Hearty Meatball Minestrone
This Hearty Meatball Minestrone is a flavorful and filling soup that combines tender meatballs, vibrant vegetables, and an array of spices to create a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. The rich tomato broth is complemented by the addition of beans and macaroni, making it a complete meal on its own. Serve it with crusty French or Italian bread to soak up the delicious flavors. For a touch of sweetness, feel free to add a pinch of sugar, as it balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully. This recipe is based on the beloved classic from Taste of Home's 'The Best of Country Cooking' cookbook, second edition, and is one that you might find yourself doubling because it will surely become a favorite in your household.
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (raw)
egg
1 (beaten)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
dried Italian breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can (none)
water or beef broth
2 1/2 cups (none)
kidney beans
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can (with liquid)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (none)
celery
1 cup (sliced)
elbow macaroni
1/4 cup (uncooked)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
parmesan cheese
to taste (optional, for serving)
sugar
to taste (optional, for adjusting sweetness)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten egg, chopped onion, dried breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2
Shape the mixture into approximately 30 meatballs, each about 1 inch in diameter.
3
In a large saucepan or pot, brown the meatballs over medium heat, turning occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
4
Add the tomato sauce, water or beef broth, kidney beans (with their liquid), dried oregano, dried thyme, sliced celery, and sugar (if using) to the pan. Stir to combine, then cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
6
Before serving, mix in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. If desired, sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Meatball Minestrone?
It is a flavorful and filling soup that combines tender meatballs, vegetables, and pasta in a rich tomato broth.
How many meatballs does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 30 meatballs, each about 1 inch in diameter.
What type of meat is used for the meatballs?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef.
What ingredients go into the meatball mixture?
The meatballs are made by combining ground beef, a beaten egg, chopped onion, dried Italian breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
Do I need to brown the meatballs before adding them to the soup?
Yes, you should brown the meatballs in a large saucepan over medium heat and drain any excess fat before simmering.
What liquid is used for the soup base?
You can use either 2 1/2 cups of water or beef broth for the base.
Which beans are included in this minestrone?
The recipe uses a 15.5-ounce can of kidney beans.
Should I drain the kidney beans?
No, the beans should be added along with their liquid to the pot.
What dried herbs are used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
What vegetables are in this soup?
The recipe includes sliced celery and chopped onions.
Why is sugar listed as an optional ingredient?
Sugar can be added to taste to help balance the acidity of the tomato sauce.
When do I add the macaroni?
The uncooked elbow macaroni is added after the soup has simmered for 20 minutes.
How long does the macaroni take to cook?
The macaroni should simmer for about 10 minutes or until it is tender.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What type of tomato product is used for the broth?
A 15-ounce can of tomato sauce is used as the base for the soup.
When should I add the fresh parsley?
Mix in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley just before serving the soup.
What is the recommended garnish for this dish?
The soup can be sprinkled with parmesan cheese to taste before serving.
What bread pairs well with Hearty Meatball Minestrone?
It is delicious served with crusty French or Italian bread to soak up the flavors.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, the meatballs are browned and then the soup is simmered all in one large pot or saucepan.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, it is a great recipe to double as it is a hearty favorite for many households.
How long is the initial simmering time before adding pasta?
The broth and vegetables should simmer covered for 20 minutes before adding the pasta.
What size should the celery be cut?
The celery should be sliced into bite-sized pieces.
Do I need to cook the macaroni separately?
No, the macaroni cooks directly in the soup liquid during the final 10 minutes of simmering.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is based on a classic from Taste of Home's 'The Best of Country Cooking' cookbook.
How do I ensure the meatballs don't fall apart?
Using a beaten egg and breadcrumbs as binding agents helps keep the meatballs intact while browning.
Is the onion in the meatballs raw or cooked?
The chopped onion is added raw to the ground beef mixture before shaping into meatballs.
Can I use beef broth instead of water for more flavor?
Yes, using beef broth instead of water is an excellent way to enhance the richness of the soup.
What is the preparation for the kidney beans?
The beans are used directly from the can with their liquid included.
How much salt and pepper are needed?
The meatball mixture requires 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.