Meatball Minestrone

Name: Meatball Minestrone
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings (2 quarts).
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

Just thinking about this soup simmering on the stove gets me hungry! The homemade meatballs are so tasty. —Esther Perea, Van Nuys, California

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

In a large bowl, combine the beef, egg, onion, crumbs, salt and pepper. Shape into 1-in. balls.
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.
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.

Originally published as Meatball Minestrone in Reminisce September/October 1991

Reviews

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Average Rating:

amehart

Jan 20, 2017

Excellent hearty soup! We enjoy spicy, so I did as others suggested and added 1 can of Rotel, garlic, used beef broth in place of the water, and increased the pasta to 1/2 cup. Will definitely make again.
rbarton

Mar 19, 2015

This is fabulous!!! I used another reviewer's additions of 1 can Rotel tomatoes and about a half teaspoon of crushed garlic. I increased the macaroni to a half cup and used 2 teaspoons beef base with the water. I served the soup with parmesan cheese. Yum!!!
treacher

Feb 28, 2015

I really enjoyed this soup and the meatballs are great in it. Thank You!
Weems Grnadma

Feb 4, 2015

Absolutely wonderful! I make meatballs in quantity and freeze portions for use in spaghetti, etc. so went straight to the kitchen to make this recipe. Used beef broth instead of water and since I am a spice loving person also added half a can of Rotel as well as diced onion and garlic to the broth. This is the perfect winter meal and I will freeze individual portions for wonderful quick meals whenever the mood strikes. Quick to make and deserves ten stars and I am a hard to please old lady.