Creamy Minestrone and Meatballs

Name: Creamy Minestrone and Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz. cream cheese; 1 lb. frozen Italian Meatballs (or make your own!); 1 large onion, chopped; 2 large carrots, shredded; 1 can (30 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 large zucchini, chopped; 1 can (15 oz.) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (15 oz.) great northern beans, rinsed and drained; 48 oz. beef broth; 3 cups water; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 2 tablespoons dried basil; 2 teaspoons ground black pepper; 1 jar (26 oz) spaghetti sauce; 8 oz small uncooked pasta

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Prep 15 min
Total 50 min
Servings 12

This minestrone is great to make in large batches and freeze for quick weeknight meals. A family favorite at our house! Serve with a crusty loaf of Pillsbury™ French Bread for a great & filling meal! MORE+ LESS-

By Gourmet Mom

Updated June 11, 2015

Ingredients

oz. cream cheese

lb. frozen Italian Meatballs (or make your own!)

large onion, chopped

large carrots, shredded

can (30 oz) diced tomatoes

large zucchini, chopped

can (15 oz.) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

can (15 oz.) great northern beans, rinsed and drained

oz. beef broth

cups water

tablespoon dried oregano

tablespoons dried basil

teaspoons ground black pepper

jar (26 oz) spaghetti sauce

oz small uncooked pasta

Steps

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1

In a large pot over medium-high heat, sauté onion until translucent.
2

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add carrots and tomatoes. Simmer 10 minutes.
3

Add beans and remaining ingredients except cream cheese. Simmer 20 more minutes.
4

Add cream cheese and stir until incorporated.
5

Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

No nutrition information available for this recipe

More About This Recipe

The leaves are changing, it's getting colder and we all start thinking about warm, delicious comfort foods!

What are your favorite fall recipes? Do you love to throw something in the slow cooker to simmer all day? Flavorful oven roasts with veggies? Creamy potato dishes? There are so many delicious flavors associated with Autumn!

At our house, you can usually find a savory batch of soup simmering. Our very favorite is this quick and flavorful Creamy Minestrone. Serve with a crusty loaf of Pillsbury® Simply... Rustic French Bread, and you have an easy, fabul
ous and filling meal.

Not only is it comfort food at its finest, this minestrone is great to make in large batches and freeze for quick weeknight meals. This soup often gets requested from friends so I always make sure to fill a jar or two to take out to a friend with a new baby, who has been ill, or just needs a surprise!

If you're looking to cut the fat and calories in your diet, you can use fat free cream cheese or omit it altogether -- this soup is delicious either way! Also, if you have other favorite vegetables, feel free to change it up. If you're vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth and omit the meatballs. We've made it that way and it's still a huge crowd-pleaser!

Budget-Friendly Tip: Often we have a spoonful or two of vegetables left over after dinner. Instead of throwing them away, I put them in a freezer bag to save until I make a batch of this soup. I throw them in with the other ingredients -- it's a great way to add extra nutrients and also cuts down on grocery costs!

Mandy Heaston is a busy mom, gourmet cook -- and opera singer! She brings FUN (and, yes, singing) to the kitchen with easy recipes that inspire families to cook and eat together. Look for Mandy's posts on Tablespoon, and check her member profile often to see what she's cooking up!