Rigatoni Meatball Soup

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A Cozy and Flavorful Comfort Dish

When it comes to comfort food that perfectly balances hearty ingredients with rich, savory flavors, Rigatoni Meatball Soup is an unparalleled choice. This dish brings together tender homemade meatballs, al dente rigatoni, and a robust tomato-based broth to create a meal that’s both satisfying and memorable. Below, we detail every step to make this irresistible recipe, ensuring that even beginners can recreate this culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients for Perfect Rigatoni Meatball Soup

Meatball Ingredients

To achieve perfectly tender and flavorful meatballs, you’ll need the following:

  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15 fat ratio, preferably organic)
  • 1 French roll (processed into breadcrumbs)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons milk or half-and-half

Soup Ingredients

For the soup, prepare these components:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Pinch of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ¼ cup red wine (optional)
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes (organic preferred)
  • 6 cups warm chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • 8 ounces uncooked rigatoni
  • 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions for Rigatoni Meatball Soup

1. Prepare the Meatballs

Combine all the meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Use a gentle hand to mix the ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, spices, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and milk. This ensures a cohesive yet tender texture. Scoop out portions of the mixture with a tablespoon and roll them into evenly sized meatballs.

2. Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Carefully add the meatballs in batches, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Allow them to brown for 2–3 minutes on each side. Once golden-brown, remove the meatballs and set them aside.

3. Sauté the Onion and Spices

In the same pot, drizzle additional olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, scraping the browned bits from the bottom for maximum flavor. Stir in dried basil, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a burst of aroma.

4. Build the Tomato Base

Add the sliced garlic to the pot and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 30 seconds to develop its depth. If using red wine, pour it in to deglaze the pot, scraping the bottom for any stuck-on bits. Let it cook down for 20 seconds before adding the whole peeled tomatoes and warm chicken stock.

5. Simmer and Blend

Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for about 15 minutes. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to purée the soup base until smooth. This creates a silky texture that pairs perfectly with the meatballs and rigatoni.

6. Return the Meatballs to the Soup

Add the browned meatballs back into the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for another 15 minutes. This allows the meatballs to cook through fully while soaking up the savory flavors of the broth. Stir in the chopped parsley during the last few minutes.

7. Cook the Rigatoni

While the soup simmers, cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

8. Assemble and Serve

To serve, place ½ cup of cooked rigatoni in a bowl. Ladle 1 ½ cups of the soup, ensuring each portion includes several meatballs. Top with ¼ cup of grated mozzarella cheese. For an extra touch, place the bowl under a broiler for a minute to melt and slightly brown the cheese.

Tips for Enhancing Your Rigatoni Meatball Soup

  1. Use High-Quality Ingredients
    Opt for organic ground beef and tomatoes to elevate the overall flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mozzarella will also make a noticeable difference.
  2. Customize the Heat
    Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Omit them for a mild version or double the amount for a spicier kick.
  3. Batch Cooking
    Prepare extra meatballs and freeze them. They can be used in this soup or other recipes later, saving you time on busy days.
  4. Garnish Wisely
    Fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of color and fresh flavor when sprinkled over the final dish.

Why Rigatoni Meatball Soup is the Ultimate Comfort Food

The combination of hearty meatballs, tender pasta, and a rich tomato broth makes this soup a meal in itself. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or when you need a dish that feels like a warm embrace. Plus, the versatility allows you to adapt it based on personal preferences or ingredient availability.

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