Italian Meatball Soup with Tender Homemade Meatballs

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb (340 g) ground beef
• 1/2 lb (225 g) ground pork
• 1/2 cup (45 g) plain breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup (30 g) grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juices
• 6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium beef broth
• 1 lb (450 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• Salt
• black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, for serving
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for serving