Ingredients

• 8 ounces ground beef chuck
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 quart low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 9-ounce package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 4 cups loosely packed baby spinach (about 3 ounces)

Instructions

1. Combine the beef, parmesan, 2 tablespoons parsley, the egg, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste in a medium bowl; mix with your hands until just combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs; set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning, until golden, 3 to 4 minutes; remove to a plate. Add the carrots and celery to the pot; cook, stirring, until just softened, about 5 minutes. Add the broth and 3 cups water; bring to a boil. Return the meatballs to the pot along with the remaining 2 tablespoons parsley and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Simmer until the meatballs are just cooked through, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the tortellini and cook until they float to the top, about 4 minutes. Add the spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted, 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Top with more parmesan.
4. Photograph by Justin Walker