Crock Pot Minestrone Soup
Hearty and flavorful minestrone soup with vegetables, pasta, and savory broth, perfect for cozy family dinners and vegetable lovers seeking comfort and nutrition.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Wesson oil
- 1 clove minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 6-oz. can tomato paste
- 1 tsp. rosemary leaves or oregano ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans with liquid ⓘ
- 1 c. small elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 10-1/2 oz. can beef broth ⓘ
- 2-1/2 qt. water ⓘ
- 1/2 head small cabbage
- 10 oz. frozen mixed vegetables ⓘ
- 2-1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Use a 6-quart kettle.
- Cook hamburger, garlic, onion, and celery in oil.
- Stir in tomato paste, rosemary or oregano, kidney beans with liquid, beef broth, water, cabbage, frozen mixed vegetables, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer slowly for one hour.
- Add small elbow macaroni and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the hamburger before adding it to the pot. You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option or leave out the meat entirely for a vegetarian version. If you don't have elbow macaroni, any small pasta like ditalini or shells works well. For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This recipe is versatile and can incorporate other vegetables you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestrone soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside a slice of Italian Baked Spaghetti or a bowl of Hearty Minestrone. This dish is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through, until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months, and reheat it directly from the freezer or after thawing overnight in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock Pot Minestrone Soup contains roughly 565 calories, with 14g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (96% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1270mg per serving (55% 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 fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can enhance the flavor and texture of the soup. Consider using diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes for even cooking. Add fresh veggies towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, minestrone soup freezes well! However, if you plan to freeze it, consider adding the pasta after thawing to prevent it from becoming mushy. Store the soup in individual portions for easy reheating. Just be sure to leave some space in the containers as the soup will expand when frozen.
What can I serve with minestrone soup?
Minestrone soup is quite versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. A simple green salad with vinaigrette complements it nicely. Additionally, crusty bread is perfect for dipping. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside Beef Italians(Casserole) or a hearty sandwich.
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).