Feast your taste buds on a delightful culinary journey with our Easy Crock-Pot Meatball Minestrone, where hearty flavors and wholesome ingredients dance together to create a comforting symphony of taste. This classic Italian soup, brimming with tender meatballs, a medley of vegetables, and a rich broth, promises a satisfying and nutritious meal that warms the soul on chilly days. Dive into the medley of recipes featured in this article, encompassing variations that cater to diverse dietary preferences, such as a vegetarian version brimming with plant-based goodness and a gluten-free option that ensures everyone can savor this culinary delight. Let your taste buds embark on an extraordinary adventure as you discover the secrets behind crafting the perfect minestrone, transforming your kitchen into a haven of culinary artistry.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
EASY CROCK POT MEATBALL MINESTRONE
I always love to find a new way to use frozen meatballs--either commercial or homemade and frozen. This is a particularly good (and hearty) soup. I think you will enjoy it. I found a tiny elbow macaroni in the Mexican section of the ethnic aisle of the supermarket; I thought it worked very well in this recipe. It's name is Pasta Alimenticia (La Moderna brand). I also substituted Navy beans for the kidneys since we like them best. The recipe comes from "Slow Cooker Magic" by Rehberg and Conway.
Provided by Lorraine of AZ
Categories Beans
Time 6h45m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides. Just before they are completely browned, add the onion to the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking about 2 more minutes or until the onions are soft.
- Add 1 cup of the beef broth to the pan, stirring up all the browned particles from the bottom of the pan. Carefully pour contents of skillet into your crock pot. I used a 4-quart sized crock pot.
- Add the rest of the beef broth, tomatoes, carrots, celery, green pepper, oregano, basil and parsley to the crock pot. Cover and cook on LO for 6 to 8 hours.
- Turn the heat to HI. Add the macaroni and rinsed and drained beans; stir. Cover and cook about 30 minutes until the macaroni is fully cooked.
- Taste before serving. If necessary, adjust seasoning. Serve in soup bowls with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
MEATBALL MINESTRONE
This is a delicious soup that I often serve as a main dish with some French or Italian bread. I do like to add some sugar to taste because we like a sweeten up the sauce a little. I have to admit I sometimes cheat and use frozen meatballs and it comes out just fine. I also double the recipe because it is so good. Recipe is from Taste of Home's "The Best of Country Cooking" cookbook, second edition.
Provided by CookingONTheSide
Categories Beans
Time 1h
Yield 2 quarts, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In mixing bowl, combine beef, egg, onion, crumbs, salt and pepper. Shape into 30 1-inch balls.
- In large saucepan, brown meatballs on all sides. Drain excess fat.
- Add remaining ingredients except macaroni and parsley; cover and simmer 20 minutes.
- Add macaroni; simmer 10 minutes or until tender.
- Stir in parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 447.1, Fat 19.7, SaturatedFat 7.4, Cholesterol 123.7, Sodium 1720.6, Carbohydrate 34.9, Fiber 9, Sugar 8.6, Protein 32.3
EASY MEATBALL MINESTRONE
"As the busy parents of two boys, my husband and I are always on the lookout for quick meals," writes Linda de Beaudrap of Calgary, Alberta. "You don't have to thaw the frozen meatballs for this satisfying soup, so you can have it on the table in minutes."
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 30m
Yield 10-12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a Dutch oven, combine the first nine ingredients. Bring to a boil; add spaghetti. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until spaghetti is tender. Add the meatballs and tomatoes; heat through. Discard bay leaf.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 108 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 736mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
EASY SLOW COOKER MEATBALLS
This is an easy recipe that can be prepared in a slow cooker for a great hot meal at the end of the day. Serve with hot cooked spaghetti noodles.
Provided by HUNNIE0913
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 8h20m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef, bread crumbs, parsley, garlic, onion, and egg. Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs.
- In a slow cooker, mix the spaghetti sauce, crushed tomatoes, and tomato puree. Place the meatballs into the sauce mixture. Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 179.1 calories, Carbohydrate 18.2 g, Cholesterol 38.5 mg, Fat 7.2 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 10.6 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 502.9 mg, Sugar 6.2 g
Tips and Conclusion
Crafting a hearty and flavorful crock pot meatball minestrone is an art perfected through careful preparation and attention to detail. To elevate your minestrone to culinary excellence, consider the following tips:
- Selecting the Right Meatballs: Opt for high-quality, pre-cooked meatballs made with fresh, wholesome ingredients. If you prefer homemade meatballs, ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the crock pot.
- Creating a Flavorful Broth: Enhance the depth of flavor by using a combination of vegetable or chicken stock and tomato juice. Season the broth generously with herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Matching Vegetables: Choose a colorful variety of vegetables that hold their shape well during cooking, such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, and zucchini. For a touch of sweetness, add a handful of frozen or fresh corn kernels.
- Simmering to Perfection: Allow the minestrone to simmer gently in the crock pot for at least 4-6 hours on low heat. This extended cooking time allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a rich and satisfying soup.
- Finishing Touches: Before serving, stir in a handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil for an aromatic touch. For extra richness, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or grated Parmesan cheese to each individual bowl.
In conclusion, creating a delicious and comforting crock pot meatball minestrone is a culinary endeavor that rewards patience and attention to detail. By selecting quality ingredients, carefully crafting the broth, and allowing the soup to simmer gently, you can create a hearty and flavorful dish that will warm your soul and delight your family and friends.
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