Meaty Minestrone
A hearty, flavorful minestrone brimming with tender meats, vegetables, and pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners and those craving a rich, vegetable-packed soup.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup kidney beans ⓘ
- 7 cups water ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. stew meat (1-inch pieces)
- 1/2 medium head of cabbage, cut into strips ⓘ
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons basil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 cup elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 9 oz. package green beans, frozen, cut ⓘ
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Wash the kidney beans and place them in a Dutch oven.
- Add water and bring to a boil for 2 minutes.
- Cover and let stand for 1 hour, then drain the beans, reserving the tomatoes from the can.
- Add the stew meat, cabbage, carrots, onion, garlic, basil, and pepper to the beans.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover and reduce the heat to simmer.
- Simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
- Cut the reserved tomatoes into pieces.
- Add the tomatoes, elbow macaroni, and green beans to the soup.
- Simmer for 15 minutes or until the macaroni and beans are tender.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier flavor, consider browning the stew meat in a separate pan before adding it to the soup. You can substitute the kidney beans with black beans or chickpeas if preferred. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. To enhance the flavor, consider using homemade Tomato And Garlic Sauce instead of canned tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meaty minestrone with crusty bread, such as Monti'S Roman Bread, for dipping. A simple side salad complements the dish nicely, providing a refreshing contrast. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with Italian recipes, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or cold winter nights.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the minestrone on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This dish also freezes well; portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meaty Minestrone contains roughly 359 calories, with 14g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (197% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (165% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 23g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this minestrone a day in advance. The flavors will deepen as it sits. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove before serving. If you're making it for a gathering, it can be a great make-ahead dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the stew meat and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add more vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to enhance the texture and flavor. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan recipe that still satisfies.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can also elevate the flavor profile. Adjust to your taste to ensure the minestrone has the desired spiciness!
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).