Beef-Minestrone Soup
A hearty beef minestrone packed with tender vegetables, pasta, and beans, perfect for comforting family dinners and rich in savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 7 cups water ⓘ
- beef with bone ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. instant minced onion ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. wine vinegar ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 3 large carrots chopped
- 2 oz. elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 tsp. thyme
- 4 tomatoes peeled and quartered ⓘ
- 1 grated potato ⓘ
- 1 bunch chopped leeks ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. celery flakes ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 fresh zucchini ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soaked kidney or pinto beans ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, cover beef with 7 cups water and bring to a boil.
- Add seasonings, vinegar, tomato paste, quartered tomatoes, and minced onion.
- Cover and simmer for 3 hours.
- Remove the meat, cut into bite-sized pieces, discard any fat and bone, and return to the pot.
- Add chopped vegetables and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Cool, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Next day, bring the soup to a boil.
- Add elbow macaroni and soaked kidney or pinto beans.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Beef-Minestrone Soup, consider using homemade broth instead of water. For a quicker prep, you can substitute fresh vegetables with frozen ones. If you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of it before adding the macaroni. Feel free to experiment with other beans or pasta types for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Beef-Minestrone Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside a slice of Lasagna With White Sauce or a light Italian recipe to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to maintain consistency and heat over medium heat on the stove. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just ensure to leave out the pasta until reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef-Minestrone Soup contains roughly 559 calories, with 19g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (140% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (77% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 946mg per serving (41% 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?
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate overnight. Just remember to add the pasta when reheating to maintain its texture.
What can I use instead of elbow macaroni?
You can substitute elbow macaroni with any small pasta, such as ditalini or shells. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, try using rice or gluten-free pasta for a similar texture.
Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef adds a rich flavor, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these meats typically require less time to become tender.
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).