Meatball Minestrone

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Cook: 45 min.

Makes

8 servings (2 quarts)

Updated: Apr. 22, 2022
Just thinking about this soup simmering on the stove gets me hungry! The homemade meatballs are so tasty. —Esther Perea, Van Nuys, California
Meatball Minestrone Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2-1/2 cups water
  • 1 can (15-1/2 ounces) kidney beans with liquid
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup sliced celery
  • 1/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the beef, egg, onion, crumbs, salt and pepper. Shape into 1-in. balls.
  2. In large saucepan, brown meatballs on all sides until no longer pink. Drain. Add remaining ingredients except macaroni and parsley; cover and simmer 20 minutes. Add macaroni; simmer 10 minutes or until tender. Stir in parsley.
  3. If Cooking for Two: Freeze serving-size portions to enjoy later. 8 servings, 1 cup per serving.
If Cooking for Two: Freeze serving-size portions to enjoy later. 8 servings, 1 cup per serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 210 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 706mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.