Forgotten Minestrone
A hearty, comforting minestrone featuring tender beef, fresh vegetables, and pasta, all slow-cooked to meld flavors beautifully. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, it's a nourishing dish with savory tomato, fragrant herbs, and wholesome legumes that satisfy with every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean beef stew meat ⓘ
- 6 c. water ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes with liquid, cut up ⓘ
- 1 beef bouillon cube ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced dried parsley ⓘ
- 2 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 2 c. finely chopped cabbage ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can garbanzo beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 c. uncooked small elbow or shell macaroni ⓘ
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine beef, water, tomatoes with liquid, bouillon cube, chopped onion, dried parsley, salt, thyme, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours or until meat is tender.
- Add sliced zucchini, chopped cabbage, drained garbanzo beans, and uncooked macaroni to the slow cooker.
- Cook on high, covered, for an additional 30 to 45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes or swapping out the beef for Italian sausage for a flavor boost. You can also use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer taste. If you prefer a thicker soup, try adding a tablespoon of tomato paste. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added for extra flavor, especially if you're inspired by traditional Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Forgotten Minestrone hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a twist, try serving it alongside Italian Macaroni And Cheese for a comforting dinner option that the whole family will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to reach the desired consistency. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until hot throughout.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Forgotten Minestrone contains roughly 563 calories, with 41g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (300% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (211% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1958mg per serving (85% 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 frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables like zucchini and cabbage instead of fresh. Just add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they remain tender yet firm.
Is it possible to make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight. Just reheat before serving, and add a little water if the soup thickens too much.
What can I substitute for garbanzo beans?
If you don’t have garbanzo beans, you can use white beans or kidney beans as a substitute. They will provide a similar texture and complement the flavors in the soup well.
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).