Rigatoni Meatball Soup

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### Instructions

#### Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the **ground beef**, **bread crumbs**, **parmesan cheese**, **egg**, **garlic**, **oregano**, **basil**, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs, depending on size.

In a large skillet, heat the **olive oil** over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them gently with tongs, for about 7-8 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage, as they will cook further in the soup. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.

#### Step 2: Make the Soup Base
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **onion**, **carrots**, and **celery**. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent.

Add the minced **garlic** and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

#### Step 3: Build the Soup
To the pot, add the **crushed tomatoes**, **chicken broth**, **oregano**, **basil**, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, bringing the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Once the soup is simmering, carefully add the browned meatballs to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about **20 minutes**, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to cook through.

#### Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the **rigatoni pasta** to the soup and cook according to package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

#### Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the pasta is cooked and the meatballs are tender, remove the soup from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving has plenty of meatballs and pasta.

Garnish with freshly chopped **parsley** or basil for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

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### Tips and Variations

– **Add Vegetables**: You can easily add extra vegetables to this soup to boost the nutrition. Consider adding zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for added color and texture.
– **Meatball Variations**: If you prefer, you can use **ground turkey**, **chicken**, or even **veal** for the meatballs. You can also substitute the bread crumbs with **oats** for a healthier option.
– **Make it Spicy**: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of **red pepper flakes** to the soup base for some spicy kick.
– **Make Ahead**: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cook the pasta separately if you plan to freeze the soup, as pasta can become mushy when frozen and reheated.
– **Cheese Topping**: If you’re a fan of cheesy soups, sprinkle some **shredded mozzarella** or **parmesan** on top of the soup before serving for an extra touch of indulgence.

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### Why This Soup is a Winner

**Rigatoni Meatball Soup** is the perfect combination of hearty comfort food and wholesome ingredients. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, the pasta adds satisfying texture, and the tomato-based broth ties everything together with savory richness. It’s a great way to enjoy the classic flavors of meatballs and pasta, all in a warm and nourishing soup form.

This recipe is family-friendly, easy to make, and can be customized to your preferences. It’s ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, and you’ll be left with nothing but empty bowls!

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### Final Thoughts

When you’re craving something filling, delicious, and comforting, **Rigatoni Meatball Soup** should be at the top of your list. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy evenings, busy weeknights, or special gatherings. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or making it for yourself, this soup will bring joy to every bite.

So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a warm, satisfying bowl of this classic soup. You won’t regret it!

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Let me know if you have any questions or need more suggestions on variations! Enjoy your soup!