Gnocchi Spinach and Meatball Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or as needed
• 1 large yellow onion diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 4 (32 ounce) cans low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 large bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 (17.5 ounce) packages potato gnocchi
• 2 cups thinly sliced escarole
• 1 carrot shredded
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 6 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or Italian parsley
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or more as needed for serving
• 1 ¼ pounds ground beef
• 1 large egg beaten
• ¼ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¾ teaspoon garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper