Minestrone Soup With Ground Beef
Minestrone Soup with Ground Beef is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with vegetables, pasta, and savory beef, perfect for comforting family dinners. Its rich tomato base, tender vegetables, and pasta make it a satisfying and versatile soup that appeals to all ages and tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large stalk celery, sliced ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 to 16 oz.) can tomatoes
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can garbanzo beans ⓘ
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced ⓘ
- 3/4 cup medium size shell macaroni ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 (7 oz.) can whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons beef-flavor instant bouillon ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups water ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 5-quart Dutch oven or saucepot over high heat, cook ground beef, onion, celery, and cabbage, stirring carefully so that meat stays in chunks, until all pan juices evaporate and meat and vegetables are lightly browned (about 10 minutes).
- Add tomatoes, garbanzo beans, and corn with all their liquid, zucchini, macaroni, bouillon, basil leaves, and water.
- Over high heat, bring to a boil, stirring to break up the tomatoes.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, until macaroni and vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced carrots or bell peppers. If you're out of garbanzo beans, white beans or kidney beans are great substitutes. You can also use fresh basil instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor. To enhance the broth, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving. Pairing this with crusty bread elevates the meal, much like in Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestrone soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for added color. It pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting dinner, consider serving it alongside a slice of Benny'S Pasta E Fagioli or a simple Italian green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the soup thickens too much. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe container, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Minestrone Soup With Ground Beef contains roughly 255 calories, with 12g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. It also contributes 4g 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 soup in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors meld beautifully when made ahead of time. Just prepare the soup, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Is there a vegetarian version of this minestrone soup?
Yes! To create a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with mushrooms or lentils for added texture and protein. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add more vegetables, such as spinach or kale, to enhance the flavor and nutrition without compromising the heartiness of the soup.
What can I serve with minestrone soup?
Minestrone soup is versatile and pairs well with various sides. Serve it with crusty Italian bread or a fresh garden salad for a light meal. A cheesy garlic bread or a slice of Italian Spaghetti Pie can also complement the soup nicely, making for a satisfying dinner.
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).