Beef Minestrone
A hearty and flavorful beef minestrone featuring ground beef, vegetables, rice, and herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold weather cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a Dutch oven until browned.
- Add chopped onion and cook until tender.
- Add water, chopped potatoes, chopped tomatoes, shredded cabbage, chopped carrots, chopped celery, dried basil, dried thyme, bay leaf, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Discard the bay leaf.
- Serve hot, sprinkling grated Parmesan over each serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier minestrone, consider adding beans like cannellini or kidney beans for extra protein. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add more vegetables or use vegetable broth. Adjust the spices to your taste—fresh herbs can also elevate the flavors. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this beef minestrone hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad. For a complete Italian meal experience, consider serving alongside Herbed Pasta Alfredo or a light Vegetarian Pasta for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Minestrone contains roughly 272 calories, with 17g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value) and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. At about 272 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 minestrone in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat and onions in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker, adding all remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for a delicious, hands-off meal.
What can I use instead of long grain rice?
If you don’t have long grain rice, you can substitute with arborio rice or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Both will absorb the flavors of the soup while adding a nice texture. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as quinoa cooks faster than rice.
What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
Feel free to customize your minestrone by adding vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers. These additions enhance the nutrition and flavor. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. This flexibility makes it a great dish for using up leftover veggies.
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).