Hearty Meatball Minestrone Soup
Enjoy a warm and flavorful bowl of Hearty Meatball Minestrone Soup, perfect for chilly evenings! This delightful dish combines the convenience of frozen meatballs with a colorful blend of fresh vegetables, Italian herbs, and tiny elbow macaroni. It’s a comforting soup brimming with savory beef broth and nutrient-rich ingredients, making it a satisfying meal for the entire family. Ideal for busy weeknights, this flavorful minestrone is not only easy to prepare but also a great way to use up frozen meatballs, whether they are store-bought or homemade. Serve topped with grated parmesan for an extra touch of flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
Frozen meatballs
1 (lb)
Onion
1 (medium, chopped)
Beef broth
5 (cups (or 5 bouillon cubes and 5 cups water))
Diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce can, Italian-style)
Carrot
1 (cup, peeled and sliced (about 1/8-inch thick))
Celery
1 (cup, sliced (about 1/4-inch thick))
Green pepper
1/2 (cup, chopped)
Dried oregano
1/2 (teaspoon)
Dried basil
1/2 (teaspoon)
Fresh Italian parsley
1 (tablespoon, chopped)
Elbow macaroni
1 (cup)
Kidney beans
1 (16 ounce can, rinsed and drained)
Grated Parmesan cheese
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the frozen meatballs and brown them evenly on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Just before the meatballs are completely browned, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
3
Pour 1 cup of beef broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Once combined, transfer the mixture to a 4-quart crock pot.
4
Into the crock pot, add the remaining beef broth, diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, sliced celery, chopped green pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and fresh parsley. Mix well to combine.
5
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
When ready to serve, turn the heat setting to HIGH. Add the elbow macaroni and the rinsed kidney beans, stirring to combine. Cover and let cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
7
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Meatball Minestrone Soup?
Hearty Meatball Minestrone Soup is a comforting dish that combines frozen meatballs with fresh vegetables, Italian herbs, and elbow macaroni in a savory beef broth.
What type of meatballs should I use?
You can use either store-bought frozen meatballs or homemade meatballs that have been frozen for convenience.
Do I need to brown the meatballs before putting them in the crock pot?
Yes, it is recommended to brown the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil for about 5-7 minutes to enhance their flavor and texture.
What vegetables are in this minestrone soup?
This recipe features a blend of chopped onions, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and chopped green peppers.
How long does it take to cook in the crock pot?
The soup should cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld properly.
When should I add the elbow macaroni?
The macaroni should be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking after turning the crock pot setting to HIGH.
Can I use bouillon instead of canned beef broth?
Yes, you can substitute the broth with 5 bouillon cubes dissolved in 5 cups of water.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of kidney beans, which should be rinsed and drained before adding.
Why do I need to scrape the bottom of the skillet?
Scraping the skillet after adding a cup of broth helps incorporate the flavorful browned bits from the meatballs and onions into the soup.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses dried oregano and dried basil, along with fresh Italian parsley.
What is the best way to garnish this soup?
Serving the soup with a topping of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds an extra touch of savory flavor.
Can I substitute the kidney beans with something else?
Yes, cannellini beans or great northern beans are excellent substitutes if you do not have kidney beans.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting too soft?
Only add the pasta for the final 30 minutes of cooking on the HIGH setting to ensure it stays tender rather than mushy.
Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
While designed for a crock pot, you can simmer it on the stove over low heat for about 1-2 hours, adding the pasta at the end.
What size crock pot is required?
A 4-quart crock pot is the ideal size for this specific recipe.
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, although beef broth provides a deeper flavor that complements the meatballs, chicken or vegetable broth can be used as alternatives.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, because it uses frozen meatballs and a slow cooker, it requires minimal active prep time.
What type of tomatoes are best?
Italian-style diced tomatoes are recommended to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile of the soup.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Zucchini, spinach, or green beans would make great additions to this hearty soup.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, though the pasta may change texture upon thawing. For best results, freeze the soup base without the pasta and add fresh pasta when reheating.
What should I serve with this meal?
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty Italian bread or a light side salad.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
Always taste the soup just before serving and add salt, pepper, or extra herbs as needed.
Do I have to use fresh parsley?
Fresh Italian parsley provides the best flavor, but you can substitute it with one teaspoon of dried parsley if necessary.
Is it okay to use different pasta shapes?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or shells work just as well as elbow macaroni.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the ingredients, it typically serves 6 to 8 people.
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, but ensure they are fully browned and slightly firm before adding to the crock pot so they don't break apart.
Why is olive oil used for browning?
Olive oil provides a healthy fat source and a subtle flavor that complements the Italian herbs in the soup.
Can I skip browning the onions?
Browning the onions until translucent removes their raw bite and adds a natural sweetness to the broth.
Is this soup gluten-free?
As written it contains pasta and meatballs which usually have breadcrumbs; use gluten-free pasta and meatballs to make it gluten-free.