Mini Meatball Minestrone - cooking recipe

Ingredients

Meatballs
1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (or a mix of Parmesan and Romano)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 egg, lightly beaten
Soup
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups chicken stock
2 cups tomato juice or 2 cups vegetable juice
2 cups green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 carrots, sliced
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (4 ounce) can mushrooms
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 1 tsp. dried)
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup uncooked small shell pasta, such as elbows

Preparation

To prepare the meatballs:
Preheat oven to 350.
In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and roll into 1/2 inch meatballs.
Place on a cookie sheet and bake 15 minutes or until brown.
To prepare soup (while meatballs are cooking):.
Heat oil in a large stockpot. Saute the onions until softened and lightly brown, about 4 minutes.
Add garlic and saute 2 minutes longer.
Add stock, juice, green beans, carrots, kidney beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat and simmer on medium low for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add meatballs.
Add pasta, cover pot, and cook about 10 minutes longer.