Light Italian Meatball soup (YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS) + Friday Features

YOU GUYS, this soup! Matthew and I eat a lot of chicken since I never have trouble finding delicious, healthy chicken recipes, but I have trouble incorporating other meats into meal time, to mix things up. I was looking for ground beef recipes the other day, and I found this one. It sounded so delicious, and last night we tried it. 10 out of 10, y'all! This recipe needs to be in your life.

LIGHT ITALIAN MEATBALL SOUP

*serves 6-8

Ingredients: 
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup of diced onion
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups of low sodium beef broth
• 2 cups of water
• 1 6 oz can of tomato paste
• 1 14.5-oz can of diced tomatoes 
• ½ lb Ditalini or Macaroni pasta
• 2 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
• 2 Tbsp chopped basil

Meatballs:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or higher, you won't be able to drain the grease!)
• ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 large egg whites

Directions:

1. Warm olive oil in a large 6-8 quart stock pot over medium high heat
2. Chop carrots, onions, and garlic. Add the carrots and onions to warm pan, and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook an addition 1 minute.
3. Add broth, water, tomato paste and tomatoes. Stir to combine. Cover and bring to a boil.
4. Meanwhile combine all meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Mix with hands to combine. Using a 1 tablespoon scoop to portion, lightly shape the scoops into meatballs using your hands to roll them. Drop them into the broth, distributing them evenly around the pot. Cover. Allow to boil for 5 minutes. Stir meatballs gently.
5. Add pasta. Cook 10 minutes or until pasta is done. Add basil and parsley, stir and serve. ENJOY! :)
   
   
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Happiness in Bloom is a blog by a sweet Florida girl named Stacie, who you can get to know a wee bit better here. I love how honest Stacie is about her ten year struggle with depression, and her commitment to embracing the good in herself and her life. In Stacie's own words, "this blog will document my journey towards finding happiness within myself while also having a positive impact on those around me."

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HAPPY FRIDAY!