Meatball Minestrone

Lainey6605's Note:

This is a delicious soup that I often serve as a main dish with some French or Italian bread. I do like to add some sugar to taste because we like a sweeten up the sauce a little. I have to admit I sometimes cheat and use frozen meatballs and it comes out just fine. I also double the recipe because it is so good. Recipe is from Taste of Home's "The Best of Country Cooking" cookbook, second edition.

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 4-6

Yield: 2.0 quarts

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 egg , beaten
• ½ cup onion , chopped
• ¼ cup dried Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 ½ cups water or 2 ½ cups beef broth
• 1 (15 ½ ounce) can kidney beans , with liquid
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup sliced celery
• ¼ cup uncooked elbow macaroni
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• parmesan cheese (optional)
• sugar , to taste (optional)

Directions:

1. In mixing bowl, combine beef, egg, onion, crumbs, salt and pepper. Shape into 30 1-inch balls.
2. In large saucepan, brown meatballs on all sides. Drain excess fat.
3. Add remaining ingredients except macaroni and parsley; cover and simmer 20 minutes.
4. Add macaroni; simmer 10 minutes or until tender.
5. Stir in parsley.

Reviews

[Modmom50]

This is a very good recipe plus very easy to make and in 30 minutes soups on. I made it almost as directed with exception of not having a 15 oz can of tomato sauce so put small one in and also a can of diced tomatoes. I also added a bit of garlic (have to as LOVE garlic LOL). And was out of thyme so used some italian herbs. It was pronouced a keeper by all and the recipe sent home with both daughters. Thanks so much for posting this tasty soup.

[crimper]

Made exactly a directed, we all loved it, served it with some cornbread, so yummy on a cold winter night, Thanks for a great recipe!

[lazyme]

Simple and yummy soup! I made this as directed by using beef broth and added some sliced baby carrots and a can of diced tomatoes. Thanks Lainey for another keeper. Made for Zaar Stars.