Mini Sausage Meatball Minestra Recipe

Name: Mini Sausage Meatball Minestra
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 1/4 pounds bulk sweet Italian sausage; 1 onion, chopped; 3 to 4 garlic cloves, chopped; 2 large heads escarole, trimmed, washed, and chopped; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; Freshly grated nutmeg; 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained; 2 quarts chicken stock; 2 cups short cut pasta, such as mini penne or ditalini; Grated Pecorino Romano; Crusty bread

Servings: persons

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/4 pounds bulk sweet Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
3 to 4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 large heads escarole, trimmed, washed, and chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Freshly grated nutmeg
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained
2 quarts chicken stock
2 cups short cut pasta, such as mini penne or ditalini
Grated Pecorino Romano
Crusty bread

1
Heat 1 tablespoon of the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
2
Roll the sausage into walnut-sized meatballs.
3
Drop them into the skillet and brown on all sides, then remove them to a plate.
4
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
5
Saute the onion and garlic for 5 minutes, then add the escarole and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, to taste.
6
Cook until the escarole has wilted.
7
Add the beans and cook until heated through.
8
Stir in the stock and bring to a boil, then add the pasta and cook to al dente.
9
Return the meatballs back to the pot for the last 4 minutes of cooking.
10
Adjust the seasonings and ladle into serving bowls.
11
Heavily sprinkle each serving with cheese and serve with crusty bread for mopping.

781

kcal

Calories

Fat

122

Carbs

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 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 1/4 pounds bulk sweet Italian sausage, 1 onion, chopped, 3 to 4 garlic cloves, chopped, and more.

Yes, Mini Sausage Meatball Minestra falls under the Meat & Poultry 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!

Mini Sausage Meatball Minestra

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions