Minestrone Mix-Up

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh spinach, washed, trimmed and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 to 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 can (16 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1-1/2 cups chopped celery
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 8 cups water
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
• Tomato juice, optional