MEATLOAF MINESTRONE

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2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup diced onion

1/2 cup diced carrots

3/4 cup diced celery

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage

1 medium zucchini, sliced

6 cups beef or vegetable broth

1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning herb mix

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon sugar

Salt to taste

One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, UNDRAINED

One 6-ounce can tomato paste

2 cups or more of chunks of leftover meatloaf OR prepared meatballs (24 regular-sized)

One 15-ounce can Cannellini or Great Northern Beans, drained

One 14-ounce can Italian green beans, drained

1/2 cup small shell pasta – optional

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In large saucepan, over medium-low heat, saute onion, garlic, carrots, celery and zucchini in olive oil until onions are soft and transparent. Add cabbage, broth, seasonings, pepper, sugar, tomatoes, and tomato paste. (If using meatBALLS instead of LOAF, add them here.) Allow to simmer over medium-low heat until vegetables are tender. Add Cannellini beans, green beans and pasta. Cook until pasta is tender. Carefully stir in meatloaf and gently heat through. Serve with shredded parmesan cheese sprinkled on top. Makes eight 1-cup servings.

With pasta:

Per Serving: 298 Cal; 16 g Protein; 14 g Tot Fat; 29 g Carb; 6 g Fiber; NET Carbs: 23 g; 6 g Sugar; 420 mg Sodium

Without pasta:

Per Serving: 273 Cal; 15 g Protein; 14 g Tot Fat; 24 g Carb; 5 g Fiber; NET Carbs: 21 g; 6 g Sugar; 420 mg Sodium