Recipe: Mix and Match Meatball Soup
Description: This soup was a result of a little of this and a little of that and let's see how it comes out.

The answer - it came out great !

We make it with the same main ingredients - the meatballs, the pasta and the tomato juice but the rest is whatever we have on hand and so far they've all been really tasty.    We even used some leftover mac and cheese in place of the dry pasta once and that was surprisingly good.

Be adventurous and put together some mix and match soup today !
Ingredients: [{"text": "meatballs - your recipe or frozen - 3 or 4 meatballs 1\" in size per serving"}, {"text": "4 ounce(s) elbow or ditalini pasta"}, {"text": "1/2 cup(s) diced carrots"}, {"text": "1/4 cup(s) finely chopped celery"}, {"text": "2 tablespoon(s) chopped green bell pepper"}, {"text": "1/4 cup(s) finely diced onion"}, {"text": "1 can(s) (8 oz) tomato sauce"}, {"text": "1 cup(s) beef stock or broth"}, {"text": "italian seasoning"}, {"text": "1/2 teaspoon(s) garlic powder"}, {"text": "1/4 teaspoon(s) onion powder"}, {"text": "dash of red pepper flakes - optional"}, {"text": "1/2 cup(s) 1/2 cup whole kernel corn - fresh or canned"}, {"text": "1 can(s) (15 oz) beans - navy, kidney or whatever you prefer - drained and rinsed"}, {"text": "tomato juice"}, {"text": "garnishes: parmesan cheese, sour cream, snipped chives"}]
Instructions: If you are using your recipe for meatballs cook them up and let them sit in the fridge overnight.

If you are using frozen meatballs do not thaw.

Using cold or frozen meatballs allows them to slowly warm up yet hold their shape.
Cook pasta - in a large pot - according to instructions.  

Add the carrots, celery, green pepper and onion to the pasta while it cooks.

When the pasta mixture is done, drain well then return to pot.
Add the tomato sauce, beef stock, Italian seasoning to taste, garlic powder, onion powder, optional red pepper flakes and meatballs then stir to combine.

Cook over  medium high - stirring occasionally - until heated through.

If you need additional liquid add as much tomato juice and or water as needed.
Once all ingredients are hot, add the whole kernel corn and the drained and rinsed beans and heat through.

Serve hot garnished as you please alongside a slice of garlic bread and a small salad for a delicious meal.
