Italian Meatball Soup

Meatball Soup, full of vegetables, is an easy one pot meal thats a healthy diet habit. A weekly pot of soup simplifies life, gives you access to healthy lunches for the week, helps with weight loss or weight control, and there is just something about soup that says All is right with the world!

Soup is filling and there is much room for experimentation. This basic recipe is delicious, but if you have favorite herbs or spices feel free to add them in!

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Ingredients for Meatball Soup:

• 2 14 1/2 ounce cans diced tomatoes

• 2 14-ounce cans reduced-sodium beef broth

• 3 cups water

• 1/4 cup chopped garlic

• 1 tablespoon dried basil

• 1 bag Trader Joes frozen Turkey Meatballs

• 1 bag Trader Joes Organic Foursome Veggies (corn, carrots, peas and beans)

• 1 Bag Trader Joes frozen Duo Romano Beans

• 1 cup dried pasta

• Salt and Pepper to taste

• 1 bunch finely chopped parsley or basil

• Trader Joes shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions for Meatball Soup:

• In a large soup pot stir together the undrained tomatoes, beef broth, water, garlic, and basil. Bring to boiling.

• Add meatballs, pasta, and frozen vegetables. Return to boiling; reduce heat and cover and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the pasta and vegetables are tender.

• Salt and Pepper to taste

• Add the chopped parsley

• Serve and sprinkle the cheese on top.

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A weekly pot of soup is a great way to clear your remaining vegetables from your refrigerator and should be included in your Weekly Menu Planning. Follow this recipe and add any fresh vegetables you love. I have tried adding fresh zucchini, chopped cabbage, green beans, petite peas, potatoes, and chopped squashes. All are wonderful additions for healthy eating.

If your pot gets a little too full, simply add another can of tomatoes or more water! Many times our soups look more like stew, but they are always a filling frugal treat!