SLOW-COOKED MEATBALL SOUP

Slow-Cooked Meatball Soup image

As a mother, I try to sneak as many veggies into my daughter's diet as I can. This savory soup with meatballs and pasta does the trick. Best of all, the whole family loves it! -Kymm Wills, Phoenix, AZ

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 5h30m

Yield 10 servings (3-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

3 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery ribs, sliced
1 small onion, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 package (24 ounces) frozen fully cooked Italian meatballs, thawed
1 carton (32 ounces) beef broth
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups water
3/4 cup dry red wine or additional water
3/4 cup ditalini or other small pasta
4 cups fresh baby spinach (about 5 ounces)
Grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Place first 11 ingredients in a 6-qt. slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low until vegetables are tender and flavors are blended, 5-6 hours., Stir in pasta; cook, covered, on high until pasta is tender, 15-20 minutes. Discard bay leaf; stir in spinach until wilted. Serve with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 288 calories, Fat 16g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 33mg cholesterol, Sodium 1173mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 15g protein.