Hearty Italian Minestrone with Beef
Savor the rich and comforting flavors of a classic Italian-inspired minestrone soup, elevated with the robust taste of ground beef. Originally shared by a fellow soup enthusiast, this recipe has been a highlight at gatherings and is perfect for a wholesome, satisfying meal. Not only is it packed with a delightful medley of vegetables and herbs, but it's also substantial enough to be a complete meal. Perfect for freezing, which makes it an excellent choice for batch cooking and enjoying homemade soup anytime.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
onion
1 cup (diced)
celery
1 cup (diced)
carrot
1 cup (sliced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
tomatoes, stewed
16 ounces (canned)
tomato sauce
15 ounces (canned)
red kidney beans
15 ounces (drained)
water
2 cups (none)
beef bouillon granules
5 teaspoons (none)
dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
sweet basil
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
cabbage
2 cups (shredded)
green beans
1 cup (frozen)
miniature pasta shells
1/2 cup (dry)
Instructions
1
In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2
Add the diced onions, diced celery, and sliced carrots to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Add the stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red kidney beans, water, and beef bouillon granules. Stir well to combine.
5
Season the mixture with dried parsley flakes, salt, oregano, sweet basil, and black pepper.
6
Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7
Add the shredded cabbage and frozen green beans to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 15 minutes.
8
Stir in the miniature pasta shells and cook for an additional 10-13 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
9
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
10
Serve hot and enjoy the flavorful, hearty soup.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Italian Minestrone with Beef?
It is a rich and comforting classic Italian-inspired minestrone soup elevated with the robust taste of ground beef, packed with vegetables and herbs.
How much ground beef is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef, which should be browned and drained of excess fat.
What vegetables are used in the base of the soup?
The soup base includes 1 cup of diced onions, 1 cup of diced celery, and 1 cup of sliced carrots.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
You should use 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
What types of tomato products are included?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of canned stewed tomatoes and 15 ounces of canned tomato sauce.
What kind of beans are added to the minestrone?
The recipe specifies 15 ounces of red kidney beans, which should be drained before adding.
How much water is needed for the broth?
You will need 2 cups of water.
What provides the beef flavor in the soup liquid?
The recipe uses 5 teaspoons of beef bouillon granules to enhance the broth flavor.
What dried herbs are used for seasoning?
The seasoning includes 1 teaspoon of dried parsley flakes, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried sweet basil.
How much salt and pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
How should the cabbage be prepared?
You should use 2 cups of cabbage that has been shredded.
Are the green beans fresh or frozen?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of frozen green beans.
What type of pasta is best for this minestrone?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of dry miniature pasta shells.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and drain any excess fat.
How long should I sauté the onions, celery, and carrots?
Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent.
When should the garlic be added?
Stir in the minced garlic after the other vegetables have sautéed and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
How long does the soup simmer before adding the cabbage?
After adding the tomatoes, sauce, beans, water, bouillon, and seasonings, bring to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes.
When are the cabbage and green beans added?
Add the shredded cabbage and frozen green beans after the initial 30-minute simmer, then continue simmering for another 15 minutes.
When should the pasta be added to the pot?
The pasta shells are added at the very end and cooked for an additional 10-13 minutes until tender.
Is this soup considered a complete meal?
Yes, it is substantial enough to be a complete meal as it is packed with protein, vegetables, and pasta.
Can I freeze this minestrone soup?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for freezing, making it an excellent choice for batch cooking.
How should I finish the soup before serving?
Once the pasta is tender, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving hot.
What is the texture of the carrots in this recipe?
The carrots should be sliced, which allows them to become tender during the simmering process.
Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the soup?
No, you add the dry miniature pasta shells directly to the simmering soup to cook.
What is the recommended heat setting for browning the beef?
The beef should be browned in a large pot over medium heat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The exact serving count is not specified, but the recipe uses 1 lb of beef and over 8 cups of other ingredients, making it a large batch.
What makes this version of minestrone unique?
Unlike some vegetarian versions, this recipe is elevated with the robust taste of ground beef and uses beef bouillon for a deeper flavor.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?
The recipe calls for dried parsley flakes, but you could substitute fresh parsley by increasing the amount, usually three times the dried measurement.
Should the stewed tomatoes be chopped?
The recipe doesn't specify chopping, but stewed tomatoes are often sold in large pieces, so you can break them up with a spoon while stirring.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it follows a simple process of browning, sautéing, and simmering that is very approachable for home cooks.