I posted about this soup earlier in the week on Instagram. It’s easy to make and is super filling. The best part is that you can make it as simple or elevated as you want, and as your budget allows

If you like to make everything from scratch, make your own meatballs and tomato soup. On a financial or time budget- use premade. I double-checked and all ingredients are available at Dollar Tree, so even the tightest budget can try it!

Italian Meatball Soup

Ingredients:

• 8-12 meatballs (I used these Smithfield Power Bites)
• 1 can/jar Tomato Basil Soup (I used Rao)
• 1 14.5oz can salt-free diced tomatoes
• 6 Oz (half of a 12 oz. bag) frozen onion and pepper blend (I used my slap chopper to make the onions and peppers much smaller pieces)
• 1T butter or oil
• 1T minced garlic 
• 2T chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1T of the oil 
• 1c. pasta shape of your choice (I used medium shells)
• 1 bay leaf
• parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. In a deep pot, warm oil and saute the frozen onion and pepper until the onions are translucent and fragrant about 10-15 minutes.
2. Add in garlic, and sundried tomatoes and it’s oil and stir frequently, until garlic is fragrant.
3. Add in the soup, bay leaf, meatballs (mine were frozen), and canned tomatoes.
4. Allow soup to cook covered on medium/low for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Pour uncooked pasta into soup, turn to low, and cover again. cook on low for about 10 minutes. Remove bay leaf and serve.
6. Top each serving with parmesan cheese as desired.

This recipe makes 4-6 servings. It can be easily doubled or tripled.

Tips:

• It freezes well also.
• It can be made vegan or vegetarian. Use vegan/vegetarian meatballs and soup.
• GLUTEN FREE: Substitute GF Meatballs and Pasta