Meatball Minestrone

Submitted by CookingONTheSide

"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."

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 16
• Yields: 2 quarts
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1⁄2 cup onion, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup dried Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 1⁄2 cups water or 2 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 (15 1/2 ounce) can 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
• 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.

 

[CIndytc]

We really enjoyed this fast and easy soup...I used beef broth instead of water, and added some frozen mixed vegetables....

 

[Chef shapeweaver]

I'm so ashamed,I've had this recipe printed out since 1/27/07 and finally made it on 12/10/07.But "WOW" it was so good, now I wish it was made sooner.I did however have to take a couple of liberties with the recipe,and here they are.I had all the ingredients for the meatballs,but as for the soup base this is what was done.I used 2 8 ounce cans of tomato sauce that was already seasoned with the herbs that were listed in the recipe,used pinto beans instead of the kidney,since that's what I had on hand.I also used 4 beef bouillon cubes with 3 cups of water and it worked great. And just as a personal preferance I left out the celery.This was a very good tasting and tummy filling soup.This will be made again.Thank you for posting,and "Keep Smiling:)"