Minestrone with Beef Recipe

Introduction

Minestrone with Beef is a hearty and nutritious soup that combines the rich flavors of tender beef with a variety of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta in a savory broth. This Italian-inspired dish offers a comforting, filling meal that’s perfect for chilly days or when you need something wholesome and satisfying. The addition of beef enhances the depth of the soup, making it more substantial and adding a savory richness that complements the vegetables and beans beautifully.

Traditionally, minestrone is a vegetable-based soup, but adding beef turns it into a more substantial meal without losing any of the classic flavors. With its balance of protein, fiber, and vegetables, Minestrone with Beef is both a delicious and healthy option for family dinners or meal prepping. Whether you serve it with a slice of crusty bread or on its own, this soup is sure to become a beloved part of your recipe collection.

This guide will take you through each step of preparing Minestrone with Beef, offering helpful tips and substitutions to personalize the recipe to your taste. You’ll also find suggestions for variations and ways to make this dish even more comforting and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love Minestrone with Beef

• Hearty and Satisfying: With the addition of tender beef, this minestrone is not just a vegetable soup—it’s a filling and comforting meal. The beef provides a savory richness that balances the fresh vegetables and makes it perfect for a main course.
• Packed with Nutrients: Minestrone with Beef is loaded with healthy vegetables, beans, and whole grains (pasta or rice). It’s a well-rounded meal that’s full of fiber, protein, and vitamins, making it both nutritious and tasty.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day. The flavors continue to develop and meld together, making it an ideal dish for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. Add extra vegetables, use a different type of bean, or change the pasta shape to create your perfect version of Minestrone with Beef.
• Comforting and Flavorful: This soup is a perfect balance of savory beef, fresh vegetables, and herbs, making it a comforting dish that’s satisfying and full of flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

For the Minestrone with Beef:

• 1 lb ground beef (or stew beef, cubed)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed (such as cannellini or great northern beans)
• 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 cups water
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup small pasta (like elbow macaroni, ditalini, or orzo)
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

For Serving (Optional):

• Crusty bread or garlic bread
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping the vegetables. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans. Drain and rinse the beans, and set them aside. If you’re using fresh spinach or kale, chop them into bite-sized pieces. Having all of your ingredients prepped and ready will help make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

2. Brown the Beef

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or stew beef) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon if using ground beef, until it’s browned and fully cooked. If you’re using stew beef, cook the pieces until they’re nicely browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step helps build the flavor base for the soup.

4. Add the Remaining Vegetables

Once the onion and garlic are softened, add the diced carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans to the pot. Stir the vegetables and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they begin to soften. This helps develop the flavors and ensures that the vegetables are tender by the time the soup is ready.

5. Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth

Next, add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), red kidney beans, white beans, beef broth, and water. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 40-50 minutes. The vegetables should be tender, and the broth should have absorbed the flavors of the beef and vegetables by the time this step is complete.

6. Season the Soup

As the soup simmers, add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir the seasonings into the soup and let the flavors develop. Taste the soup at this point and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a little more salt or pepper, depending on your preference.

7. Cook the Pasta

While the soup simmers, cook the pasta separately according to the package instructions. Drain it once it’s cooked al dente. Be sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften when added to the soup.

8. Add the Pasta and Greens

Once the soup has simmered and the vegetables are tender, add the cooked pasta and chopped spinach or kale. Stir to combine, and allow the greens to wilt into the soup. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to heat everything through.

9. Serve the Minestrone with Beef

Once everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together, ladle the Minestrone with Beef into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Minestrone with Beef

• Use Good Quality Beef: Whether you choose ground beef or stew beef, make sure to use good quality beef. If you use stew beef, be sure to cook it long enough for it to become tender and flavorful.
• Customize the Vegetables: Minestrone is a very versatile soup, and you can use whatever vegetables are in season or available. You can add potatoes, peas, or bell peppers to the mix, or experiment with other greens like Swiss chard or arugula.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: When adding pasta to soups, it’s important not to overcook it, as it can become mushy once it’s added to the broth. Cook the pasta separately and then add it to the soup just before serving.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: To control the amount of salt in your soup, use low-sodium beef broth. You can always adjust the seasoning later to taste.
• Freeze for Later: Minestrone with Beef is an excellent soup for freezing. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a little more broth or water.

Variations of Minestrone with Beef

• Spicy Minestrone with Beef: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, hot paprika, or a chopped fresh chili pepper to the soup for a spicy kick. You can also stir in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to increase the heat level.
• Vegetarian Minestrone: Skip the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to create a completely vegetarian version of this soup. You can add more beans and vegetables to make up for the protein in the beef.
• Minestrone with Ground Turkey: If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. Ground turkey will add a slightly lighter flavor but still provides plenty of protein and substance to the soup.
• Italian Sausage Minestrone: For a different twist, use Italian sausage in place of the ground beef. The sausage adds a rich, savory flavor and pairs wonderfully with the vegetables and beans.
• Creamy Minestrone with Beef: For a creamy variation, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. This will give the soup a rich, velvety texture that’s extra comforting.

Storage and Shelf Life

Minestrone with Beef is a great dish to make ahead, and it stores well in the fridge and freezer:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Minestrone with Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can add a little extra broth or water to adjust the consistency, as the pasta will absorb some of the liquid.
• Freezing: This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stovetop. You may need to add more liquid when reheating, as the soup may thicken.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Minestrone with Beef

Minestrone with Beef is a filling meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes:

• Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. The bread will soak up the flavorful broth, making each bite even more satisfying.
• Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well with the rich, hearty soup. Try a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemony dressing.
• Cheese: For extra flavor, sprinkle more grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup just before serving. You can also serve some crusty bread with cheese for a perfect pairing.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or bell peppers make a great side dish to balance the richness of the soup.

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Conclusion

Minestrone with Beef is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavors and nutrients. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or preparing a meal for the week, this soup is a great choice. With its tender beef, fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s both filling and nutritious. The versatility of Minestrone with Beef allows you to tailor it to your tastes, and it’s easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients. Enjoy this hearty soup with family or friends—it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!