and comforting recipe for Tortellini Meatball Soup—a one-pot meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week. Think juicy meatballs, tender tortellini, and a savory broth with veggies and herbs. It’s family-friendly and freezer-friendly, too!
🍲 Tortellini Meatball Soup
🍽️ Serves: 4–6
⏰ Ready in: 40–45 minutes
🧄 Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan
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1 egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: 1 tbsp chopped parsley
For the Soup:
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 (14 oz) can crushed or diced tomatoes
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1 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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9 oz (250g) cheese or meat tortellini (fresh or frozen)
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2 cups baby spinach or kale (optional)
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Fresh parsley or Parmesan, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently and form into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). You should get 20–25 mini meatballs.
Optional step: Brown meatballs in a skillet with olive oil for extra flavor, about 2–3 min per side. Or skip and let them cook directly in the soup.
2. Build the Soup Base
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Broth
Pour in broth, tomatoes, and dried herbs. Bring to a simmer. Gently drop in the raw (or browned) meatballs.
Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until meatballs are fully cooked through.
4. Add Tortellini and Greens
Stir in tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 5–7 minutes).
Add spinach or kale in the last 2 minutes of cooking, just until wilted.
5. Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and Parmesan.
✅ Tips & Variations
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Make ahead: Form meatballs and freeze them raw or cooked for future soups.
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Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper or use spicy sausage meatballs.
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Creamy version: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or a splash of half & half before serving.
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Gluten-free: Use GF meatballs and GF pasta or skip tortellini and add white beans instead.