_Italian Meatball Soup_ 
_A hearty, comforting soup filled with homemade meatballs, vegetables, and pasta._
_Ingredients:_
– 1 lb ground beef 
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 
– 1 egg 
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 
– 2 cloves garlic, minced 
– 1 onion, chopped 
– 3 carrots, chopped 
– 2 celery stalks, chopped 
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes 
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper 
– 1 cup small pasta shapes (e.g., ditalini, elbow macaroni) 
_Instructions:_
1. Prepare meatballs: combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic. Mix well
2. Form meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter
3. Sauté onion, carrots, celery in olive oil until tender
4. Add chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano. Bring to boil, then simmer 10 min
5. Add meatballs, pasta to soup. Simmer 10-15 min or until pasta cooked, meatballs cooked through 
6. Season with salt, pepper. Serve hot, enjoy!
Smart Points Calculation
- Lean Ground Beef (4 oz): ~6 points
- Breadcrumbs (2 tbsp): ~2 points
- Egg (1): ~2 points
- Parmesan Cheese (1 tbsp): ~1 point
- Vegetables (onion, carrots, celery): 0 points
- Chicken Broth (1 cup): 0 points
- Crushed Tomatoes (1/4 cup): 0 points
- Pasta (1/4 cup dry): ~3 points
Total Smart Points Estimate
For a serving size of soup (assuming 6 servings), the total smart points would be approximately:
- Total Points for the Entire Recipe: ~14 points
- Points per Serving: ~2-3 points (depending on serving size and exact ingredient choices)
Tips for Enjoyment
- Portion Control: Serve with a side salad to increase volume without adding many points.
- Flavor Boost: Add fresh herbs at the end for enhanced flavor without extra points.
Enjoy your healthy and hearty Italian Meatball Soup!
