Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup with Mini Meatball Orzo

A comforting tomato soup featuring fresh basil, creamy texture, and delicious mini meatballs cooked with orzo pasta. Perfect for a warm and satisfying winter meal.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Total Time

60 minutes

Calories

550 kcal

Difficulty

Medium

Equipment

3 items

Cost

£2.04/serving

Season:

☀️ Summer

Meal Type:

Dinner•Snack•Soup

Cuisine:

Italian

Main Ingredient:

Pasta

Mood:

Comfort Food•Healthy

Ingredients

Servings

0.5lbGround beef(Lean ground beef)

£2.75

0.3cupBreadcrumbs(Plain or Italian breadcrumbs)

£0.15

1Egg(Large)

£0.30

2tbspParmesan cheese(Grated)

£0.40

1cloveGarlic(Minced)

£0.05

0.3tspSalt

0.3tspBlack pepper

£0.01

2tbspOlive oil

£0.20

1Onion(Medium, chopped)

£0.30

2Carrots(Medium, chopped)

£0.20

2stalksCelery(Chopped)

£0.25

2clovesGarlic(Minced)

£0.05

28ozCrushed tomatoes

£1.20

2tbspTomato paste

£0.15

4cupsChicken broth(Low sodium)

£0.80

1tspDried oregano

£0.05

1tspDried basil

£0.05

0.5cupOrzo pasta

£0.30

0.3cupHeavy cream(Optional, for extra creaminess)

£0.35

0.3cupFresh basil(Chopped, for garnish)

£0.60

to tasteSalt

to tasteBlack pepper

£0.01

1tspSugar(Optional, to balance acidity)

£0.01

Total Cost

£8.18

£2.04 per serving

Instructions

1.
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
2.
Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
3.
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5.
Add the mini meatballs to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. They don't need to be fully cooked through at this point.
6.
Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and dried basil. Stir well to combine.
7.
Bring the soup to a simmer, then add orzo pasta. Reduce heat and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
8.
If desired, stir in heavy cream for a creamier texture. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar (if using) to taste.
9.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (450g)

550 kcal / 2301 kJ

Carbs

38g

15% of RDA

Fat

30g

43% of RDA

Protein

32g

64% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

6 g

20% of RDA

Sugar

15 g

17% of RDA

Sodium

950 mg

41% of RDA

Saturated Fat

12 g

60% of RDA

Chef's Tips

For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup before adding the cream (optional).

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cooking Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven

Mixing bowl

Cutting board

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

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Chef's Tips

For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup before adding the cream (optional).

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup with Mini Meatball Orzo

Ingredients

Instructions