Hearty Beef Minestrone Delight
This Hearty Beef Minestrone Delight brings a robust twist to the classic vegetarian Minestrone. Perfect for chilly fall and winter days, it combines tender beef with a variety of colorful vegetables and hearty beans. Each bowlful is packed with flavors and nutrients, making it not only a delightful lunch option but also a fulfilling dinner. Whether you're serving it to family or taking it to work, this soup warms the soul and satisfies hunger. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated cheese on top can elevate it even further!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons
stew meat
1 lb (cut into small cubes)
olive oil
1/4 cup
butter
1 tablespoon
onion
1 medium (chopped)
carrots
3 medium (diced)
celery ribs
2 (diced)
potatoes
2 medium (peeled and diced)
zucchini
1 medium (diced)
white beans
1 (16 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
cut green beans
1 (15 ounce) can (don't drain)
diced tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can (don't drain)
beef stock
4 cups
Instructions
1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the stew meat and brown on all sides. Once browned, remove the meat from the pot but leave the drippings. Set the meat aside.
2
In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add 1/4 cup olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
3
After the onions are translucent, gradually add in the peeled and diced potatoes, then the diced zucchini, allowing each to cook for 2-3 minutes before adding the next. Season with salt and pepper to taste after each addition.
4
Return the browned beef to the pot and stir in the drained white beans, the can of green beans (including liquid), diced tomatoes (with juice), and the beef stock.
5
Stir everything together, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 3 hours. This slow cooking will enhance the flavors and tenderize the meat beautifully.
6
Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or grated cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Beef Minestrone Delight?
It is a robust variation of the classic vegetarian Minestrone that includes tender beef, colorful vegetables, and hearty beans, perfect for cold weather.
How long does the beef minestrone need to simmer?
The soup should simmer on low heat for at least 3 hours to enhance the flavors and ensure the beef is beautifully tender.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of stew meat, which should be cut into small cubes for the best results.
Should I drain the canned white beans?
Yes, the white beans should be drained and rinsed before being added to the pot.
Do I need to drain the canned green beans and diced tomatoes?
No, you should include the liquid from the canned green beans and the juice from the diced tomatoes in the soup.
Which vegetables are included in this soup?
This recipe includes onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, zucchini, white beans, and green beans.
How much beef stock is required?
You will need 4 cups of beef stock to provide the base for this hearty soup.
What is the first step in preparing the soup?
The first step is to brown the cubed stew meat in olive oil over medium-high heat, then remove it and set it aside.
How many potatoes are needed and how should they be prepared?
The recipe uses 2 medium potatoes that should be peeled and diced.
Can I use both butter and olive oil?
Yes, the recipe uses olive oil for browning the meat and a combination of olive oil and butter for sautéing the vegetables.
When should I add the zucchini?
Zucchini should be added after the potatoes have cooked for 2-3 minutes.
How long should I sauté the onions, carrots, and celery?
Sauté these aromatics for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are soft.
Is this soup considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is packed with nutrients from various vegetables and protein, making it a healthy and soul-warming meal.
What garnishes are recommended?
You can elevate the soup by sprinkling fresh herbs or grated cheese on top before serving.
Is it necessary to use a Dutch oven?
A large pot or a Dutch oven is ideal for this recipe to accommodate the volume and long simmering time.
What is the seasoning process?
You should season with salt and pepper to taste after each vegetable addition and adjust the final seasoning before serving.
Should I boil the soup before simmering?
Yes, bring the mixture to a gentle boil first, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot to simmer.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of butter for sautéing the vegetable base.
Can I serve this for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a fulfilling dinner option that satisfies hunger and warms the soul.
How many celery ribs are needed?
You will need 2 celery ribs, which should be diced.
What size can of white beans is used?
The recipe requires one 16-ounce can of white beans.
What size can of green beans is used?
One 15-ounce can of cut green beans is used for this minestrone.
How many carrots should I dice?
The recipe calls for 3 medium carrots.
Should the onions be translucent before adding potatoes?
Yes, wait until the onions are translucent and the vegetables are soft before gradually adding the potatoes.
How much total olive oil is used?
You will need 2 tablespoons for browning the meat and an additional 1/4 cup for the vegetable base.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, because it is a hearty soup that simmers for 3 hours, the flavors develop well over time, making it great for leftovers.
What is the preparation for the zucchini?
One medium zucchini should be diced before being added to the pot.
What type of canned tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses one 16-ounce can of diced tomatoes with their juice.
What heat should the meat be browned at?
The meat should be browned over medium-high heat.
Is it necessary to cover the pot during simmering?
Yes, you should cover the pot while it simmers for 3 hours to maintain moisture and heat.