Betty'S "Love" Soup(Minestrone)
A hearty, flavorful minestrone soup featuring tender beef, fresh vegetables, and pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb round steak ⓘ
- 1/2 head cabbage, chopped ⓘ
- 6 quarts water ⓘ
- 2 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 6 stalks celery, sliced ⓘ
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 1 can tomatoes, crushed or whole
- 1 tsp parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 tsp thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1 tsp marjoram leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper seeds ⓘ
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup uncooked ditalini or elbow macaroni ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine steak, cabbage, water, onions, celery, carrots, kidney beans, tomatoes, and seasonings in a large soup pot.
- Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding potatoes or substituting the round steak with ground beef for a different texture. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the meat with mushrooms or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of water. To enhance the flavor, try adding a bay leaf while simmering, or incorporate fresh herbs like basil or oregano. For an extra kick, use a dash more crushed red pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting minestrone hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a twist, try serving it alongside a slice of Garfield'S Lasagna to enhance your Italian dinner experience. It's perfect for meal prep and makes a delightful lunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen and warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through. Add a little water if the soup thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Betty'S "Love" Soup(Minestrone) contains roughly 1446 calories, with 124g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (248% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (195% of the Daily Value), and iron (109% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 955mg per serving (42% 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 use a different type of meat in this soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute the round steak with any beef cuts like chuck or brisket. Alternatively, try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly if using ground meat.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding a couple of bay leaves, fresh herbs like basil or thyme, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. You can also enhance the umami by incorporating a tablespoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Just allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When reheating, gently simmer on the stove after thawing, and feel free to add a splash of water or broth to restore its original consistency.
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).