Hearty Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup
Indulge in a bowl of comfort with this Hearty Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup, a delightful blend of savory meatballs and vibrant vegetables. A family favorite, this dish is perfect for cozy evenings when you crave something hearty yet nourishing. The rich flavors of the baked meatballs intertwine beautifully with an array of fresh veggies and aromatic herbs, creating an irresistible medley. Suitable for all ages, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds! Feel free to customize the veggies based on seasonal availability or your family's preferences. This soup freezes beautifully, making it an ideal meal prep option for busy families. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad and crusty whole grain bread for a complete meal that warms both the body and soul.
N/A
Servings
188
Calories
26
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (none)
breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (none)
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (or a mix of Parmesan and Romano)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
onions
2 medium (chopped)
garlic cloves
5 (minced)
chicken stock
3 cups (none)
tomato juice or vegetable juice
2 cups (none)
green beans
2 cups (cut into 1-inch pieces)
carrots
3 (sliced)
kidney beans
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
mushrooms
1 (4 ounce) can (none)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (undrained)
chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons (or 1 tsp. dried)
dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
uncooked small shell pasta
1/2 cup (such as elbows)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, and the beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
3
Roll the mixture into 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
4
While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 4 minutes until they soften and take on a light brown color.
5
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
6
Pour in the chicken stock and tomato juice (or vegetable juice). Add the green beans, sliced carrots, kidney beans, mushrooms, diced tomatoes (with juices), fresh basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
7
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8
After the soup has simmered, gently add the cooked meatballs to the pot.
9
Add the uncooked small shell pasta, cover the pot, and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
17g
Carbs
11g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup?
It is a comforting and nourishing soup featuring savory baked meatballs, vibrant vegetables, aromatic herbs, and small pasta.
What ingredients are needed for the meatballs?
The meatballs consist of ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, and a beaten egg.
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
The meatballs should be baked for 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until they are golden brown.
What is the recommended size for the meatballs?
The meatball mixture should be rolled into 1/2-inch meatballs.
What type of cheese is used in the meatball mixture?
The recipe calls for grated Parmesan cheese or a mix of Parmesan and Romano.
How should the onions be prepared and cooked?
The onions should be chopped and sautéed in olive oil for about 4 minutes until they soften and turn a light brown color.
How much garlic is used in the soup base?
The recipe requires 5 minced garlic cloves, cooked for 2 minutes until fragrant.
What liquids form the base of the soup?
The soup uses 3 cups of chicken stock and 2 cups of tomato or vegetable juice.
What vegetables are included in this minestrone?
The soup includes green beans, carrots, kidney beans, mushrooms, onions, and diced tomatoes.
How should the green beans be prepared?
The green beans should be cut into 1-inch pieces.
Do I need to drain the kidney beans?
Yes, the kidney beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the soup.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
No, the diced tomatoes should be added undrained, including their juices.
What herbs are used to season the soup liquid?
The soup is seasoned with fresh basil (or dried), dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
When are the meatballs added to the soup?
The cooked meatballs are gently added to the pot after the soup has finished its initial 20 to 25-minute simmer.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of uncooked small shell pasta, such as elbows.
How long does the pasta take to cook in the soup?
The pasta should be cooked in the covered pot for approximately 10 minutes or until tender.
Can I customize the vegetables in this soup?
Yes, you can customize the veggies based on seasonal availability or your family's preferences.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an ideal meal prep option as it freezes beautifully.
What are some suggested side dishes for this meal?
It is recommended to serve the soup with a fresh green salad and crusty whole grain bread.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
There are 188 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 8g of fat.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving contains 11g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 17g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in each serving?
Each serving provides 2.5g of fiber.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that even picky eaters will enjoy.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for sautéing.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of fresh basil with 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
What temperature should the oven be for the meatballs?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 26 ingredients listed for this Hearty Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup.