Dried pulses and bulgar wheat can bulk up soups and stews, using less meat and getting benefit of high fibre, high protein and low cholesterol.

Tuscan bean minestrone

various pulses soaked and cooked until tender
fresh tomatoes for sauce
mince beef, lamb or turkey sauteed with onions and loads of garlic
some brown sugar to cut the acidity of toms
stock
macaroni
Italian seasonings to taste
shaved parmesan when you serve