Meatball Minestrone Soup
A hearty and flavorful minestrone soup featuring tender meatballs, vegetables, and pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings with rich tomato and herb flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans with liquid ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup uncooked macaroni ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dry ⓘ
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, beaten egg, chopped onion, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into 30 one-inch meatballs.
- In a large saucepan, brown the meatballs on all sides over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat from the pan.
- Add tomato sauce, kidney beans with liquid, water, oregano, thyme, and sliced celery to the pan.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in uncooked macaroni and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until tender.
- Stir in chopped fresh parsley just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. You can also use whole grain or gluten-free pasta in place of macaroni. If you want extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the soup. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can enhance the taste, so feel free to experiment with your favorite Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Meatball Minestrone Soup with a crusty piece of bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top can add a delightful touch. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with Italian Beef And Rice for a comforting dinner that satisfies the whole family.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot. If the soup thickens, add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatball Minestrone Soup contains roughly 1048 calories, with 49g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (168% of the Daily Value), iron (137% of the Daily Value), and protein (97% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2858mg per serving (124% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made in advance and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply prepare and store in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving for the best taste.
Can I freeze the soup?
Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
What vegetables can I add to this soup?
Feel free to add any vegetables you like! Carrots, zucchini, or spinach would be great additions. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so that everything is tender but not overcooked.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).