Hearty Minestrone With Meatballs
Cozy Up with a Bowl of Hearty Minestrone with Meatballs
When the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup. And this Hearty Minestrone with Meatballs isn’t just any soup – it’s a flavor-packed, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend lunch. This Italian-inspired soup is brimming with tender meatballs, vibrant vegetables, and a delicious broth that will warm you from the inside out.
Minestrone, meaning “big soup” in Italian, is traditionally a vegetable-rich soup that varies based on seasonal ingredients and regional preferences. Our version takes it up a notch with the addition of savory meatballs, making it a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also incredibly versatile – feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season!
What makes this Minestrone special?
- Flavorful Meatballs: We use either ground beef or Italian sausage for a rich, savory base.
- Packed with Veggies: Zucchini, carrots, celery, and cannellini beans create a hearty and nutritious soup.
- Comforting Broth: The combination of crushed tomatoes and chicken broth creates a flavorful and satisfying base.
- Easy to Customize: Swap out vegetables, add different herbs, or adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Tips for the Best Minestrone:
- Don’t skip the browning: Browning the meat adds depth of flavor to the soup.
- Simmer, don’t boil: Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Add pasta last: Adding the pasta towards the end prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Fresh Parsley is Key: A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the soup and adds a touch of freshness.
This Hearty Minestrone with Meatballs is more than just a soup; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s a perfect way to nourish your body and soul on a chilly day. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the meatballs and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Q: Can I use different vegetables?
A: Yes! Feel free to substitute any of your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, kale, or potatoes.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, minestrone actually tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: What kind of pasta is best for minestrone?
A: Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work best, but you can use any small pasta shape you prefer.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, but the pasta may become a bit soft after freezing. It’s best to freeze the soup before adding the pasta, and then cook the pasta separately when you reheat it.
Hearty Minestrone With Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium Yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- 1 can Crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
- 6 cups Chicken broth
- 1 can Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (15 oz)
- 1 cup Diced zucchini
- 1 cup Chopped carrots
- 1 cup Chopped celery
- 1 cup Small pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, etc.)
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the dried oregano and dried basil. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the cannellini beans, zucchini, carrots, and celery to the pot. Simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the pasta and cook until it is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
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