Easy Minestone Soup
A hearty, flavorful minestrone soup featuring ground beef, Italian sausage, vegetables, and pasta—perfect for comforting family dinners and vegetable lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage, cut into pieces ⓘ
- 1 or 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 (28 oz.) or 2 (1 lb.) cans tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can whole kernel corn, undrained ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 2 cups sliced zucchini ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked pasta
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry red wine or water ⓘ
- 2 heaping teaspoons instant beef bouillon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian herb seasoning ⓘ
- 1 chopped green pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and stir ground beef, sausage, onion, and garlic in a heavy pan until the meat is browned.
- Drain the cooked meats and vegetables.
- Stir in tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, and remaining ingredients except pasta.
- Cook and stir for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add uncooked pasta and cook until tender.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using beef broth instead of water in this recipe. If you're short on time, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef and sausage to lighten the dish. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a nice kick. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the overall taste, while using seasonal vegetables can provide a fresh twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty minestrone soup with crusty bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds a delicious touch. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a delightful dinner. This dish also complements well with Italian recipes like Meat Balls In Sauce For Spaghetti or Lasagna Toss.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the soup thickens too much. This soup also freezes well; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Minestone Soup contains roughly 822 calories, with 51g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (103% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2720mg per serving (118% 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 vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make this minestrone soup vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and sausage. Replace them with sautéed mushrooms or extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of water for a more robust taste.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. If you prefer a milder soup, omit any spicy ingredients. Using sweet Italian sausage contributes to a flavorful but less spicy profile.
What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo are ideal for minestrone soup as they cook quickly and fit well in each spoonful. Avoid large pasta shapes that may not blend well with the other ingredients. Remember to add the pasta at the end to prevent it from becoming mushy.
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).