Kittencal'S Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup Recipe

Name: Kittencal'S Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 -4 tablespoons olive oil; 2 -3 tablespoons fresh minced garlic; 2 medium onions, chopped; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional or adjust to suit heat level); 1 stalk celery, diced; 4 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 4 cups chicken broth (can use beef broth); 4 cups tomato sauce (for a richer flavor use 2 cups each tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes); 1 (14 ounce) can kidney beans, drained; 1 (10 ounce) can green beans, drained; 2 cups chopped fresh spinach (rinsed over with cold water); 2 -3 medium zucchini, sliced thick (or coarsely chopped); cooked small shell pasta (use any amount desired, small shell pasta or macaroni will work fine); 1/3 - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (more for sprinkling); salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste); MEATBALLS; 1/2 lb extra lean ground beef (or use half beef and pork); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 green onion, finely chopped (use white part only); 1 egg, slightly beaten; 2 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs; 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt or 1/2 teaspoon white salt; 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Servings: persons

3 -4 tablespoons olive oil
2 -3 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
2 medium onions, chopped
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional or adjust to suit heat level)
1 stalk celery, diced
4 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups chicken broth (can use beef broth)
4 cups tomato sauce (for a richer flavor use 2 cups each tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes)
1 (14 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (10 ounce) can green beans, drained
2 cups chopped fresh spinach (rinsed over with cold water)
2 -3 medium zucchini, sliced thick (or coarsely chopped)
cooked small shell pasta (use any amount desired, small shell pasta or macaroni will work fine)
1/3 - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (more for sprinkling)
salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
MEATBALLS
1/2 lb extra lean ground beef (or use half beef and pork)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 green onion, finely chopped (use white part only)
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt or 1/2 teaspoon white salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

1
For the meatballs; in a bowl combine all ingredients until blended.
2
Shape into 3/4-inch balls; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to add to the soup.
3
In a large pot heat olive oil over medium-high heat; add in garlic and saute for 2 minutes.
4
Add in onions, dried oregano and crushed chili flakes; saute for about 4 minutes, stirring.
5
Add in celery, carrots and tomato paste; saute stirring for 2-3 minutes stirring with a wooden spoon.
6
Add in chicken broth, tomato sauce, kidney beans, green beans, spinach leaves and zucchini; return to a boil.
7
Add in uncooked meatballs; bring to a simmer (do not stir for at least 20 minutes).
8
Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 1-1/2 to 2 hours (after about 30 minutes of cooking season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste).
9
Add in cooked pasta and 1/3 to 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese; stir to heat through (can add in more cheese if desired).
10
Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese.

1676

kcal

Calories

105

Fat

Carbs

110

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 26 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 -4 tablespoons olive oil, 2 -3 tablespoons fresh minced garlic, 2 medium onions, chopped, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, and more.

Yes, Kittencal'S Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Kittencal'S Mini Meatball Minestrone Soup

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions