Baked Minestrone Soup
Hearty baked minestrone soup combines tender beef, vegetables, pasta, and savory broth for a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean beef stew meat or lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives with liquid ⓘ
- 1 cup small macaroni ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 3 (10 1/2 oz.) cans beef broth
- 1 large can tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sliced carrots ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced zucchini squash ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine beef, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a large oven pan.
- Toss to coat the meat evenly and brown, uncovered, in a hot oven at 400°F.
- Add beef broth, water, and Italian seasoning to the pan.
- Cover and cook for 1 hour until the meat is almost tender.
- Stir in tomatoes, kidney beans, olives, carrots, and macaroni.
- Sprinkle zucchini slices on top.
- Cover again and return to the oven for 40 to 45 minutes longer until the macaroni is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef in batches to avoid steaming. You can substitute the ground beef with turkey or use a mix of beans like black beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. If you don't have small macaroni, any pasta shape will work, but avoid larger varieties like ziti noodles as they may require different cooking times.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Baked Minestrone Soup with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavors beautifully. For a hearty meal, pair it with Hearty Italian Spaghetti or use it as a starter for Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the soup.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Minestrone Soup contains roughly 997 calories, with 27g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (96% of the Daily Value), protein (55% of the Daily Value), and iron (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1336mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove when you're ready to serve.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
Feel free to add any veggies you have on hand, like spinach, kale, or bell peppers. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly. Adding more vegetables can enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the Baked Minestrone Soup.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the beef and using vegetable broth instead. Adding more beans or lentils can provide protein and make the soup hearty, maintaining the essence of a Hearty Minestrone Soup.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).