Savory Chunky Beef and Vegetable Minestrone Soup
Savor the rich flavors of this hearty soup, filled with tender beef, colorful vegetables, and comforting rice. This dish is not only a delight to make but also an ideal meal for busy weeknights, serving up to 10 people. The next-day flavors intensify, allowing the spices and ingredients to meld together perfectly. Whether you choose to use succulent browned mini meatballs, flavor-packed sausage, or classic ground beef, this versatile recipe can be easily tailored to your taste. Don't forget to pair it with crusty bread for dipping! For those who prefer a thicker consistency, easily transform this soup into a robust stew with a simple water/flour mixture at the end of cooking. Experience a bowl of warmth and satisfaction that will keep the whole family coming back for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
oil
2-3 tablespoons (Use as needed for sautéing)
beef stew meat
1.5 lbs (Cut into 1-inch cubes)
onions
3 medium (Chopped)
garlic
2-3 tablespoons (Fresh, minced)
dried red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons (Optional, to taste)
jalapeno pepper
1-2 (Seeded and chopped)
carrots
3 medium (Peeled and diced)
celery ribs
2 (Diced)
dried Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons (Mixed in)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (Mixed in)
water
4 cups (As liquid base)
chicken broth or beef broth
3 cups (Choose one or mix)
Worcestershire sauce
1-2 tablespoons (Added for flavor)
diced tomatoes
1 can (28 ounces) (Undrained)
potatoes
3 medium (Peeled and diced)
zucchini
1 small (Sliced about 1/4-inch thick)
red kidney beans
1 can (15 ounces) (Rinsed and drained)
salt
to taste (For seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
cooked white rice
1 cup (Can use more if desired)
parmesan cheese
to taste (Grated for topping)
Instructions
1
In a large 6-quart or larger pot, melt the butter with the oil over medium heat. Once melted, add the cubed beef and brown on all sides, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a bowl.
2
In the same pot, add the chopped onions, red pepper flakes (if using), jalapeno pepper (if desired), diced carrots, diced celery, dried Italian seasoning, and thyme. If needed, add more oil or butter and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly. In the last 2 minutes, add the minced garlic to the mixture.
3
Return the browned beef to the pot, then pour in the water, broth, Worcestershire sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, diced potatoes, and sliced zucchini. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for approximately 50 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
5
After simmering, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the cooked rice and drained kidney beans, and cook until everything is heated through.
6
Serve ladled into bowls, and top each serving with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
7
Enjoy a warm and filling meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chunky Beef and Vegetable Minestrone Soup?
It is a hearty, flavorful soup filled with tender beef cubes, colorful vegetables, and comforting rice, designed to serve a large group.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve up to 10 people, making it ideal for large family meals or weeknight dinners.
Can I use a different type of meat besides beef stew meat?
Yes, the recipe is versatile; you can use succulent browned mini meatballs, flavor-packed sausage, or classic ground beef instead.
How do I make the soup thicker if I prefer a stew consistency?
You can easily transform this soup into a robust stew by adding a simple water and flour mixture at the end of the cooking process.
What should I serve with this minestrone soup?
It is highly recommended to pair this soup with crusty bread for dipping into the savory broth.
Is this recipe suitable for those on a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as gluten-free, provided you ensure your broth and Worcestershire sauce brands are certified gluten-free.
How long does it take to brown the beef?
The cubed beef should be browned on all sides for approximately 10 minutes over medium heat.
What kind of broth is best for this recipe?
You can use chicken broth, beef broth, or a mixture of both depending on your personal preference.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the recipe calls for one 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes to be used undrained to add more liquid and flavor.
How long should the soup simmer?
Once the mixture is brought to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer covered for about 50 minutes.
Can I add more rice to the soup?
Yes, while the recipe suggests 1 cup of cooked white rice, you can use more if you desire a heartier consistency.
What size pot is needed for this recipe?
A large 6-quart or larger pot is necessary to fit all the ingredients and liquids comfortably.
Is this soup spicy?
It can have a bit of a kick due to the optional red pepper flakes and 1-2 jalapeno peppers, but these can be adjusted or omitted to your taste.
When should I add the garlic to the pot?
Add the minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of sautéing the vegetables to prevent it from burning.
Do I need to peel the vegetables?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the carrots and potatoes should be peeled before dicing.
Does the soup taste better the next day?
Yes, the flavors intensify the next day as the spices and ingredients have more time to meld together.
What kind of beans are used in this minestrone?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of red kidney beans, which should be rinsed and drained before adding.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
One small zucchini should be sliced into pieces about 1/4-inch thick before being added to the soup.
What is the purpose of adding Worcestershire sauce?
Worcestershire sauce is added to enhance the savory depth and complexity of the beef-based broth.
How much water is added to the soup base?
In addition to the broth and tomato juices, 4 cups of water are added as a liquid base.
What cheese is recommended for topping?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is recommended as a topping for each serving.
When do I season the soup with salt and pepper?
Seasoning with salt and pepper should be done to taste after the 50-minute simmering period.
How do I know when the vegetables are cooked?
The soup is finished simmering when the vegetables are crisp-tender, usually after 50 minutes.
What herbs provide the Italian flavor?
The flavor comes from a combination of 2 tablespoons of dried Italian seasoning and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Is the rice added raw or cooked?
The recipe requires 1 cup of already cooked white rice to be stirred in at the end of the process.
Can I substitute the oil and butter?
You can use more of one or the other, or a different cooking oil if necessary, for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
What are the main vegetables in this soup?
The main vegetables include onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, zucchini, and kidney beans.
Is this a good meal for a busy weeknight?
Yes, despite the simmer time, the preparation is straightforward, making it a satisfying meal for busy evenings.
Can I omit the dried red pepper flakes?
Yes, the red pepper flakes are optional and can be left out if you prefer a milder flavor.
What should I do with the beef after browning it?
After browning the beef, transfer it to a separate bowl while you sauté the vegetables, then return it to the pot before adding liquids.